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Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration Concentration, Ed.D.

As a higher education administrator, you will learn how to guide higher education curriculum, faculty research, and student services in an exciting and growing, high-paying field.

Program Information

Do you aspire to a leadership role advancing higher education organizations? Graduate students in the Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration Concentration, Ed.D. program learn how to lead coalitions and build relationships that elevate postsecondary educational organizations towards the mission of student development and academic achievement. This program prepares professional educators for leadership and administration in higher education.

  • Affordable and Practical - Idaho State University is one of the most affordable accredited universities in the country. All graduate students are invited to learn more about qualifying for in-state tuition and scholarships!
  • Anywhere and at Anytime - The 100% online, asynchronous program enrolls students nationwide and is tailored to the working professional.
  • Advance Your Career - The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is the highest university degree awarded in recognition of academic preparation for professional practice in Educational Leadership. While research is an important component of the Doctor of Education program, candidates are provided with coursed and experiences to prepare them to be effective practitioners and leaders in higher education and related fields.

Meet with our Graduate Studies Director 

Application, Funding, and Support

Admission and Program Requirements

  • Meet the ISU Graduate School admissions requirements 
  • Hold a master's degree in educational administration or a related field from a regionally accredited institution
  • Have a minimum of 3.5 GPA at the graduate level
  • Submit a letter of interest, stating why the applicant is interested in the Educational Leadership, Ed.D. with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration
  • Submit a current resume, including the names of and contact information for at least 2 professional references
  • Successful complete an interview with faculty in the Higher Education Administration emphasis
  • Successful performance on an on-site writing sample completed in conjunction with the interview

The ED.D. in Educational Leadership (Higher Education Administration) requires a minimum of 64 credits:

  • 18 credits in the doctoral core
  • 24 credits in the area of emphasis
  • 3 credits of elective coursework
  • 9 credits of cognate courses (500 level or above)
  • 10 dissertation credits

Continuous Enrollment 

Candidates are required to maintain continuous enrollment, including during summers, throughout the Ed.D. program.

Career Opportunities 

Graduates with a degree in higher education administration could be qualified for the following types of positions:

  • Higher Education Student Services
  • Higher Education Student Life
  • Higher Education Academics Oversight
  • Higher Education Enrollment Director
  • Higher Education Admissions
  • Higher Education Administrator
  • Higher Education Office of Registrar
  • Higher Education Recruitment Director

Job Outlook

Because higher education administrators are highly desirable in today’s job market, the job outlook includes: 

  • Average salary (according to the government’s Occupational Outlook Handbook) is $96.910 for postsecondary education administrators.
Brooke Bolinger headshot

Brooke Bolinger

Director of Graduate Studies, College of Education

Office: College of Education 232

(208) 282-4244

brookebolinger@isu.edu

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