Program: Higher Education PhD - University at Buffalo

Apr 09, 2025

WORKING 2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

The PhD program in Higher Education will prepare you for multiple roles, including: leadership positions in post-secondary education administration, higher education scholars, and positions in policy or advocacy organizations. Our program focuses on issues of concern to scholars and leaders in all types of higher education institutions. Given the variety of positions that you can pursue post-graduation, your advisor will work with you to craft a course of study, and pursue experiences that will help you meet your individual goals.

Program Coursework

Required Core (15 credits)

ELP 615SEM - Critical Race Theory in Higher Education Credits: 3
ELP 667SEM - Pro-Seminar in Higher Education Credits: 3
ELP 670SEM - Advanced Doctoral Seminar: Postsecondary Students Credits: 3
ELP 679SEM - Academic Affairs in the Contemporary Research University Credits: 3
ELP 618SEM - Sociology of Higher Education Credits: 3

Research Methods Courses (18-20 credits)

Quantitative Methods (6-8 credits)

Select 2 from:

An alternative quantitative methods course, as approved by your academic advisor.

CEP 522LLB - Statistical Methods: Inference I (4) Credits: 4
CEP 523LLB - Statistical Methods: Inference II Credits: 4

Qualitative Methods (6 credits)

Select 2 from:

An alternative qualitative methods course, as approved by your academic advisor.

ELP 593SEM - Qualitative Research Methods Part I Credits: 3
ELP 594SEM - Qualitative Research Methods Part II Credits: 3

Research Design (3 credits)

CEP 581SEM - Research Methods Credits: 3

One Additional Qualitative or Quantitative Methods Course (3 credits)

Select 1 additional qualitative or quantitative methods course to inform dissertation with approval from your advisor.

Cognate/Minor Area (9 credits)

You are required to develop a minor area in consultation with your faculty advisor.

Moving Toward Dissertation (9 credits)

ELP 601SEM - Higher Education Doctoral Qualifying Seminar Credits: 3
ELP 599SEM - Writing Dissertation Proposals Credits: 3
(or an additional course that scaffolds the research process, chosen in consultation with your academic advisor.)

Dissertation Research (minimum 9 credits)

You must continue to register for ELP 702 until your dissertation is complete. A minimum of 3 credits per semester is preferred. Consult with your advisor prior to registration.

ELP 702TUT - Individual Guidance of the Dissertation Credits: 1 - 12

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time
Part Time

Credits Required

72 Hours

Time-To-Degree

4 to 5+ Years

Application Fee

$50

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.