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Leadership for Higher Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Prepare to lead postsecondary education organizations with an online PhD in Education, Leadership for Higher Education from Capella University. This program combines recognized theory and best practices with practical application to help you meet the challenges of higher education.
Your coursework and doctoral studies will help you develop the research, problem-solving, and leadership skills to guide traditional and distance education programs—and help tomorrow’s students succeed.
Classes start January 6
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online & in-person
- 6 Core courses
- 8 Specialization courses
- 3 Elective courses
- 3 Virtual Residencies
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
Reduce your tuition by $5,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore leadership for higher education courses
- This program requires a total of 92 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete six core courses, eight specialization courses, three elective courses, three virtual residencies, one comprehensive exam and one dissertation
Show all descriptions
ED6504
Leadership in Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Learners analyze and apply leadership theories and decision-making structures to higher education challenges. Learners investigate organizational structure, the culture and politics of higher education, and strategies for leading equity-minded practice in higher education. Learners develop a personal philosophy of leadership. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ED5012
4 quarter credits
ED7818
The Future of Teaching and Learning: Issues for the Educational Leader
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners explore and analyze the issues shaping teaching and learning. Learners use futuring methods to examine the ways history, technology, trends, and change affect the future of teaching and learning. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED7834
Higher Education and the Law
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners evaluate constitutional, statutory, and case law as related to higher education. Learners review federal and state legislation and their implications for both public and private higher education institutions. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
ED8447
Advanced Funding and Managing Education Enterprises
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners explore and analyze the financing and fundraising plans of higher education enterprises. Learners explore current political and finance issues associated with higher education institution funding and management with an emphasis on endowments, public and private funding models, and intellectual property rights. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
What you'll learn
The PhD in Education, Leadership for Higher Education program integrates current, recognized theory and best practices with practical application. Focus on developing the research and problem-solving skills needed to guide traditional and distance education programs.
On successful completion of this degree program, you should be able to:
- Communicate effectively
- Integrate technology effectively
- Lead and manage change in higher education organizations
- Develop and manage resources of higher education organizations
- Develop and demonstrate personal leadership skills
- Conduct relevant research
- Value and promote diversity, equity and globalization for academic excellence
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
How much does the PhD in Education cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$765 per credit, 77 coursework credits, 16 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Comprehensive exam
$2,295 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2,295
Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,295 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,295
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes dissertation in 5 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $765/credit 12 quarters |
$53,015.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,295.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,295/quarter 5 quarters |
$11,475.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$66,785.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$61,785.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 18 quarters |
$63,885.00 |
Completes dissertation in 7 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $765/credit 12 quarters |
$53,015.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,295.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,295/quarter 7 quarters |
$16,065.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$71,375.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$66,375.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 20 quarters |
$68,475.00 |
Completes dissertation in 9 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $765/credit 12 quarters |
$53,015.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,295.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,295/quarter 9 quarters |
$20,655.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$75,965.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$70,965.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 22 quarters |
$73,065.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the PhD in Education admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Doctoral Guide
Wondering about the differences between PhDs and professional doctorates? What are the unique features of online and traditional doctoral programs? Read on to learn more and find the right program for you.
The Difference Between an EdD and PhD in Ed
Choosing to pursue a PhD or EdD depends on your career goals and whether applied or original research most interests you.
Doctoral Journey
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.
What can you do with a PhD in Education degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Education, Leadership for Higher Education.
Related job titles to explore*
- President
- Provost
- Vice president for academic affairs
- Full-time faculty of education courses
- Vice president for student affairs
- Director of alumni relations
- Director of academic advising
- Director of student retention
- Dean of diversity affairs
- Dean of student affairs
- Dean of external relations
- Director of institutional research
Employment settings to explore
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community college
- Adult education organization
- Military education
- Higher education research and policy organization
- For-profit institution
- Continuing education program
- Technical college
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.