Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy
Best Suited To
Created for working professionals ready to take the next step in their leadership journey, the Executive Ed.D. provides a flexible, cohort‑driven experience that integrates face‑to‑face engagement, online coursework, and meaningful collaboration with seasoned faculty and peers.
Career Objective
Graduates of the program are prepared for senior-level positions such as dean, vice president, chancellor and other executive roles by learning how to shape policy, strengthen organizational performance and drive meaningful change across educational settings.
At a Glance
Program Starts: Summer
Deadline to Apply:
Priority: December 1
Final: January 15
Length of Program: 30-36 months
Program Location: On campus (some online components)
GRE Required? No
Empowering Innovative and Entrepreneurial Leaders
The Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership develops students who will lead dynamic organizations in an increasingly complex world. Our courses are taught by faculty and administrators with decades of experience serving as leaders at the highest levels at educational institutions around the nation.
Our program features:
- Practitioner-focused curriculum that provides real-world, real-time applications
- Flexible schedule designed for current and aspiring executives
- Cohort model that emphasizes team collaboration, networking and shared learning
- Face-to-face interactions with renowned faculty combined with eLearning
Key competencies you will gain:
- An understanding the origins of disparate educational viewpoints and how to navigate them
- How to assess and evaluate research
- An understanding of law, policy and governance
- The importance of human resources and technology in education
- Leadership skills
- How to foster student success and learning
Faculty Director
Michael Nava
Specialist, Program Director
Joe Wilcox
Academic Program Coordinator
Anthony Martinez
(512) 232-2165
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Jacinda Herrera
Program Overview
Application Requirements
All graduate students are required to apply through the Graduate School website. We strongly encourage you to start this process well in advance of the deadline.
Important Notice: This program requires additional materials beyond the Graduate School Application.
Master’s Degree
A master’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution, or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution in education, the social sciences, or related field.
Statement of Purpose
A statement of purpose that describes:
- Why you are interested in the Executive Ed.D. program at UT Austin
- How does an Executive Ed.D. support your career goals and aspirations during and after you complete your degree
- What type of research would you be interested in conducting for your treatise in practice
- Which faculty member(s) you would like to work with
- What personal experiences, achievements and accomplishments best reflect your strengths and fit for admission to the executive Ed.D. higher education leadership program.
Writing Sample
Four-six page writing sample. After you submit your application, you will receive an acknowledgment email from the Graduate School. This email will contain your UT EID and temporary password, as well as a link to the Online Admissions Status Check page. Upload your writing sample to this site. Your writing sample can be your master’s thesis, a published article, a paper prepared for a professional conference or something similar.
Three Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation:
Professional: Please provide one recommendation from a recent or current direct supervisor. If you are unable to ask a recent or current direct supervisor for a recommendation, we advise you to select an indirect supervisor or a client for your recommendation. The Admissions Committee is looking for insights from an individual who has a superior knowledge of you as a professional and should speak to your work qualities and leadership potential.
Academic: Please provide one recommendation from a faculty member. If you are unable to ask a recent or current faculty member for a recommendation, we recommend asking an advisor for a recommendation. The Admissions Committee is looking for insights from an individual who has a superior knowledge of you as a student and should speak to your qualities and academic potential.
Employer support letter: Your employer’s support while you work toward earning your Ed.D. is important. Ideally, the person you select should be a direct supervisor who acknowledges the time, energy and discipline it will take to complete an executive program in 36 months in written form.
Program Requirements
Departmental Core: (12 hours)
- ELP 390E Economics & Finance Policy
- ELP 390P Educational Politics & Policy
- ELP 390R Organizational Design & Behavior
- ELP 390D Pro-Seminar/Systems of Higher Education
Specialization Courses: (15 hours)
- ELP 395L Higher Education Law
- ELP 395C Advanced Issues in Higher Education (Capstone)
- ELP 395K Ethical Leadership & Governance
- ELP 395K Leadership for Social Justice, Equity & Inclusion
- ELP 395K Strategic Planning/Change Management
Research and Inquiry (methods): (12 hours)
- ELP 391E Epistemologies of Educational Research
- EDP 391Q Qualitative Research Design
- ELP 395K Research Design: Literature Review and Theories
- ELP 390Q Quantitative Research Methods
Cognate Courses outside the Department: (9 hours)
- PA 382E Enterprise Mgt: Budget and Finance
- EDP 380D Program Evaluation Models & Techniques
- EDC 385G Culture, Gender, and Race in Organizations
Practicum/Field Experience: (3 hours)
- ELP 393N Graduate practicum: Prof. Dev Series (field experience)
Treatise: (6hrs)
- ELP 399K / EDA 399K (can be taken for 3, 6, or 9 hours per semester)
- ELP 399L / EDA 399L (can be taken for 3, 6, or 9 hours per semester)
- ELP 399K/L or EDA 399K/L (if needed)
Download the Program of Study (PDF)
Comparing the PHEL Ed.D. and Ph.D. Qualifiers
| Key Qualifiers for | Exec Ed.D. | Ph.D. |
|---|---|---|
| Fully employed | Yes | Depends |
| Full-time student | Yes | Depends |
| Part-time student | No | Depends |
| Ability to meet flexible schedule | Yes | No |
| Number of years in higher ed leadership role | 5-8 | 3-8 |
| Work in close relation to higher ed | Yes | Preferred |
| Degree increases potential for future leadership impact | Yes | Provides potential |
| Employer endorsement | Ideal/preferred | Not required |
| Diverse life skills and experiences | Yes | Yes |
| Social justice passion | Yes | Yes |
| Ability to demonstrate to emotional intelligence & self-awareness | Yes | Yes |
| Academic/Research aspirations | No | Yes |
| Practitioner aspirations | Yes | Provides the opportunity |
| Ability to complete prescribed curriculum (57 hours in 30 months) | Yes | No |
Program Costs
The expenses shown in the table below are for the cohort starting the Executive Ed.D. in the Higher Education Leadership Program in 2026.
| Semester | Hours | Course Cost/hour | Program Fee | Cost |
| Summer 2025 | 9 | $1,195/hour | $1,200 | $11,955 |
| Fall 2025 | 9 | $1,195/hour | $1,200 | $11,955 |
| Spring 2026 | 9 | $1,195/hour | $1,200 | $11,955 |
| Summer 2026 | 9 | $1,195/hour | $1,200 | $11,955 |
| Fall 2026 | 9 | $1,195/hour | $1,200 | $11,955 |
| Spring 2027 | 6 | $1,195/hour | $900 | $8,070 |
| Summer 2027 | 3 | $1,195/hour | $600 | $4,185 |
| Fall 2027 | 3 | $1,195/hour | $600 | $4,185 |
| Total Program Cost: $76,215* |
Tuition costs for the 2026 cohort.
By comparison, the average total cost for a traditional Ph.D. in Education at UT Austin is between $73,000-$85,000 (Texas Resident) based on an average of 5.5 years for completion.
By maintaining a low cost of attendance, UT Austin continues to ensure universal access to a world-class education under the guidance of exemplary faculty at one of the top-rated institutions of higher education in the world. The Executive Ed.D. program in Higher Education Leadership is delivered in a format that enables you to maintain full-time employment while pursuing your degree.
Executive Ed.D. students are eligible for federal student loans. Students are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. You may contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for additional information and requirements.
The Student Experience
Professor and Chair, Department of Social Sciences, Laredo College Laredo, TX
“The program’s practitioner-based model, in-person instruction, emphasis on social justice, and progressive curriculum reflect my values and goals. UT Austin’s world-class faculty and focus on innovation will allow me to deepen my ability to address systemic challenges and lead institutional change in ways that prioritize access and student success.”
Director of Pipeline Development and Outreach, UT Austin School of Law
“Pursuing the Executive Ed.D. program represents not just the next step in my career but a personal promise to continue dismantling barriers, opening doors, and changing the trajectories of students who, like me, dared to believe that their circumstances would not define their destinies.”
Christopher Rzigalinski
Service-Learning & Community Engagement Specialist at Austin Community College
“I chose the Executive Ed.D. program because I knew it would challenge me with academic rigor, in-person energy, and unparalleled professional development opportunities. I’m excited to see where my experience at UT guides me. “
Faculty
Core Faculty
Works in support of first-generation, low-income and underserved populations in the areas of student development, retention, academic support, assessment and advising.
Leads the Project MALES (Mentoring to Achieve Latino Educational Success Initiative focused on Latino males in education; seeks to advance research-informed policy solutions that enhance educational outcomes for students in secondary and post-seconda...
Accepting new students
Follows trends around cultural and racial identities, agency, migration, and social movements in education.
Expertise in Title IV policy and administration and higher education fundraising. Focused on issues of college affordability, under-represented student recruitment, and donor relations.
Faculty in Residence
Deputy Director for Curriculum & Enrollment and Undergraduate Studies, Undergraduate College
Interests include higher education policy and planning focused on expanding participation in higher education, improving graduation rates, and ensuring success in the workforce.
Dr. Juan C. Gonzalez is Clinical Professor in the College of Education within the Program in Higher Education Leadership (PHEL). His expertise in student affairs leadership and administration, improving the college student experience, and expanding ...
Executive Vice Chancellor of Operations and Public Affairs, Austin Community College
Provost/ Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs at Austin Community College
Centers research on college student identity development, personal branding for student leaders, and work/life integration for student affairs administrators
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the program provide financial assistance, graduate assistantships or scholarships to students?
Students in the Executive Ed.D. are eligible only for federally guaranteed loans and some private-sector loans. Please refer to the Office of Student Financial Services for more details.
What is the billing process like for the Executive Ed.D. program?
Registration, billing and payment will conform to published university deadlines and follow official university procedures.
Students can choose an installment plan that breaks their semester bill into three monthly payments. If they don’t use a plan, the full amount is due by the semester payment deadline.
All registered courses will be canceled through the automated process if payment is not made by the published deadline.
Can the Hinson-Hazlewood Act Exemptions be used for the Executive Ed.D. program?
Students in Option III, which includes the Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education, programs are not eligible for Hinson-Hazlewood Act Exemptions (for Texas ex-servicemen and their children) but may be eligible for GI Bill benefits. Additional information may be obtained by calling the Veteran’s Services Office at 512-475-7540 or by email at gibill@austin.utexas.edu.
What does Option III mean?
Option III is a category of degree program for the Executive Ed.D. This type of program is a non-formula funded program. Please refer to this page on the Graduate School’s website.
Can you transfer hours into the Executive Ed.D. program?
The Executive Ed.D. program adheres to the Graduate School transfer credit policy. Please refer to the transfer credit policy on our wiki.
How is enrollment certified?
Enrollment certification is verified by the Office of the Registrar and is determined by the number of hours for which a student is registered. Enrollment data will be obtained from official university records.
What happens if you withdraw and/or drop courses?
Refunds will be calculated according to standard university policies and procedures. Refunds for student withdrawal and dropped courses will be sent to the appropriate Option III program
Does the department only have one Ed.D. degree?
No. In addition to the Executive Ed.D.in Higher Education Leadership, we offer an Ed.D. for those interested in becoming a superintendent. Please see our Cooperative Superintendency Program (CSP) page for more information.
What characteristics should a typical applicant demonstrate?
The program serves students who:
- Are employed full-time with the ability to be a full-time student in order to participate and complete our 30-36 month program,
- Have five to eight years of leadership working experience,
- Have support and endorsement from their supervisors,
- Have well-articulated career aspirations,
- Have an ability to understand and navigate disparate educational viewpoints while demonstrating emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Please note this is not an exhaustive list.
Could I move from the Ed.D. program to the Ph.D. or vice versa?
We prefer and encourage doctoral students to thoughtfully commit to their admitted program of choice. Ultimately the decision rests on the student and the recommendation of their advisor.
Can a student who was not accepted to the Ph.D. program opt into the Ed.D. program?
No. The application processes and requirements are separate and distinct.
Will the research methods courses be as rigorous as those required for the Ph.D.?
While our curriculum is practitioner‑based and emphasizes real‑world problem‑solving, students will need a rigorous foundation in research knowledge and skills so they can think analytically and ask the right questions. The profession demands strong investigative, exploratory and analytical abilities.
Throughout the program, students will engage in an active practitioner‑scholar research agenda. This will be demonstrated through substantive classroom participation, analytical written work, and involvement in research teams, conference presentations, and other scholarly activities.
Who teaches courses and advises students?
Our renowned faculty design and provide primary instruction and advising. We also have guest scholars who provide instruction. Our guest scholars have many years of experience leading and holding prominent roles at institutions of higher education.
Does the Ed.D. program focus its instruction on community college or 4-year institutions?
The Executive Ed.D. program in Higher Education Leadership is designed for working professionals in any area of higher education, from community colleges to 4-year research institutions, and prepares leaders in both the public and private sectors. This Executive Ed.D. degree accentuates sophisticated management skills where students are prepared for higher education leadership positions. The 30-36 month curriculum connects theoretical foundations to new knowledge in real-world situations. Students are prepared to achieve success in a wide variety of higher education institutions.
How important is my employer’s support?
As an Executive Ed.D. student, your employer’s support is important. One of your recommendation letters must be a letter of support from your current employer. Ideally, the person you select should be a direct supervisor or from your leadership team who acknowledges, in writing, the time, energy, and discipline it will take to complete an executive program in 30 months.
Upon acceptance into the program, the department will provide you with a letter to present to your employer for signature and acknowledgment of their commitment to you as an Executive Ed.D. student and to your professional goals.
Additional Information
Let us know what your academic interests are within the College of Education and we’ll be in touch.
Our Alumni
“The Executive Ed.D. program at UT Austin’s College of Education was thoughtfully designed for working professionals. Weekend classes and clear milestones made it possible for me to earn my doctorate in just three years while balancing a full-time career and family. The faculty were incredible mentors, and the curriculum—from leadership and policy to finance—was both rigorous and practical. This experience truly transformed my leadership journey.”
— Kristin Spindler, Ed.D. ’23
