Old Dominion University offers the PhD of Higher Education as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for higher education and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 28, 2027.

About PhD in Higher Education

The Ph.D. program draws in students from all over the US and world due to its comprehensive curriculum, nationally recognized faculty, and emphasis on scholarship, mentorship, and leadership. The Ph.D. program prepares individuals with the skills to carry out scholarly research, lead organizations, and create new knowledge. In addition to core courses, a combination of experiences, including seminars, programs, and international study abroad opportunities, complement students' learning.

Our signature 5:5:5 approach lets students build a personalized plan of study based on their academic and career goals, including academic, administrative, and policy-related careers
Our program is 1 of 4 programs in the U.S. with a specialized focus on International Education among over 350+ programs listed in NASPA's Graduate Program Directory
We believe mentorship is essential for professional development and academic success, so students work closely with their academic advisors throughout the program and are assigned peer advisors to help with their transition to the program
Ph.D. students begin their program at our premiere annual event: the Summer Institute, a national event where students engage one-on-one with faculty members and build strong, supportive relationships with each other

Disciplines

Darden College of Education & Professional Studies

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Higher Education at Old Dominion University

Entry Requirements

Application and $50 fee
Equivalent U.S. Bachelor's Degree
All prior Secondary/High School or College/University transcripts along with Diploma or Leaving Certificate.
Demonstrated English Language Proficiency
Financial Documentation (seeking F/J visas only)
Passport identification
Requirements & deadlines vary by program
1. Standardized Test Results (GRE, GMAT, MAT, MCAT, PRAXIS)
2. Essay/Personal Statement/Resume
3. Letters of Recommendation

Send all materials & correspondence to

International Admissions
Old Dominion University
2101 Dragas Hall
Norfolk, VA 23529 USA

Required Credentials

As a service to applicants, the Office of International Admissions evaluates all foreign academic credentials. All documents submitted during the application process become the property of Old Dominion University and cannot be returned.

Transcripts, translations and standardized tests must be official, sealed, stamped by the institution or testing agency and sent directly to the Office of International Admissions at Old Dominion University.
Testing authorities may include the Registrar or the Principal/Controller of Examinations.
When English is not the language of instruction, academic transcripts are required in both English and one's native language. Certified official translations by a licensed or professional translator must accompany academic documents not written in English. Translations of official documents completed by the student will not be accepted.
Once submitted, no additional documents can be uploaded through the online application. If you wish to include additional credentials, attach and send them directly to [email protected]. Please be sure your name and date of birth are clearly indicated in the email subject line.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Career Opportunities after Completing PhD in Higher Education

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn–half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Social Science Research Assistants

$49,030 Median Salary

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

Education Administrators, All Other

$88,240 Median Salary

All education administrators not listed separately.

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

$72,410 Median Salary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

$107,670 Median Salary

Plan, direct, or coordinate research, instructional, student administration and services, and other educational activities at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Higher Education at Old Dominion University

Application Fee 50

How to Apply for PhD in Higher Education at Old Dominion University

Your Choice

The Common Application, which allows you to complete one application and designate it to be used for multiple institutions, OR the new Old Dominion University Application. The choice is yours.

Our Commitment

Whichever method you choose, the admissions staff at Old Dominion University is committed to processing your application in a timely manner. Questions concerning the admissions process may be directed to [email protected], 757-683-3685. Questions relative to The Common Application need to be directed to the Help Center found at commonapp.org

Old Dominion University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Visit https://www.odu.edu/equity for more information.