Graduate Programs


Overview

The next Ph.D. program in Higher Education application process will begin with the Fall 2026 Cohort. The Ph.D. program in Higher Education is a 60 credit-hour program that operates in a cohort model. The program culminates with the completion of original dissertation research focused on a higher education issue.

The United States has about 4,000 accredited institutions of higher education. All of them need dedicated professionals to manage business operations, student programs, residence halls, advising, scheduling, admissions and other functions. 

The University of Toledo’s Ph.D. program in Higher Education will prepare you for a thriving career in this diverse professional landscape.

Learn more about graduate tuition and fees.

The Ph.D. program in Higher Education is offered in a blended/hybrid format that combines face-to-face meetings, web conferencing and online delivery methods. 

Top Reasons to Study higher education at UToledo

  1. Blended course format.
    Classes follow a hybrid format combining weekend in-person meetings, WebEx meetings and online modules. Our courses offer you flexibility and an opportunity to build a close network of colleagues.
  2. Caring community.
    The program follows a cohort model and cultivates a network of colleagues. You can work through issues, share ideas and collaborate for the rest of your career with these colleagues.
  3. Devoted faculty.
    Program faculty have devoted their research and professional life to studying higher education and contributing to the training of doctoral students.
  4. Research support.
    The Higher Education program is home to the John H. Russel Center for Educational Leadership. The center promotes the development of educational leaders. The Russel Center Scholarship supports the research activity of all students in the Higher Education program.
  5. International exposure.
    The Ph.D. program offers opportunities for international travel to experience other countries’ higher education systems, policies and practices.

UToledo encourages our graduate students to present, write and publish. Funds are available to help pay for travel to conferences. The Russel Center Scholarship is geared to support the research activity of all students in the Higher Education program.

Ph.D. students complete a dissertation with the support of the Higher Education faculty.

View all completed dissertations 

 

What jobs can I get with a higher education degree?

UToledo Higher Education Ph.D. program graduates have experienced tremendous success. They have gone on to attain college and university presidencies, vice presidencies, deanships and other leadership positions, including: 

  • President, Madonna University, Livonia, Mich. 
  • President, Owens Community College, Perrysburg, Ohio 
  • President, Rockford University, Rockford, Ill. 
  • President, American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges 
  • Senior vice president of student affairs, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 
  • Vice president of instruction, Monroe County Community College, Monroe, Mich. 
  • Vice president of institutional advancement and executive foundation director, Terra State Community College, Fremont, Ohio 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Apply to Graduate School

Find your next steps whether you are a new student, readmit student or guest student.

Learn More

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Last Updated: 11/16/23