Adult and Higher Education
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program develops scholars, practitioners, and leaders who advance knowledge in higher education and other organizational settings through research and scholarly inquiry. The program is highly individualized and result from collaborative planning involving the student, advisor, and doctoral committee.
The curriculum emphasizes application of theory, empirical analysis, critical inquiry, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates to advance knowledge that can help guide and inform policy and practice in diverse contexts. Through comprehensive coursework, research opportunities, and committed mentoring, students emerge prepared to advance scholarship and practice in their individual areas of interest.
Those accepted into the program will be served by a comprehensive and high-quality curriculum structured to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals. Courses are taught by full-time faculty members in the program, with experts in the field potentially serving as co-teachers, guest speakers, or adjunct instructors. Students are encouraged to take part in research opportunities through the guidance of faculty mentors.
Our program embraces diverse academic and professional backgrounds, welcoming students from all undergraduate and graduate disciplines. No prior training or professional experience in education is required for admission.
Students must complete 90 credit hours, consisting of the following:
Additional Information on Program Requirements
Students must make a grade of “B” or better in core courses. Waivers for the core courses can be granted by the faculty advisor based on reason and how the students propose to make up for the content area. For coursework in methods and electives, students should consult with their assigned advisors.
Comprehensive Exam
Students who did not complete the comprehensive exam as an enrolled student in the EDAH M.Ed. program are required to take and pass the comprehensive exam. Students will be eligible to take the comprehensive exam after they have completed the core courses and the Pro-Seminar.
Information on general graduate degree requirements can be found on the Graduate College Bulletin.
The Higher Education Administration emphasis area focuses on understanding diverse administrative aspects of colleges and universities. Courses cover essential aspects of higher education management, including organizational behavior, academic leadership, financial management, and strategic planning. Such knowledge is applicable to multiple domains within higher education, including admissions, enrollment management, financial aid, institutional research, student conduct, development and fundraising, and alumni relations.
Example courses:
The Student Affairs emphasis area focuses on knowledge and practices essential for fostering student development and creating supportive campus environments. The curriculum addresses student development theory, campus programming, identity formation concepts, and assessment of student services, which are applicable to a variety of higher education settings, including residence life, student activities, academic advising, career counseling, multicultural affairs, new student transition, and wellness services.
Example courses:
The Workforce, Adult, & Continuing Education emphasis area focuses on knowledge relevant for educating, training, and developing human resources in a variety of organizational settings. Coursework focuses on human resource development strategies, adult learning principles, learning technologies, and organizational change, applicable to various domains, including corporate training, workforce development, and continuing education.
Example courses:
The Intercollegiate Athletic Administration concentration focuses on understanding the complex world of intercollegiate athletics, and is philosophically embedded within the broader study of higher education. The curriculum covers sports administration, compliance, marketing and fundraising, student-athlete development, and ethical leadership, applicable to a broad and wide range of professional areas within intercollegiate athletics.
Example courses:
Elevate your impact through our Adult & Higher Education program, developing expertise for pioneering initiatives designed to advance educational practice, policy, and scholarship.
Note: If you have any difficulties with the application process, contact Graduate Admissions directly at gradadm@ou.edu or by phone at (405) 325-6765.
Mike Jenkins
Graduate Programs
Support Specialist
Email: mjenkins@ou.edu
Phone: (405) 325-4525
