Explore our Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Leadership, and Policy (PhD)
Deepen your understanding of current practices in higher education institutions and examine law, policy, and governance as a leader within higher education settings. With the flexibility of this specialization, you will complete a set of core courses and customize your studies by choosing four electives from 21 courses focusing on higher education across our PhD in Education and Doctor of Education (EdD) programs. This specialization puts you in control of your education, giving you the ability to customize your coursework with topics that are most relevant to your personal and career goals.

Curriculum
Minimum Degree Requirements
86 quarter credits
Foundations courses (5 cr.)
Specialized courses (30 cr.)
Doctoral support courses (11 cr.)
Research courses (20 cr.)
Doctoral capstone (minimum 20 cr.)
Doctoral Writing Assessment (0 cr.)
Four PhD residencies (online option available) to equal a minimum of 16 units

Morrison students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.

In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage, and gain final approval by the Chief Academic Officer.

Tuition and Fees
CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS COST TOTAL *
Tuition-Coursework 66 quarter credits $675 per quarter hour for coursework credits $44,500^
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 20–120† quarter credits $675 per quarter hour for dissertation credits $13,500–$81,000*
Technology Fee $160 per quarter $1,920–$4,800*
Residency Fee Four Residencies $1,375 each (virtual)
$1,475 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)
$5,500–$5,900
Estimated Range: 3-Year 8-Year

$65,420
$136,200*+

(assuming completion in a 3-year timeframe) (assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A master’s degree or higher.

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.

Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared to:

• Implement diversity proficiencies in higher education programs and policies.
• Exhibit proficiency in the use of higher education law, the policymaking process, and governance.
• Utilize current research to address domestic and international issues in higher education.
• Collaborate with a variety of external stakeholders.
• Apply leadership and management skills to promote organizational development within higher education settings.
• Promote positive social change through leadership.
• Apply effective technology strategies to support higher education settings.
• Exhibit leadership in program evaluation, strategic planning, and assessment.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct research that positively impacts social change.