Doctor of Education in Higher Education

The doctoral programs in Higher Education at Penn State are rated among the best in the country every year. Not only is this the result of compelling and diverse coursework, but due to the exceptional caliber of the program's faculty, they are leading scholars in the field (please refer to faculty pages for additional information). In addition, exemplary doctoral programs have exemplary alumni, and the graduates of Penn State's doctoral programs are second to none. Positions of graduates range, for example, from Director of the ERIC Clearinghouse on Higher Education to a faculty member in the University of Michigan's Higher Education Program, to Chair of the Educational Leadership Department at Florida State University. Our graduates are college presidents, top administrators in state-wide coordinating agencies, and vice presidents and deans of colleges and universities. Others are involved in national foundations and associations. Additionally, the publication activity of our graduates is noteworthy and extensive, and more than a few are leading scholars in areas of higher education.

A copy of official transcripts/documents from all post-secondary institutions of higher education attended. International applicants must upload university records in the language of instruction (and copies of an official English translation if English is not the language of instruction).
GRE/GMAT/LSAT test scores are not required for Ph.D. applicants who apply for Fall 2022 admission. However, while GRE/GMAT/LSAT test scores are not required for admission decisions, GRE/GMAT/LSAT test scores are required for consideration of certain funding/fellowship opportunities.
An essay that highlights: a) strengths, skills, and experiences, b) particular interests, c) particular faculty members with whom you may be interested to collaborate, d) evidence of your commitment and contributions to equity in your academic and/or professional life, and e) specific ways in which doctoral education in the field of higher education may assist you in pursuing professional goals.
Resume
Three letters of recommendation, at least one of which must be an academic reference and at least one of which must be a professional reference. You will be asked to submit the names and email addresses of your referents. Then, each referent will be sent an email message directing them to the appropriate site to upload a letter of recommendation on your behalf. You will be notified by email when each recommendation letter is submitted, but you will not be able to view the letter. (NOTE: All recommendation letters must be submitted before the application deadline to be considered for admission).
Doctoral Assistantship Application (if applicable)
International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisaaional admission, enrollment, and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. Revised TOEFL PBT July 2017 and later 60