Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education

The Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education is a 90-credit degree program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the field of higher education and research methods. Through coursework and a wide range of elective possibilities, students gain knowledge and demonstrate competence in their area of study.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution. Additionally, a master's degree is required for this program. The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits. An earned master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution supersedes the minimum standards for the baccalaureate.

Standardized Test Scores

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required, with scores received directly from the testing agency by the deadline. The institution code for the University of Denver is 4842.

English Language Proficiency Test Score Requirements

The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/CAE test score requirements for this degree program are:

• Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80
• Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5
• Minimum CAE Score: 176 English Conditional Admission is not offered for this program.

Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education degree requires a minimum of 90 credit hours beyond the earned master's degree. No credit hours from the earned master's degree can be transferred into the PhD.

Coursework Requirements

• 12 credits: Foundations Courses
  • RMS 4910: Introductory Statistics
  • RMS 4940: Structural Foundations of Research in Social Sciences
  • RMS 4941: Introduction to Qualitative Research
• 10 credits: Intermediate/Advanced Methods Courses
• 6 credits: HED Research Experience, which can be satisfied through:
  • Independent study (HED 5991) focusing on research methodology or research practice
  • HED 4216: Research Processes
  • Additional Research Methods & Statistics (or related) coursework
  • Internship experiences wherein research practice is a primary component
• 10 credits: Dissertation Research Credits
  • HED 5995: Independent Research
• 28 credits: HED Required Courses
  • HED 4210: Critical Higher Education
  • HED 4211: Current Issues in Higher Ed
  • HED 4220: Org & Governance of Higher Ed
  • HED 4294: Seminar in Higher Education (taken three times)
  • HED 4215: Curriculum Development and Teaching Strategies in Higher Education
  • OR HED 4297: Internship in College Teaching
• 12 credits: HED Electives (three Higher Education courses)
• 12 credits: Cognate Courses, which can be designed with advisor approval or completed through the following cognates:
  • College Teaching
  • Public Policy
  • Research Methods & Methodologies

Non-Coursework Requirements

• Comprehensive Exam
• Oral Defense of Comprehensive Exam
• Dissertation
• Oral Defense of Dissertation