Higher Education
About the Program
The higher education program at Texas Tech University is a competency-based program for those who wish to lead change and reform higher education settings. It is designed to develop scholarly practitioners that understand the importance of equity and social justice. Graduates of the program are equipped to apply theories and practical research as tools to name, frame, and solve problems of practice, using empirical evidence to evaluate impact and develop innovative solutions for colleges and universities.
Standards
Program work within Higher Education is developed and guided by a strong conceptual framework, the standards from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), guidelines from numerous professional associations, and the sound professional judgment of an experienced and caring faculty.
Degree/Certification Programs of Study
There are five options for study/degree within the Higher Education Program.
Graduate Certification in Higher Education Administration offers opportunities for any individual interested in working in colleges and universities to hone their skills by taking coursework that focuses on the current trends and methodologies in the higher education administration sector. A minimum of 15 semester credit hours is required for certification.
The Master of Education program in Higher Education offers opportunities for individuals who seek careers in middle management, teaching, and leadership positions at community colleges and universities. A minimum of 39 semester credit hours is required for the Masters program. Students have a thesis and a non-thesis option.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Higher Education - Higher Education Research is designed for full-time students wanting to contribute to the knowledge base of teaching, education, and leadership by acquiring a thorough grounding in the conduct of research. This program prepares students for careers as institutional researchers and planners; administrators with an orientation towards research, sponsored programs, or grants; program assessment and evaluation specialists; research associates; and faculty members in colleges or universities. It requires 96 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.
A second doctoral program, culminating in a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree, is designed for working professionals in higher education wanting to achieve a superior level of competency in their professional field. The Ed.D. focuses on developing scholarly practitioners in the field of higher education. It requires approximately 93 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree. It is a three (3) year program.
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)in Higher Education - Community College Administration prepares students to be scholarly practitioners who are equipped to face the unique challenges found in community college settings. This program is predominantly web-based and uses a cohort model. It requires approximately 93 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree and takes three (3) years to complete.
All of the above programs are described in detail through a variety of online handbooks and documents that are accessed through the links found on this homepage.
For information about the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration or the Masters in Higher Education program, please contact Dr. Colette Taylor at colette.taylor@ttu.edu or 806-834-4903.
For information about the Doctoral Programs in Higher Education, please contact Dr. Stephanie J. Jones at stephanie.j.jones@ttu.edu or 806-834-1380.