Graduate Catalog  |  School of Graduate Studies  |

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•  |  Graduate Course Descriptions
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Additional ELHE Bulletin Information

Higher Education Administration Ed.D. Program (HIED)

Offered through the Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education
in the School of Education
Center for Doctoral Studies -- B121 Education Building                           
Phone: 320.308.4220
Fax: 320.308.4221
E-mail: hied@stcloudstate.edu
Web site: http://www.stcloudstate.edu/hied

Department Co-Chair: Dr. Michael Mills and Dr. John Eller
Doctoral Program Director: Dr. Michael Mills
Program Office Manager : Ms. Michele Braun
Doctoral Program Faculty: Imbra, McCullar, Mills
Affiliated faculty: www.stcloudstate.edu/hied/faculty.asp

Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration

Program Mission

The mission of the Higher Education Administration applied doctoral program is to prepare higher education professionals for advanced leadership positions in a diverse array of post-secondary institutions. The program is driven by a commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, leadership development, and understanding of the role the academy plays in a global society for creating and distributing knowledge.

Program Overview

Individuals currently holding or interested in senior-level leadership positions in higher education will find this program flexible and accommodating to their needs. Students are prepared for advanced leadership positions in a diverse array of post-secondary institutions in academic, student, and administrative affairs.

• Faculty members are accomplished professionals with experience in the field.
• A cohort approach is offered with up to 15 students progressing together through the curriculum.  This fosters a learning community where students support one another and provides a network after graduation.
• A new cohort starts each fall semester on the St. Cloud campus or at the Twin Cities Graduate Center in Maple Grove. International students may attend the program in either location. 
• A weekend model (Friday evening and all day Saturday) of course delivery makes it a great choice for working professionals. 
• Coursework may be completed in eight semesters.  Completion of the dissertation proposal, research, and final defense vary depending on the student’s research timeline.
• Students usually take two courses per semester (fall, spring, and summer) and concentrate on one course at a time. Each course typically meets three weekends.
• Course learning typically takes place in the classroom. Some online assignments and hybrid courses may be offered.
• The program infuses internationalization and globalization into the curriculum.
• Discover Universities in the European context through an online course and/or an education abroad course in Italy.

Application Process

The Higher Education Administration Ed.D. program begins a new cohort each fall semester. When applying for a doctoral program, the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) serves as a liaison between the applicant and the doctoral program. Application materials should be sent to the School of Graduate Studies. Once all application materials are received, the SGS will forward materials to the doctoral program for review and an interview will be scheduled.  Thereafter, an admission recommendation will be forwarded to the SGS for a final decision and notification to the applicant. Applicants may apply online at www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies.

Admission Requirements Specific to the Program

• For admission consideration, Ed.D. applicants must meet minimum admission requirements found on  the Admission Requirements page, plus additional program requirements.
• Our application criteria and review procedures give significant advantage to applicants who have work experience in higher education organizations or other professional work experience.
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher or completion of a graduate degree with an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Have a master’s degree.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.  All applicants must submit a GRE score. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or other recognized graduate admissions tests may be accepted in lieu of the GRE but is subject to approval by the graduate dean and department.

Application Materials - Domestic and International Students

• Application for admission to doctoral degree.
• A $40 application fee enclosed with your application. The fee is non-refundable.
• Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. SCSU transcripts and those from MnSCU institutions do not need to be requested, SCSU can obtain your transcript directly. International applicants must complete a WES or NACES course-by-course transcript evaluation. Please see Transcripts for details.
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores. Please write your test date on your application.
• Three recommendation forms (additional letters encouraged).
• A resume or curriculum vita of career progress and professional accomplishments.
• Professional writing sample (master’s research or thesis, published article, paper prepared for a professional conference or written analysis of a professional article).
• Statement of Intent.
• Participation in an interview with doctoral program faculty.
• International applicants must complete a proof of English proficiency and financial certification paperwork. Please see International Admissions for details.

Application materials will become the property of the School of Graduate Studies and will not be available to the applicant or enrolled student for purposes other than admission consideration.

Application Deadline

• Applications will be accepted up to January 15th, (PRIORTY DEADLINE) March 15th, and June 1st.  Admissions interviews will be conducted and admission decisions will be made following each deadline date.  Students applying for doctoral-level Graduate Assistantships and international students are strongly encouraged to apply by the January 15 or March 15 deadlines.  Applications meeting or following the June 1st deadline will be considered on a space available basis.

Program of Study

The Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration is 72 credits in length. Up to 12 credits from a student’s master’s degree may be transferred upon approval for elective courses.

*Course sequence is subject to change.
* Students also take HIED 899 (12 cr.) and elective courses (9-21 cr.) that support their career goals and are established in consultation with their advisor.

Core (30 credits)

HIED 800 U.S. Higher Education
HIED 801 College and University Leadership
HIED 803 Community Building
HIED 804 Diversity and Social Justice in Higher Education
HIED 805 Budgeting and Finance in Higher Education
HIED 806 Higher Education Law
HIED 810 Organizational Theory in Higher Education Administration
HIED 813/823 Advanced Issues in Academic Affairs/Student Affairs
HIED 820 The College Student
HIED 830 Planning and Change in Higher Education

Research/Dissertation (21 credits)

HIED 807 Research Design and Assessment in Higher Education
HIED 808 Quantitative Research Methods
HIED 809 Qualitative Research Methods
HIED 899 Dissertation

Electives (9 to 21 credits)

HIED 812 Curriculum and the Academic Program in Higher Education
HIED 814 Governance and Policy Development in Higher Education
HIED 821 College Student Development Theory
HIED 822 Organization and Administration of Student Affairs
HIED 880 Special Topics in Higher Education

Additional courses inside or outside of the Higher Education Administration program may be taken that support the student's career goals. Specific courses will be identified and approved in consultation with the faculty advisor.

Course Information

For information about courses, please visit the Course Descriptions.

Transition Points

The HIED Program is organized around a set of transition points that serve as benchmarks within the program and provide for individual assessment and program accountability.

Transition Point 1:
Admission and Orientation to the EdD Program

Transition Point 2:
Qualifying Examination/Advancement to Candidacy

Transition Point 3:
Dissertation Proposal

Transition Point 4:
Dissertation Final Defense and Program Completion

Transition Point 5:
Post-Graduation Follow-Up Survey

Career Opportunities

• A master’s degree or doctorate is generally required for higher level postsecondary education administrator positions.**
• The average salary of those with a doctorate degree is 20% higher than those with a master’s degree.*
• Employment of postsecondary education administrators is expected to grow by 19% from 2010 to 2020.**
• Earning a doctorate places you at the pinnacle of a field where top-level employment opportunities are within reach anywhere in the world.
• Earning a doctorate provides you with a competitive advantage when seeking employment opportunities.
• Earning a doctorate provides valuable personal development for professionals at all stages of their career.

*Ewert, S. (Feb. 2012). What It’s Worth: Field of Training and Economic Status in 2009.  U.S. Census Bureau.  P70-129. Retrieved from www.census.gov/prod/2012pubs/p70-129.pdf
**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Postsecondary Education Administrators, on the Internet at bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm

Doctoral Tuition

• Doctoral tuition on campus is $525** per credit.
• Doctoral tuition at the Twin Cities Graduate Center is $600** per credit.
• **Tuition rates are subject to change. Please refer to Business Services for information on tuition rates.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistants work 20 hours per week for a $15,000* stipend during the academic year with faculty members in instructional, administrative, or research areas. Graduate assistants receive a tuition waiver for six * doctoral credits during fall and spring semester.

*Graduate assistantship stipend and tuition waiver are subject to change.

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are available from numerous sources, including:
http://www.stcloudstate.edu/coe/students/scholarships.asp
http://www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies/current/scholarships.asp
http://www.finaid.org/
http://www.scholarships.com/
http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/
https://www5.stcloudstate.edu/financialaid/scholarshipsearch
http://www.fastweb.com/
http://www.stcloudstate.edu/financialaid/scholarships
http://www.braintrack.com/financial-aid-articles
http://bulletin.stcloudstate.edu/gb/financial/USscholarships.asp
http://www.stcloudstate.edu/coe/students/scholarships.asp

Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid can provide you with a general overview of financial aid programs and give you guidance in the application process. Please note that Students who receive Federal or State Financial Aid may be required to maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) and number of course credits to remain eligible for financial aid.

Research Funding

The Office of Sponsored Programs has student research funds available each year to support academic research and creative activity by SCSU graduate students under the direction of a SCSU faculty member.