Doctoral
Part-Time Only
Fall
Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
About the EdD in Higher Education at Loyola
University and college administrators help shape the future of education, impacting the lives of countless students, faculty, and communities. Perhaps now more than ever, colleges and universities need effective, social justice-oriented leaders.
If you are interested in a rewarding, influential career, Loyola University Chicago's EdD in Higher Education will:
- Prepare you for executive-level leadership in higher education institutions,
- Draw upon your professional and lived experiences, and
- Introduce theory, research, and coursework to become an advocate for change and social justice.
With an EdD degree from Loyola's nationally esteemed School of Education, ranked in the top 3 graduate programs in Chicago, you will be empowered with the distinct and competitive skills you need to accelerate your career in higher education.
What is an EdD degree? The EdD vs. PhD in Higher Education
Since the EdD and PhD in Higher Education are both terminal degrees, students often wonder which option is best for them. An EdD is a doctorate in higher education focused on leadership and management. It is best suited for you if your goal is to advance your career in higher education to the executive level.
A PhD in Higher Education is a doctoral program focused on scholarship and research. Like EdD degrees, it can also prepare you for careers in postsecondary education administration. However, it is best suited for you if you are interested in holding instructional, academic, or research positions, such as professorships.
Program Structure
The EdD in Higher Education is a part-time program offered in 8-week sessions (one course per 8-week session). Coursework can be completed in 2.5 years by taking two courses per semester, including a summer session. The dissertation adds 6-18 months.
Courses are offered in a hybrid format, delivered online with one in-person meeting per 8-week session.
Why Choose Loyola for Your EdD in Higher Education Degree?
At Loyola, you will join a program taught by world-class faculty that embraces the values of Jesuit tradition. Our EdD emphasizes individualized instruction, reflection, and service learning, distinguishing it among other higher education degree programs.
- A flexible, hybrid format
- An emphasis on practice
- Exceptional faculty
- Rooted in Jesuit tradition
- A focus on diversity and inclusion
- Close-knit cohorts
Earn your EdD in Higher Education online while benefiting from in-person connections. Your courses will be delivered online, but you will meet in-person on a weekend at the beginning of each semester. This format allows you to develop rapport with professors and build relationships with your cohort while balancing your other responsibilities.
Examine how to connect theory and research to practice. Our program emphasizes development of scholar-practitioners, encouraging you to put your research and ideas into action. In your dissertation project, you will carry out research that brings together theory and practice around a critical issue in higher education.
Learn from respected faculty who bring their postsecondary education experience to the classroom. Many have active careers in higher education administration, overseeing centers for learning and various schools at Loyola. All of our faculty are widely published and have conducted extensive research, particularly on equity and inclusion.
Develop academically, spiritually, and personally, and learn how to best serve your institution as a leader. With Jesuit values at its center, our EdD program allows you to critically engage with values, ethical issues, faith, and life experiences.
Earn a higher education degree that enables you to promote equity and inclusion in your institution. Our program focuses on social justice and supports the empowerment of historically underrepresented groups.
Form close relationships with classmates through Loyola's collaborative cohort model. In this support system of diverse professionals, you will engage in evidence-based discussions, consider emerging issues in higher education, and develop a practitioner-scholar lens for leading at the executive level.
Higher Education Department
At the heart of the Department of Higher Education is the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, which drives our commitment to individual attention and mentorship. Our diverse, all-persons-of-color faculty provides students with personalized opportunities in research and applied experience, fostering both personal and professional growth. With a strong foundation in social justice, our graduates are well-prepared for roles in student affairs, development, and community-based organizations. We believe that creating diverse leaders begins with us. Learn more about the department and discover stories featuring current students and graduates from the School of Education.
Department WebsiteMeet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Education faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Higher Education EdD program.
FacultyHigher Education: Career Connections
The EdD in Higher Education degree program prepares you for executive-level administrative careers in higher education. With a strong foundation in leadership, theory, and applied research, you will be qualified for several senior-level roles in public and private colleges and universities.
Specific job options include:
- University president
- Chancellor
- Executive director
- Provost or vice president
- Dean or assistant dean
- Chief of staff
- Chief academic officer
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Higher Education EdD program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Higher Education EdD learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogHigher Education EdD Results and Skills
- Research and application
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Leadership
- Equity and inclusion
- Budgeting and finance
- Problem solving
- Cultural competence
- Collaboration
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Higher Education EdD totals $49200.00, or 48 credit hours at a cost of $1,025.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
School of Education Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe School of Education offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Higher Education EdD are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall
Priority: January 13
General: June 1
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Higher Education EdD include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.3 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Work Experience
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be no more than 2 pages (double spaced) and describe your academic and research interests, professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice.
Official Documents
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students. Please note this program does not qualify international students to receive the F1 student visa.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Higher Education EdD program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAYRelated Programs
Doctoral | Part-Time or Full-Time | On-Campus | Fall