Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership

Make a bold impact as a leader in today’s higher education.

Higher education is evolving fast, and the leaders who thrive can plan strategically, champion equity, and inspire faculty and staff through change. SHU's Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership prepares experienced higher education professionals to step into senior administrative and academic roles with the skills, credentials, and confidence to lead.

Learn more about tuition rates and payment options for the Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership program.

Why Earn Your Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership at Sacred Heart?

The Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership connects research with professional practice. The Ed.D. program is ideal for experienced higher education professionals who aspire to leadership positions in administration or academics and wish to develop their skills in leadership, decision-making, and strategic planning.

Central to the program is the Dissertation in Practice, which allows you to investigate a complex, real-world challenge in your institution and use research to inform improvements in institutional practice and student experiences.

This 52-credit program, which can be completed online in three years, will prepare you to:

• Enhance your expertise with research core classes that pair theory and practice
• Apply social justice and leadership theories to real-world challenges in higher education settings
• Develop research skills to complete a dissertation addressing a problem of interest in higher education
• Benefit from dissertation support and faculty mentorship throughout the program

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Additional Program Benefits

Experience a supportive learning model that combines flexibility, connection, and mentorship throughout your doctoral journey.

• Study course topics such as legal and ethical issues in higher education, higher education financing, and mixed method access & equity in higher education
• Balance your professional responsibilities with online asynchronous coursework before the dissertation phase
• Engage in synchronous online courses during the dissertation phase for regular interaction with faculty and peers
• Meet and network with peers and faculty members in a three-day on-campus residency each summer
• Progress alongside a cohort of higher education professionals who share experiences, exchange best practices, and support one another

A Practical, Applied Degree Program

Through research core courses, you’ll develop the skills to complete a Dissertation in Practice during the third year of the program. You’ll identify a complex problem of practice within your own workplace, connecting your doctoral research directly to the challenges you encounter as a higher education professional.

The Dissertation in Practice is a scholarly work that addresses a complex problem of practice. Defined, a complex problem of practice is a persistent, contextualized, specific issue embedded in the work of a professional practitioner which, if addressed, will result in improved student experiences and outcomes.

Where This Degree Can Take You

Graduates of the program:

• Advance into leadership roles, including dean, provost, vice president of student affairs
• Transition into full-time faculty positions in higher education administration or student development
• Direct strategic planning, budget management, and policy work at the department or campus level
• Pursue specialized paths in higher education law, finance, accreditation, or institutional research
• Move beyond traditional academia into consulting, policy advocacy, or nonprofit leadership

Lifetime Career Support

Ed.D. students benefit from a dedicated career team with experience in higher education. Students and alumni enjoy lifetime access to the Center for Career & Professional Development, where expert coaches provide personalized support with résumés, interviews, and job placement.

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