Online Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration

Online Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Ed.D. in higher education administration

Pursuing the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Ed.D. in higher education administration online at KU is a great way to enhance your career and earning potential. This degree is taught by full-time, nationally recognized faculty to help you apply the most recent scholarship and research skills to advance your career in colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations.

The KU School of Education and Human Sciences — recently ranked No. 7 in the nation on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Public Education Schools — sets you on a path of success through its student support, welcoming community, and professional development.

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About KU’s online Ed.D. in higher education administration

Learn more about this online program

Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.

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Online Ed.D. in higher education administration program snapshot

3 years

fastest degree completion option

$99K*

median income with this degree

No. 7

Best Public Education Schools, U.S. News & World Report

*Source: Lightcast - publicaffairs.ku.edu/about-lightcast

What careers are possible with an online Ed.D. in higher education administration?

Specifically designed for pursuing a career in colleges and universities, the Ed.D. in higher education administration equips you with the most recent and relevant research skills and scholarship. This program prepares you for mid-level administrative positions in student affairs, student support services, and institutional research, to high-level positions, like university presidents, deans, and provosts.

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Lisa Wolf-Wendel, Professor and Program Coordinator

How flexible is online learning at KU?

KU’s online degree programs are designed with your busy schedule in mind and offer the flexibility to study wherever — and often whenever — is most convenient for you. Our online courses are taught by the same highly regarded faculty and expert instructors and consist of the same rigorous curriculum and instruction as our on-campus programs.

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Why get an online Ed.D. in higher education administration from KU?

The program offers unmatched opportunities and flexibility for working professionals who seek to advance their careers and develop specialized knowledge and skills in the competitive higher education administration field. The program curriculum, with integrated supports, is designed to make it possible to complete the degree in three years, depending on how long it takes to complete your dissertation. The coursework emphasizes real-world application that won’t just add to your resumé, but will strengthen it.

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Lisa Wolf-Wendel, Professor and Program Coordinator

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Program details

Ready to dig into the details? Learn more about KU’s online Ed.D. in higher education administration.

Costs

The flat-rate tuition for fully online Ed.D. students is $595 per credit hour regardless of a student’s residency status. Flat-rate programs are not subject to additional course or campus fees. Click below to learn more.

Admission

Degree-seeking students must follow the admission process of their program. For details and steps to apply, click below.

Curriculum

Click below for a full list of courses for this online program.

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FAQ: online Ed.D. in higher education administration

For the cohort beginning in summer 2026, Feb. 3, 2026, is the priority application deadline, and March 3, 2026, is the final deadline.

Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:

Complete the Online Application
- On the Graduate Program Info section of the application, you must choose the following to apply to the Online Higher Education Administration (EdD).
  - "Yes" you are applying to a fully online program.
  - Academic Intention is "Degree-Seeking."
  - Academic Area of Interest is "Education."
  - Academic Program is "Educational Leadership and Policy (EdD)."
  - Academic Subplan is "Online Higher Education Administration (EdD)."
Official academic transcripts.
Current resume or CV.
Statement of personal objectives.
One professional writing sample.
Contact information for three professional references.
Application fee.

English proficiency and translation of transcripts required if applicable.

For additional information regarding these requirements visit the Department of Educational Leadership and Policies Studies academic details page for the Ed.D in Higher Education Administration.

Students can complete this degree in three years, including summers, depending on the time necessary to complete a dissertation.

Yes, the online doctorate is offered fully remote.

This online doctorate degree is specifically designed with working professionals in mind. Coursework will have both synchronous (Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 6–8 p.m. CST) and asynchronous (available at any time) elements that can be outlined by your program advisor.

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