Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy
Designed For
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.
Sample Career Outcomes
- Dean of Students • University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Chancellor and Regional Vice-President • Western Governors University
- Vice President of Student Success • Fordham University
- Associate Vice Provost • University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Director Financial Shared Service • University of Texas System
- Head of Product • Austin Community College
- Vice President of Academic Affairs • College of the Mainland
- Director Students Services • Colorado State University
Information Sessions
Your Next Leadership Chapter Starts Here.
Advance your career with UT Austin’s Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership Program, designed for working professionals.
Join a digital information session and explore what is possible. If you attend a digital information session, apply to the program and are admitted—we’ll reimburse your application fee.
At a Glance
Program Starts: Summer
Deadline to Apply:
Priority: December 1
Final: January 15
Length of Program: 36 months
Program Location: On campus (some online components)
GRE Required? No
The Inaugural Summit
The Texas Ed.D. Higher Education Leadership Summit recently brought together Ed.D. alumni for a day of meaningful engagement and professional growth. Through thoughtful conversations, networking and shared learning, the summit fostered reflection, collaboration and inspired action among the scholar-practitioners of the Texas Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership program. We are looking forward to connecting with everyone again next year.
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 Gonzales
Program Details
Application Requirements
All graduate students are required to apply via the Graduate Program Application for Admission. We strongly encourage you to start this process well in advance of the deadline.
Important Notice: This program requires additional materials beyond the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies 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
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 credit 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 credit hours)
- ELP 395L Higher Education Law
- ELP 395C Advanced Issues in Higher Education (Capstone)
- ELP 395K Ethical Leadership & Governance
- ELP 395K Higher Education Perspectives
- ELP 395K Strategic Planning/Change Management
Research and Inquiry (methods): (12 credit 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 credit 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 credit hours)
- ELP 393N Graduate practicum: Prof. Dev Series (field experience)
Treatise: (6 credit hours)
- ELP 399M / ELP 699M (can be taken for 3, 6, or 9 credit hours per semester)
- ELP 399N / EDA 699N (can be taken for 3, 6, or 9 credit hours per semester)
Comparing the PHEL Ed.D. and Ph.D. Qualifiers
| Key qualifiers | 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 |
| Years in higher ed leadership role | 5–8 | 3–8 |
| Work related to higher education | 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 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.
By comparison, the average total cost for a traditional Ph.D. in Education at UT Austin is between $85,000-$100,000 (Texas Resident) based on an average of 5.5 years for completion.
| Semester | Hours | Course Cost/hour | Program Fee | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2027 | 9 | $1,195/hour | $1,200 | $11,955 |
| Fall 2027 | 9 | $1,195/hour | $1,200 | $11,955 |
| Spring 2028 | 9 | $1,195/hour | $1,200 | $11,955 |
| Summer 2028 | 9 | $1,195/hour | $1,200 | $11,955 |
| Fall 2028 | 9 | $1,195/hour | $1,200 | $11,955 |
| Spring 2029 | 6 | $1,195/hour | $900 | $8,070 |
| Summer 2029 | 3 | $1,195/hour | $600 | $4,185 |
| Fall 2029 | 3 | $1,195/hour | $600 | $4,185 |
| Spring 2030 | 3 | $1,195/hour | $600 | $4,185 |
| Total Program Cost: $80,400 |
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.
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
Director of Development and Assessment Initiatives, Texas Student Experience
Former Associate Vice President for the Longhorn Center for Academic Excellence
Former Deputy Commissioner for Academic Planning and Policy and Chief Academic Officer, Texas Higher Education Board
Former Vice President of Student Affairs, University of Texas at Austin, Arizona State University, Georgetown University.
Committed to fostering educational spaces where learners feel supported, valued and able to thrive.
Former Executive Vice Chancellor of Operations and Public Affairs, Austin Community College
Associate Vice Chancellor, Student Rights & Engagement, Austin Community College
Senior leader and attorney with 21 years in the public/private sector, including 15 years in higher education.
Executive Vice Chancellor for the Future, Austin Community College
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, College of Pharmacy
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.
Does the program have an application fee?
The program does not but UT does and if you attend a digital information session, apply to the program, and are admitted, the Executive Ed. D. program will reimburse your application fee.
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
Samples of Treatise in Practice
The Executive Ed.D. Experience
Jennifer Charles
Associate Vice President for Human Resources at Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas
“The Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership brings together the experiences that have shaped me, including a lifelong connection to UT, a commitment to institutional leadership, and a belief that meaningful change happens when people are equipped to lead it. For me, this program is not a new direction, but the continuation of a journey focused on serving institutions and the people who make them thrive.”
Kasey Klepfer
Senior Research & Policy Analyst, The University of Texas System
“The Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership was a natural fit because it allows me to continue advancing my career while deepening my leadership skills and understanding of the issues shaping higher education. What has made the experience truly transformative, however, is the cohort. The relationships we’ve built, the support we provide one another, and the shared commitment to improving higher education have already made a lasting impact on both my professional growth and personal journey.”
