Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy
Empowering Equity-Minded and Entrepreneurial Leaders
The Executive Ed.D. is a doctoral program in Higher Education Leadership launched in 2019 explicitly designed for working professionals aspiring to high-level administrative and executive roles in higher education. We develop students who will lead dynamic organizations in an increasingly complex world. Our courses are taught by renowned faculty and higher education administrators with years of experience in advancing the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Courses are offered on the UT Austin campus, with some online components.
Program Features
- Practitioner-focused curriculum
- Flexible schedule designed for current and aspiring executives
- Real-world, real-time application
- Cohort model: team collaboration, networking, shared learning
- Designed for completion in 30-36 months
- Face-to-face contact with renowned faculty, combined with eLearning
Key Competencies You Will Gain
- Social justice, inclusion, and equity foundations
- Assessment, evaluation, and research
- Law, policy, and governance
- Organization and human resources
- Leadership
- Student success and learning
- Technology in education
This program starts in the summer semester only. You must select the “summer” semester in the ApplyTexas application. If you apply to the wrong semester or incorrect program track in the Educational Leadership and Policy department in the ApplyTexas application, you could be subject to additional application fees.
The Student Experience
Application Requirements
Important Notice
This program requires additional materials beyond the Graduate School Application, such as pre-requisites, program-specific documents or other information. Please make sure to check with the department/program in order to ensure you have submitted all required application materials on or before the deadline.
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 to allow us time to process your information. Learn more on our How to Apply page.
GRE test scores are not required and submitted test scores will not be considered.
- 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.
- 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 and which faculty member(s) you would like to work with; and
- what personal experiences, achievements, and accomplishments, best reflect your strengths and fit for admission to the executive Ed.D. higher education leadership program.
- Submission of a 4-6-page writing sample (e.g., master’s thesis, published article, paper prepared for a professional conference, etc.) after you receive an acknowledgment email from the Graduate School. This email will also contain your UT EID and temporary password, as well as a link to the Online Admissions Status Check page. From this site, you will be given the opportunity to upload your essay.
- 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 towards 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 30 months in written form.
About Our Program
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...
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.
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
Focuses on university-wide campus climate initiatives such as developing inclusive classrooms, campus climate issues and support, and recruitment/retention of faculty of color at predominantly white institutions.
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 |
Additional Resources
Program Starts: Summer
Deadline to Apply:
Priority: December 1
Official: January 15
Credit Hours Required: 57
Schedule: Full Time
Program Location: On Campus
GRE Required? No
Faculty Director
Michael Nava
Specialist, Program Director
Joe Wilcox
Let us know what your academic interests are within the College of Education and we’ll be in touch.
