Adult and higher education

Ed.D.
Hybrid You can complete this program in a hybrid format that blends online coursework with in-person classes held periodically in Portland, Oregon.*
delivery
$643 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.†
per credit
Fall
start term

The best leaders in higher education pair vision and commitment with effective leadership skills. In Oregon State University’s hybrid Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education program online, you’ll receive the training and guidance you need to prepare for leadership roles in four-year universities, community colleges and similar institutions.

During the first two years of this program, you will meet and study with a learning cohort both in person and online. Sharing real-world experiences and insights will be integral to your learning experience, and it will help you build relationships that last throughout your career. After the first two years, you’ll complete your thesis and participate in applied research.

Skills you’ll gain in OSU’s hybrid doctorate in adult and higher education program

As a student in Oregon State’s Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education hybrid degree program, you’ll gain the in-demand skills you need to stand out in the job market and level up your career. You’ll learn from expert Oregon State faculty who have real-world higher education experience.

  • Equitable leadership
  • Budget and finance
  • Legal issues
  • Applied research
  • Needs assessment
  • Program evaluation
  • Higher education administration
A bright sun rises over distant trees on the quad in front of Oregon State University's Valley Library.

Program details

This program is grounded in Oregon State's commitment to developing leaders with the principle that leadership can be learned and enhanced. Through individual and small group projects, seminars and a professional internship, you will explore the nuances of leadership in adult and higher education while building critical skills to advance your career.

The hybrid Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education program is offered by Oregon State’s College of Education.

Degree requirements

A total of 108 quarter credits is required to graduate with your doctorate in adult and higher education. Degree requirements and curriculum information are available on Oregon State's academic catalog or the College of Education website.

Students relaxing and talking on a green campus space with academic buildings nearby.

Additional program features

During the first two years of this program, you will meet and study with a learning cohort both in person and online. Classes are held two weekends per term at Oregon State’s downtown Portland classroom building.

The program includes a professional, practice-focused internship that you must complete in order to graduate. Find more information on the College of Education website.

State of Colorado: This program requires an internship. Although Oregon State University participates in the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), due to Colorado’s Workers’ Compensation Act, we have limited authorization to offer programs that require internships in the state of Colorado. The Colorado internship site must provide workers’ compensation. In some cases, a proposed internship site may not provide workers’ compensation insurance and, as a result, is not available as an internship site. Please contact Shannon Riggs, associate vice provost for educational programs and learning innovation, with questions.

All students are required to develop a dissertation proposal for a research problem or issue related to institutions of higher education. You must complete at least 24 dissertation credits.

Explore the detailed admissions information for the Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education degree program, including any application deadlines and required documents, on the College of Education website.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a certificate or microcredential online from Oregon State. Choose from a large collection of short-form offerings that can help you upskill quickly.

Adult and higher education careers

The knowledge you acquire in Oregon State’s hybrid Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education degree program will prepare you for a rewarding career in an upper-administrative roles. You’ll graduate ready to showcase your abilities and provide insights within a growing field.

Job market outlook

Use the interactive tool on this page to discover employment trends, top occupations and salary details for professionals who have skills related to adult and higher education. Please be aware that completing a program related to the job market information shown here does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.