PhD Higher Education at University of Virginia

Programme overview

A full-time, research-based PhD in education with a higher education concentration, offered in Charlottesville only, developing scholars who conduct and communicate original research.

Faculty: School of Education and Human Development | Department: Education Leadership, Foundations & Policy | Duration: 2-3 full years of coursework plus dissertation (72 credits) | Intake: Not inviting applications for Fall 2027; Fall 2028 applications expected to open August 1, 2027 with a December 1, 2027 due date | Study mode: full-time | Location: Charlottesville, VA, United States

What you will study

At least 60 hours of coursework: higher education core (12 credits), research methods minor (18), higher education electives (12) and a content minor (12); ten hours per week of mentored research each semester, with paid internships possible.

Career pathways

Faculty careers or senior administration in colleges and universities.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

School of Education and Human Development graduate applicants (all programmes): application through the school's online system with two to three recommenders, an application fee of $65, and programme-specific materials that often include a resume or CV, goal statement and/or writing sample. Programme not inviting applications for Fall 2027; Fall 2028 due date December 1, 2027.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Application fees (2026-27): undergraduate $75; Graduate School of Arts & Sciences $85; Architecture $80; Batten graduate $75; Darden non-PhD $250, Darden PhD $100; Data Science $85; Education and Human Development $65; Law $85; McIntire graduate $85; Medicine $80; Nursing $88; SCPS $70; Graduate Engineering no fee.

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