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| The Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Leadership embraces the concept that successful higher educational leaders must be well-informed individuals who use professional context in combination with theory, research and data to guide their decision-making. The objectives of the program are to: 1) prepare students for positions of leadership in institutions of higher education and other learning and policy development environments; and 2) assist advanced graduate students in the development of skills in assessment and evaluation, research design, and quantitative and qualitative methodologies appropriate for leadership roles as faculty or administrators in higher and postsecondary education. |
The Higher Education Leadership Program in coordination with the UNLV Boyd School of law offers a dual JD/Ph.D. degree. Students interested in the dual program should alert Graduate School admission personnel when commencing the admission process. A dual program candidate must complete the Graduate School, Law School and Higher Education Leadership Program admission process in order to matriculate. Successful completion of the first year of law school is a precondition to commencement of work on the Ph.D. program and waives the Masters Degree perquisite for entry to the program. A law school student may be admitted to the dual program by gaining admission to the Higher Education Leadership Ph.D. program after successful completion of the first year of law school with the consent of both programs.
Under the terms and conditions of the program the Law School has agreed to accept 9 credits of course work from the Higher Education Program toward the J.D. degree. The Higher Education Leadership Ph.D. Program has agreed to accept 18 credits of course work from the law school toward the Ph.D. degree.
Students interested in the Dual Degree Program should alert the Higher Education Leadership Ph.D. Admissions Coordinator so that consultation on the admissions process can be initiated.
Admission Requirements
Entrance to the Ph.D. program requires candidates to complete three steps. Current application deadlines are posted on the website.
Prospective students must first apply for admission through the university’s Graduate College. After completing an initial evaluation, the Graduate College forwards all of the materials to the Department of Educational Leadership for review.
Minimum admission requirements for UNLV’s Graduate College include:
- Completed application for admission and the nonrefundable application fee;
- One copy of official transcripts from all institutions attended after high school, including verification of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
More information is available on the Graduate College website.
Additional materials each candidate must submit directly to the Department of Educational Leadership include:
- Personal Statement of Professional Aspirations;
- A professional resumé or vita;
- Verification of experience in higher education or related field;
- Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Score should be no more than seven years old;
- Three letters of nomination/ professional reference;
- Evidence of writing ability; see the website for specifics.
In the final step after reviewing all material, viable candidates will be invited for an interview with department faculty members. The interview enables candidates to demonstrate their oral communication skills, commitment to continuing professional development, and to show their leadership, learning, and educational philosophy. Final admission will be based on evaluation of all application materials including the interview.
For specific information on the Department of Educational Leadership’s Higher Education Ph.D. programs, please visit the website. Applicants interested in receiving a graduate assistantship must complete the Graduate Assistantship Application found on the Graduate College website. Potential students should also inform the program coordinator of their interest in the program.