Our doctoral program in higher education will prepare you for a variety of professional paths, including leadership positions in college and university administration, higher education faculty and policy research. Our program focuses on issues of concern to scholars and leaders in all types of higher education institutions. Given the variety of positions that you can pursue post-graduation, your advisor will work individually with you to craft a course of study and pursue experiences that will help you meet your individual goals.
The features of our program include:
Academic credential granted | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
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Credits required for completion | 72 |
Time to completion | 4 to 5+ years |
Course delivery | On campus |
Careers |
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Application deadline | Jan. 1 |
ELP 667 Pro-Seminar
ELP 670 Advanced Doctoral Seminar: Postsecondary Students
ELP 679 Academic Affairs in the Contemporary University
ELP 615 Critical Race Theory
ELP 618 Sociology of Higher Education
or
ELP 517 Public Policy in Higher Education
Two quantitative methods courses (e.g. CEP 522 and 523)
Two qualitative methods courses (e.g. ELP 593 and 594)
Research Design (CEP 581)
One additional qualitative or quantitative methods course to inform dissertation
You are required to develop a minor area in consultation with your faculty advisor.
ELP 601 Higher Education Doctoral Qualifying Exam
ELP 699 Research Practicum (resulting in significant research product, such as journal article or paper/presentation at a national conference)
ELP 599 Writing Dissertation Proposals or and additional course that scaffolds the research process, chosen in consultation with your academic advisor
ELP 702 Dissertation Research
You must continue to register for ELP 702 until your dissertation is complete. A minimum of 3 credits per semester is preferred. Consult with your advisor prior to registration.
Assistantships are available in a variety of areas that change from year to year. Compensation for positions ranges from hourly pay only to a stipend to tuition remission plus a stipend. Generally, assistantships require 20 hours of work per week.
The application process for assistantships is separate from the program admission process. Assistantship opportunities are posted for the following academic year in mid-January, from offices on campus such as Campus Living, Career Services, Student Engagement, Intercultural and Diversity Center, among others.
While assistantships are limited, new opportunities become available throughout summer and into the fall semester.
If you are accepted into the higher education (doctoral) or the higher education administration/student affairs administration (master’s) programs, check back here for updates on available positions and how to apply. Interviews for assistantships typically take place during the higher education program’s Open House and Assistantship Day (end of February/beginning of March). In addition to interviewing positions, you will have an opportunity to learn more about UB and the higher education program, network with current and accepted students, and meet program faculty. For those unable to come to campus for Assistantship Day, offices will conduct phone interviews, although we highly encourage you to attend in person, if possible.
In an effort to make the application process more equitable, the GRE/MAT is no longer required for admissions consideration for those applying to this program through the fall 2023 semester. If you still plan to take the GRE/MAT exam, you can send your scores through the testing agency, and they will automatically be added to your application; however, they are not required for admission consideration to this program.
You must have a bachelor's and master's degree.
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
Faculty Interview: After applications are submitted and reviewed, you may be offered an interview with the faculty.
Former/Maiden Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.
Admission Decision: The admission decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you are required to provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months prior to your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload 3 documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application, and must be dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.
If you are currently unable to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL tests because they are canceled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the University at Buffalo will accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for proof of English proficiency. This test can be taken online, in your own home. More information can be found on the Graduate School’s website.
The TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition is a safe and convenient option for students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT test at a test center due to public health concerns.
Associate Professor
Educational Leadership And Policy
Associate Professor
Educational Leadership And Policy
Associate Professor
Educational Leadership And Policy
Assistant Professor
Educational Leadership And Policy
482 Baldy Hall North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: srsantar@buffalo.edu
We have a collection of frequently asked questions that may help you. If your questions are still unanswered, we are glad to help! Contact our admission office.
Graduate School of Education
366 Baldy Hall, North Campus
716-645-2110
gseinfo@buffalo.edu
You are required to have daily access to a reliable broadband connection and a computer that meets university computing standards. You are also expected to have basic computer competency before beginning your coursework.