GRADUATE Programs hybrid
Doctor of Education in Adult & Higher Education
The Doctor of Education in Adult & Higher Education (Ed.D-AHE) is designed for students interested in advancing in higher education leadership. The program may be completed in 3-4 years and is offered in a part-time, hybrid format.
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Applications are open for a 2026 start!Apply by the priority deadline of February 1, 2026. |
Advance your leadership in higher education.
The Doctor of Education in Adult & Higher Education will help you gain the knowledge and experience you need to take on leadership roles in higher education. Admitted students hold a variety of administrative positions and graduates have gone on to serve as institutional presidents for colleges and universities across the country.
Rooted in equity and social justice
The coursework and research interests of faculty in the Doctor of Adult & Higher Education program are rooted in equity and social justice, with a focus on equity-based research in practice.
The curriculum is tailored to meet the current needs of leaders at technical colleges, community colleges, and 4-year colleges and universities. All classes are developed and taught by OSU's renowned faculty and higher education leaders who bring real-world expertise to the classroom.
Learn with other higher education professionals in a flexible, hybrid cohort
The Ed.D.-AHE program is offered in a hybrid format for the first two years with a learning cohort both in-person and online. Classes are held two weekends each term at the OSU Portland Center. Each cohort has an average of 12-15 students.
As a member of an active learning community, students collaborate with working professionals in higher education settings from throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Classes include a blend of applied research, leadership, and higher education. The program offers a 5-part research series, including Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation. Other notable courses include Higher Education Administration I and II, Contemporary Issues, Policy Issues, Organizational Development & Change, and Legal Issues.
The program offers hybrid learning with a cohort of 12-15 students. Classes meet twice per term at the OSU Portland Center in Portland, Oregon, otherwise fully online and asynchronous.Cohort meetings are half-day Thursday, all day Friday, and half-day Saturday.
Students who have graduated from this program are prepared for careers in higher education upper administration. Career titles include college of university president, chief diversity officer, associate vice provost, and associate dean.
The Ed.D. requires at least three years of full-time professional experience in a two-year or four-year higher education organization (i.e. college or university).
On average, students entering the program hold a variety of administrative positions including directors, deans, and vice presidents. Students accepted to our recent cohort hold between 4-25 years of higher education experience.
A new cohort of students will begin Fall term. The priority deadline for the program is February 1st. Applications accepted after this date will be reviewed on a space available basis.
"I pursued a doctorate in education because, after more than 20 years as an educator, I wanted to deepen my understanding of how to truly empower students...
This degree didn’t just teach me new ideas—it helped me see the value of the perspective I already had."
Dr. Meredith Stone, Class of 2025
Are you ready to take your next steps?
Get in touch with our team to learn more about the College of Education.