Higher Education Program Overview

Welcome to the Higher Education Program at Texas Tech University.  Our program is committed to preparing administrative and instructional leaders for service at colleges and universities in both the public and private sectors.  We accomplish this goal by providing outstanding classroom instruction, generating and supporting research, and offering professional support to our students and the American and international higher education enterprises. 

Our students come from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds.  Many program participants have either worked at, or are currently employed by, a college or university.  To accommodate the needs of these working professionals, the Higher Education Program routinely offers a variety of evening and Saturday courses.  Some of these courses utilize distance education delivery systems.      

We offer three academic programs.  The first of these is for the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree.  Students may pursue either of two tracks:  higher education administration (36 semester hours) or student affairs (39 semester hours).  Each track offers a thesis and nonthesis option.   

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is designed for 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 will prepare 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.  It requires approximately 93 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.  Ph.D. candidates must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in conducting independent research.  They will make an original contribution to the body of knowledge related to higher education by completing a dissertation. 

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is designed for students wanting to achieve a superior level of competency in his or her professional field.  Students pursuing this degree can focus on one of three functional areas:  community college leadership, university administration, or student affairs.  It requires approximately 93 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.  Ed.D candidates must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in conducting independent research.  They will make an original contribution to the body of knowledge related to higher education by completing a dissertation.