The program prepares scholarly professionals for leadership positions in a wide range of educational and public sector settings. Students acquire strong backgrounds in leadership, policy, and research. They equip themselves to discover, integrate, and apply knowledge as transformational leaders.

The Doctor of Philosophy program in educational policy and leadership studies with a subprogram in higher education and student affairs requires 90 s.h. of graduate credit.?The program?prepares faculty and scholar practitioners for leadership positions in student affairs and academic administration and for positions as graduate faculty members, leaders in conducting research about college students and higher education, policy analysts in postsecondary institutions and in public or private agencies, and teachers and academic leaders at two-year and four-year colleges.

The program integrates the academic experience with the cocurricular learning experiences of students and studies the outcomes of both. The curriculum is organized around three core areas: higher education administration and policy; teaching, learning, and the college experience; and diversity, equity, and foundations of higher education. Students take courses in each area and specialize in one.

The higher education administration and policy area studies organizational policy, leadership, and change. It helps administrators develop expertise in planning, evidence-based decision making, and effective leadership and organizational management. Individuals interested in enrollment management and institutional research should find this area appealing.