College of Education and Human ServicesSchool of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies
www.kent.edu/ehs/tlcs
About This Program
The Ph.D. degree in Higher Education Administration prepares students for careers as highly effective higher education administrators and staff professionals. The coursework prepares students for the varied challenges facing two-year, four-year and graduate institutions and communities today, and helps shape educational institutions in the future.
Contact Information
Program Delivery
Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*
Education administrators, all other
- 2.5% slower than the average
- 60,200 number of jobs
- $89,040 potential earnings
Education administrators, postsecondary
- 1.7% slower than the average
- 226,600 number of jobs
- $103,960 potential earnings
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Admission Requirements
- Master's degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum 3.500 graduate GPA is recommended)
- Official transcript(s)
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- Goal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Interview
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
- Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 DET score
Program faculty will assess applicants holistically, considering academic credentials, related professional experience, academic or professional references and scholarly and professional activities, among others.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester
- Funding deadline: November 1 (international student) and December 1 (domestic student)
All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position. - Application deadline: March 1 (international student) and April 1 (domestic student)
All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
- Spring Semester
Spring applicants will not be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position. Applicants who wish to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position should apply for the fall semester funding deadline.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Understand the administrative and financial functions performed on a college or university campus.
- Understand the complexities of college/university budgeting process and construct a divisional or departmental budget.
- Understand and commit to the diverse nature of higher education in the United States.
- Articulate the challenges and opportunities associated with the provision of a diverse, multicultural educational setting, including the impact of demographic changes on higher education and familiarity with strategies to diversify higher education.
- Understand the role of a faculty member and the curriculum development process in an institution of higher education.
- Understand the rights and responsibilities of employees and students within institutions of higher education, as well as the responsibilities of the institutions.
- Understand research methodology to conduct individual research.
