Higher Education, Executive Track
Advance Your Career in Higher Education Leadership
Our Executive Track in the Ed.D. in Educational Administration: Higher Education Concentration is designed for experienced professionals ready to elevate their leadership in colleges, universities, and related educational organizations
This flexible, three-year hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person sessions hosted one weekend a month in Chicago, allowing you to balance academic advancement with your professional career. Students progress through the program in a cohort model, building a strong professional network while engaging in hands-on research and applied learning.
Program Overview
- Format: Hybrid (online + one in-person weekend session a month in Chicago)
- Duration: 3 years
- Credit Hours: 54 credit hours (including 12 dissertation hours)
- Delivery: Cohort-based, designed for experienced professionals.
The curriculum combines leadership theory, policy analysis, diversity and equity, finance, law, and student affairs administration to prepare you for executive roles in higher education. You'll complete a dissertation that demonstrates your ability to apply research and leadership to real-world challenges within higher education systems.
The program can be completed in as little as three years; however, completion is dependent on successfully meeting all program requirements, including coursework, comprehensive examinations, committee approval of the dissertation topic, approval of the prospectus, and successful completion of dissertation chapters.
Doctor of Education Degree Requirements
The Ed.D. in Educational Administration with a concentration in Higher Education: Executive Track prepares experienced professionals to lead effectively across complex educational environments. The program emphasizes strategic leadership, equity, and data-informed decision-making in higher education institutions.
- Total Degree Requirements: 54 credit hours (including 12 credit hours of dissertation work)
- Professional Core: 6 credit hours
- Higher Education Leadership Courses: 24 credit hours
- Research: 12 credit hours
- Dissertation: 12 credit hours
Students may request to transfer coursework that is equivalent to our Executive Education classes and aligns with the same course outcomes and assessments. Transfer approvals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are capped at 9 credit hours.
Program Highlights
- Designed for Leaders: Advance your career while continuing to work full-time.
- Flexible Hybrid Format: Combine monthly face-to-face weekend sessions in Chicago with engaging online courses.
- Cohort Experience: Collaborate with peers across diverse institutions and disciplines.
- Hands-On Learning: Participate in a summer comparative education excursion and real-world administrative projects.
- Personalized Mentorship: Receive dedicated faculty guidance throughout your coursework and dissertation.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles such as:
- College or University Dean or Vice President
- Director of Institutional Research or Assessment
- Chief Diversity Officer
- Student Affairs or Academic Affairs Administrator
- Policy or Accreditation Specialist
Admissions Information
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Master's degree from an accredited institution
- Professional experience in higher education or a related field
- Completed application with statement of purpose, résumé/CV, and three professional references
- Interview (by invitation)
Southern Illinois University Carbondale employee tuition waivers are not applicable to this program.
For full admission details, visit the Graduate School Admissions page or contact the School of Education directly.
Faculty Expertise
Our distinguished faculty specialize in higher education leadership, law, equity, diversity, finance, policy, and student affairs. They guide students through every stage of their doctoral journey, from research design to dissertation defense, providing mentorship and practical insight rooted in decades of professional experience.
Contact Information
Maeve Kirk (Interim Director)
maeve.kirk@siu.edu
Victoria Groves-Scott (Dean)
victoria.grovesscott@siu.edu
Learning Plan
| Summer | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
|
EAHE 510: Higher Education in the United States ERES 501: Intro to Education Research Methods |
EAHE 535B: Law and Higher Education ERES 540: Intro to Qualitative Research in Education EAHE 555: Leadership and Change in Education Organizations To Do: Form Committee |
ERES 520: Introduction to Quantitative Research EAHE 527: Academic Affairs Administration EAHE 502: Administrative Leadership and Practice To Do: Develop Research Topic |
| 6 hours | 9 hours | 6 hours |
| Year 2 | ||
|
EAHE 514: Case Studies in Higher Education EAHE 526: The Community College To Do: Literature Review |
EAHE 515: Student Affairs Administration ERES 589: Doctoral Research Seminar To Do: Develop Chapters 1-3 |
EAHE 528: Finance in Higher Education EAHE 525: Equity and Diversity in Higher Education To Do: Comprehensive Exams, Advance to Candidacy |
| 6 hours | 9 hours | 6 hours |
| Year 3 | ||
|
EAHE 600A – Dissertation Credit Hours: 3 To Do: Prospectus Meeting, Finalize Chapters 1-3, Collect & Analyze Data |
EAHE 600A - Dissertation Credit Hours: 3 To Do: Write Chapters 4-5 |
EAHE 600A – Dissertation Credit Hours: 6 To Do: Dissertation Defense |
| 3 hours | 3 hours | 6 hours |