Doctor of Philosophy in Ethical Leadership (Ph.D.): Higher Education Specialization

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Ethical Leadership with a specialization in Higher Education provides a foundation of integrated theory and practice grounded and integrated in the history, current issues, and future trends; leadership, organization, and administration; student populations, development, and equity; ethical governance, policy, and finance; and program assessment and data driven decision-making in the field of higher education. The program leverages the Ph.D. in Ethical Leadership to develop higher education leaders prepared for leading 21st century higher education institutions.

Graduates are prepared for administrative and faculty positions in postsecondary educational institutions and agencies, across institution types and diverse student populations. With an emphasis in ethical leadership, graduates are prepared to drive equitable change in higher education and society through the research, integration, and application of knowledge.

Career Landscape

Program Highlights

Maximum Accessibility – Eight-week courses with an intensive residency that provides professional networking opportunities
Economic Benefit – An affordable price point well below our national competitors provides quality without financial burden
Pace of the Program – Full-time working professionals can complete the program in as little as three (3) calendar years
Rolling Admissions – Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for to ensure for convenience of start date
Ease of Application – A personalized admissions advisor is provided to every prospective student ensuring consistent and timely communication, while not requiring a standardized test (e.g., GRE, GMAT, etc.) to create ease for the applicant
Transfer Credits Accepted – Up to 18 credits beyond a master’s degree may be accepted accelerating program completion
Relational – Nationally renowned faculty members work with students to be adaptive to the complications of work, family, and personal obligations

Tuition

	Tuition per Credit Hour	Technology Fee per Course	Program Tuition
Tuition	$720	$100	$44,000

Start Terms

The Doctor of Philosophy in Ethical Leadership with a specialization in Higher Education offers six start terms throughout the year. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions to learn more (see contact information below).

Admissions Process

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Ethical Leadership with a Specialization in Higher Education program requires each prospective student to submit the following materials for evaluation:

A completed and signed university Application for Admission
Official accredited college and/or university baccalaureate and master’s transcripts
Personal statement describing applicant’s professional goals and why the degree is important to achieve those goals
Professional resume
Two letters of recommendation or recommendation forms

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Analyzing historical, current issues, and future trends in higher education to inform scholarship and practice
Critiquing the cultures and academic work of higher education and their relationship with institutional missions and student learning
Developing equitable programs, courses, and policies that reflect diverse student populations in institutions of higher education
Analyzing organizational and administrative functions within higher education institutions in order to practice ethical leadership and change
Applying ethical leadership in governance, policy, and finance that reflect the needs of students, institutions, and society
Conducting program assessment and evaluation and higher education research as equitable and ethical scholars and practitioners

Curriculum

The Ph.D. program requires 60 credits of doctoral coursework beyond the master’s degree.

Doctor of Philosophy in Ethical Leadership with a Specialization in Higher Education Requirements – 60 Credits (Each course is 3 credits)

Core Leadership Courses– 21 Credits

DEL 801 Interpersonal Leadership
DEL 802 Moral Imagination & Decision-Making
DEL 805 Leadership in Action
ELI 801 Theory and Practice of Leadership
ELI 805 Strategic Leadership & Globalization
ELI 809 Innovation & Leadership
ELI 807 Ethics & Governance

Specialization Courses – 15 Credits

HED 801 Higher Education Foundations
HED 802 Academic Cultures & Issues in Higher Education
HED 803 College Teaching
HED 804 Economics & Finance in Higher Education
HED 805 Organization & Administration of Higher Education
ELI 999 Special Topics

Research Courses – 12 Credits

DEL 804 Assessment & Evaluation
RES 819 Research Methods
RES 820 Quantitative Research
RES 821 Qualitative Research

Doctoral Dissertation Courses – 12 Credits

DIS 900 Doctoral Research Proposal
DIS 901 Doctoral Research I
DIS 902 Doctoral Research II
DIS 903 Doctoral Research III
DIS 904 Doctoral Continuation (if needed)

Residency Requirements

Residency Conference: The residency conference provides an opportunity for students, community leaders, industry professionals, policymakers, and university administration and faculty to participate in structured face-to-face workshop style sessions facilitated at St. Thomas University over a multi-day period. These sessions create added depth, collaboration, and community creating the foundation for an enhanced educational experience.

Graduation Requirements

Candidates must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 to remain in academic good standing and must complete all required courses with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 to graduate. Candidates must successfully complete and defend their doctoral research requirements.

Additional Information

Information relating to the program and courses is available by contacting the Ph.D. in Ethical Leadership Program Director. All graduate admissions inquiries should be sent to our Office of Graduate Admissions (information listed below).

Contact

Office of Graduate Admissions
Call or Text: 305-563-8792
Email: admissions@stu.edu

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