Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education - Public Policy in Postsecondary Education

The Public Policy in Postsecondary Education Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education program examines the social, economic, and political factors that affect postsecondary institutions, particularly the impact of local, state, and federal policies on students, faculty, and other constituencies. The doctoral program prepares students for careers in academics or in organizations such as state or federal government agencies, professional associations, or specialized offices within colleges and universities. Students come to the program already possessing a strong interest in public policy and seek to serve as university administrators, educators, policy analysts andor researchers in the field of postsecondary education. The curriculum enables students to participate more effectively in policy processes and prepares graduates for a wide variety of positions in institutions of postsecondary education, policy positions at the local, state, national, and international level, andor positions with non-governmental organizations, educational associations, or policy institutes. Students are assigned an academic advisor from among the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education (CSHPE) faculty members, based on shared professional interests. Students and advisors work together to develop a plan of study that is appropriate to the student’s background and career interests. As students progress, they meet annually with CSHPE faculty, who conduct an academic review of students’ progress to ensure all needs are being met.