[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-2″]The demand for skilled educational administrators and researchers continues to rise in the U.S.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have a passion for keeping up with shifting demographics and meeting student and faculty needs, an online doctorate in higher education might be the right choice for you. This advanced degree builds leadership skills in a variety of roles such as student services, enrollment management, education administration, and academic support. Many higher education programs also prepare you for advanced academic research, which explores new strategies to meet changing educational needs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online Ph.D. in higher education is the highest degree attainable in the field. This level of specialization can also lead to increased job opportunities. For example, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS) projects that careers for postsecondary education administrators will grow 10% through 2026, a rate faster than the national average.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-to-expect”]What Else Can I Expect from an Online Doctorate in Higher Education Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-card title=”50 Best Online Colleges & Universities” href=”/rankings/online-colleges/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Coursework can vary significantly between online doctoral programs in higher education, with some focused on practical skills for educational administration and others on academic skills for research. In general, however, this degree offers a comprehensive perspective on the major practices in higher education and the strategies used for gauging their effectiveness.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Curriculum for an Online Doctorate in Higher Education[/hen-ui-heading]

• Foundations of Education Research: Part of most programs, this course introduces the major principles of education research, exploring the theoretical, practical, philosophical, and ethical dimensions of performing research. Given its broad nature, this course pertains to all types of higher education careers.
• Higher Education Law: Exploring the application of legal theories and practices to higher education, this course is mandatory for candidates in administrative positions. Higher education law typically covers topics that include nondiscrimination in employment, privacy and openness, contractual obligations, tenure, academic freedom, and program discontinuance.
• Adult Learners: Designed to address changing age demographics in higher education populations, this course focuses on the major theories and perspectives associated with adult learning. A common requirement for higher education administrators, the course also presents strategies for meeting the unique needs of these students.
• Enrollment Management and Marketing: Addressing issues of strategic enrollment, this course aids candidates in college enrollment departments. Students explore fundamental topics such as branding, forecasting, differentiation, and alumni relations. Increasingly, enrollment and marketing management also involve social media and other digital public relations tools.
• Higher Education Practicum: Regardless of focus or career goals, most candidates earning their Ph.D. in higher education online must complete a professional practicum, typically at their place of employment or another professional higher education setting. The practicum offers the chance for hands-on learning, allowing students to draw connections between coursework and their own professional practice.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Doctorate in Higher Education?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a doctorate in higher education online requires commitment, and one factor in your choice of program may be its total completion time. In general, most programs require 50-60 credit hours, taking anywhere from 3-5 years to complete, but this can vary based on factors such as residency components. Most Ph.D. higher education online programs also require you to possess a master’s degree in a related field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some doctoral degrees use an accelerated format that features a more intensive course schedule but allows you to complete your education faster. These programs often include residency sessions that require you to spend a certain amount of time on campus for concentrated classroom learning. Some degrees may also use an independent, self-paced format that allows you to complete work on your own schedule, while others use a cohort format where you complete a set sequence of courses with the same group of students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accreditation”]Accreditation for Online Doctorate in Higher Education Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When researching online programs, determine the school’s accreditation status, which indicates academic reputability and quality. Accreditation indicates that a school received a positive assessment of their academic programs from a licensed accreditation agency, designating the institution’s ability to adequately serve students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colleges and universities in the U.S. receive either regional or national accreditation. Typically, professional and vocational programs hold national recognition, while academic programs receive regional accreditation. Any reputable online doctorate in higher education will hold regional accreditation. When examining doctoral programs, look for an accreditation status from agencies like the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA), or the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the U.S. Department of Education (ED) oversees both primary and secondary education in the U.S., it does not provide accreditation to postsecondary institutions, such as colleges and universities. Instead, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversees these institutions, counting over 3,000 schools and around 60 accreditation organizations among its members. The ED also conducts reviews of all accrediting agencies, ensuring that they meet certain government standards. Together, these two organizations maintain standards for higher education in the U.S. CHEA aims to eliminate degree mills — fraudulent education providers that offer counterfeit academic programs for profit. Both [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.chea.org/4DCGI/cms/review.html?Action=CMS_Document&DocID=32&MenuKey=main”]CHEA[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/GetDownLoadFile.aspx/”]ED[/hen-ui-link] maintain listings of accredited schools and accrediting organizations, which can be useful when determining the reputability of a school or online program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]Employment Outlook for Doctorate in Higher Education Graduates[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctorate in Higher Education Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”secondary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Postsecondary Education Administrator” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $90,760[/hen-ui-text] 10% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While many career paths exist for those with a doctorate level education, most graduates choose to pursue a career in administration or academics. In [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm#tab-1/”]administration[/hen-ui-link], common positions include enrollment management, student services, and — at the highest level — academic dean or provost. The academic path emphasizes teaching and research almost exclusively. However, academics occasionally move into higher-level administrative positions later on in their careers. Regardless of specialization, most careers in higher education require strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Postsecondary Teacher” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $75,430[/hen-ui-text] 15% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-1/”]College and university professors[/hen-ui-link] instruct students beyond the high school level while simultaneously performing advanced research and publishing their findings. Higher education specialists focus their research on improving education practices. Academics may also participate in administrative functions, particularly in their area of expertise.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Instructional Coordinator” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $62,460[/hen-ui-text] 11% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm/”]Instructional coordinators[/hen-ui-link] supervise, assess, and develop curricula and practices. They typically work alongside colleges and universities to examine the effectiveness of instruction and offer ideas for improvement. Coordinators may also work with state or national education agencies to determine large-scale strategies.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”School and Career Counselor” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $54,560[/hen-ui-text] 13% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm/”]These specialists[/hen-ui-link] work with students to develop the skills needed for social and academic success in both school and life. Counselors may connect students to additional campus resources, such as mental health services. Career counselors, however, may connect students to job opportunities and internships.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctorate in Higher Education Salary[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Several factors can influence salary prospects for postsecondary education administrators, including education level, professional experience, place of employment, and location. Most of the top-paying states for education administrators are found in the eastern U.S., including New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/online-colleges/”]California[/hen-ui-link] and Hawaii also boast higher salaries for education administrators. The following chart from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119033.htm/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link] compiles salary information for administrators. Higher education administrators in these states can expect to earn annual mean salaries well over $100,000, demonstrating the advantages of earning an advanced degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Top Five Paying U.S. States for Postsecondary Education Administrators[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]State[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Mean Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]New Jersey[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary”]$154,300[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Delaware[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary”]$146,430[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Maryland[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary”]$125,350[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]California[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary”]$123,630[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Hawaii[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary”]$121,560[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Higher Education Professional Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Given the constantly changing nature of higher education, professionals in the field depend on trade organizations to share knowledge and improve their practices. Professional higher education groups offer their members an assortment of benefits, including conferences, academic journals, professional development opportunities, job connections, and a host of other networking opportunities. Many of these groups also offer opportunities for students that includes mentorships, research opportunities, and internships.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.aacrao.org/” target=”_blank”]American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This unique organization, intended specifically for those in registration and admissions, works to ensure ethical standards for student services and enrollment management. AACRAO counts more than 11,000 members from 2,600 schools around the country.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.aaua.org/” target=”_blank”]American Association of University Administrators (AAUA)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Founded in 1970, AAUA encourages professional development and ethical standards among higher education administrators. The group hosts a variety of professional conferences and publishes the Journal of Higher Education Management.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacu.org/” target=”_blank”]American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] AAC&U seeks to promote liberal education at the undergraduate level. The organization offers substantial educational and institutional resources, member advocacy, professional publications, and collaboration opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”paying”]Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Higher Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on your income, professional background, and your program, you may have several options for funding your online Ph.D. in higher education. Education students can often take advantage of special opportunities unavailable to those in other fields, including tuition reimbursement specifically for educators. Depending on where you work (particularly if you’re already employed in higher education administration), your employer may pay for some or all of your degree for the purposes of professional development.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Plenty of options exist to help supplement the full cost of your tuition. Prospective students should begin by filling out a [hen-ui-link href=”https://fafsa.ed.gov/”]Free Application for Federal Student Aid[/hen-ui-link] (FAFSA), as it offers you access to grants, scholarships, low-interest loans, and other funding measures. Completing the FAFSA may unlock grant opportunities that require you to do nothing other than claim your funding. Even without grants, educators have access to a wide variety of scholarships that can help with tuition.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]