Find out more about Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Leadership in Higher Education

Program Details

The Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD-Ed) program is suitable for students who want to combine a strong base of theoretical knowledge with an individualized focus to conduct research in and about PK-12, postsecondary and adult learning environments. 

PhDs in Education are found in many different roles in academia, industry and not-for-profit organizations, including educational consultant, academic researcher, policy maker, educational theorist, and faculty member or administrator in a higher education or organizational setting. Students pursuing the PhD in Education have the opportunity to customize and focus their program through their coursework, doctoral research courses and the doctoral dissertation.

The ability to influence educational change through policy and educational reform requires a broad knowledgebase of how higher education works. In the PhD in Education program with a specialization in Leadership in Higher Education at Northcentral University, you will explore a variety of topics specific to higher education, including how higher education is organized, how it is financed, legal issues, and the history of higher education. 

You will have the opportunity to take an in depth look at community colleges, and will conduct research and analysis to identify future directions of national and global higher education. As a PhD in Leadership in Higher Education graduate, you will be prepared to pursue positions as an educator in higher education institutions with a research agenda, or researcher for organizations focusing on the direction of higher education.