PhD Higher Education at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

A 72-credit, in-person PhD in Higher Education focused on critical scholarship that centers equity, inclusion and justice. Students pursue research on access, outcomes, student development and affairs, faculty, organizations and administration, community colleges and policy. The fall 2027 intake is for part-time students only.

Faculty: School of Education | Department: Educational Foundations, Organizations, and Policy | Duration: 4-5 years on average | Intake: Fall; application deadline December 1 | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Core courses on the historical, political, philosophical and social elements shaping higher education, major-area courses, first-year seminars, electives, writing workshops, rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methods training, and an original dissertation.

Career pathways

Faculty at institutions of higher education, researchers at think tanks and policy institutes, and leaders of administrative units with teaching and research responsibilities.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree; no specific prerequisites. Online application with resume or CV, goal statement (up to 750 words, naming 1-3 faculty of interest), contact information for three academic or professional contacts for recommendation letters, academic transcripts and a writing sample of up to 20 pages. $50 application fee (need-based waiver available). GRE not required. Deadline December 1; all PhD programs start in the fall. International applicants: TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.0 or Duolingo 130.

Domestic applicants: USD 27,412 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, School of Education, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 49,272 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, School of Education, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Intake: Fall; application deadline December 1

Duration: 4-5 years on average

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