PhD in Human Resource Development - Higher Education Leadership Specialization

Build Your Career Through the Opportunities Offered by the HRD PhD Higher Education Leadership Specialization

You are passionate about shaping the future of higher education and want to lead institutions through complex challenges and drive meaningful change. Join a dynamic community of HRD professionals and scholars as you learn to address the challenges of a rapidly changing work environment here in East Texas and around the world. Build your network and find inspiration from faculty mentors with deep industry experience. Move the discipline forward through original dissertation research.

Advance your career without interrupting it. Gain the advanced skills, knowledge and vision needed to excel in today’s dynamic academic environment.

Why Specialize in Higher Education Leadership at UT Tyler?

You are a current higher education professional looking to advance your career, or maybe you are new to higher education leadership and aspire to make a significant impact on the educational landscape.

Whatever your career goals, build a solid foundation at UT Tyler through: 

1. Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Engage with a curriculum that blends theory with practical application, focusing on leadership, organizational development, business acumen and action research. Learn from experienced educators and academic leaders who bring real-world insights into the classroom. 
2. Research Excellence: Contribute to the future of higher education with original research that addresses current challenges and opportunities. Our program fosters an environment of inquiry, allowing you to explore new ideas and impact the academic community. 
3. Leadership Development: Gain the leadership acumen required to navigate and influence the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education. Develop critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills essential for driving institutional success. 
4. Flexible Learning: Our program offers flexible learning options with 100% online courses, allowing you to balance your studies with professional responsibilities. 
5. Networking Opportunities: Join a community of learners and engage with a network of peers, mentors and alumni who are leaders in the field of higher education.
   
   

Curriculum

The Higher Education Leadership specialization in the HRD PhD program is designed to prepare and position graduates for a wide variety of senior administrative roles at universities, colleges and community colleges. The program is comprised of 60 credit hours, which includes 21 hours of HRD core, nine hours of an Organizational Development and Change specialization, 18 hours of specialization in higher education leadership and 12 hours of dissertation.

Courses in budget and finance for higher education, enrollment and marketing, higher education policy, leading faculty and student affairs, institutional effectiveness, and fundraising and community relations solidify your knowledge, deepen your understanding and expose you to the latest research and developments in higher education.

Core courses in the theoretical foundations of human resources development, contemporary issues, leadership and talent development solidify your knowledge, deepen your understanding and expose you to the latest research and developments in HRD. An embedded organizational development and change specialization enhances your preparation with a strategic management perspective.

Dissertation is embedded throughout the coursework where students will be doing action research using best practices in qualitative and quantitative techniques.

During the program:

• Master leadership strategies tailored for higher education institutions.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing higher education today and in the future.
• Enhance your ability to create and implement effective policies and practices.
  
  

See All Higher Education Leadership Specialization Requirements

Visit the Department of Human Resource Development

What Can You Do With a Specialization in Higher Education Leadership?

The doctoral program in HRD from the Soules College of Business with a specialization in Higher Education Leadership will equip students with advanced skills and knowledge to help them advance their careers in higher education and pursue a variety of higher education leadership career paths and roles. Graduates with a PhD in HRD with a specialization in Higher Education Leadership can explore various career options including:

• Academic leadership roles within academic affairs in a community college or university.
• Leadership roles within student affairs, enrollment and management, financial management and other units.
• Higher education consultant.
• Educational technology consultant or leader.
• Leadership roles in advancement or alumni affairs.
• Faculty member.
• Leadership roles in companies supporting higher education industry.

How to Apply

Graduate Admission Requirements

The PhD in Human Resource Development is open to students with a master's degree in HRD, business administration, management or a related field from a college or university approved by a recognized regional accrediting body. Students may be admitted fully pending proof of a master’s degree, but enrollment in HRD doctoral coursework is not allowed until proof of a master’s degree is received.

Your application requires the following:

• Complete the online application.
• Official transcripts for all prior college- or graduate-level work, submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on all previous academic coursework.
• Submission of GMAT scores (in some cases, the GRE may be accepted in lieu of the GMAT) taken within five years at the time of application to the program to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
• Submission of a career statement that articulates the purpose for pursuing the PhD in HRD, describes potential research interests and illustrates how the attainment of the degree may influence future career goals.
• Submission of three original letters of recommendation that address the applicant's potential as a PhD scholar in HRD.
• Curriculum vitae/resume.
• Submission of a writing sample. Alternatively, a writing sample under timed conditions may be scheduled.
• Participation in an interview with program faculty on the admissions committee.

Please submit your career statement, letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae/resume and writing sample to:

The University of Texas at Tyler
Human Resource Development
3900 University Boulevard
Tyler, Texas 75799
Phone: 903.566.7310

Review All Application Requirements

See General Graduate School Admissions Requirements

Tuition

The estimated tuition for full-time, in-state, on-campus enrollment is $30,330. Tuition varies by delivery method and hours taken per semester. Calculate your estimated tuition with the tuition calculator.

Competitive scholarships are available for qualified students.

Important Dates

Priority Deadline: February 1

Application deadline for all students. Program cohorts begin the following fall.