Executive Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education
A 24-month cohort-based doctoral program preparing executives, middle/senior managers, and institutional leaders to respond effectively to the challenges of urban and metropolitan communities. 72 credit hours.
Fall registration deadline extended
⚠ Deadline extended for Fall registration
The deadline for Fall registration has been extended. Contact the EPhD program at (601) 979-1811 or ephd@jsums.edu for the current deadline date and application status.
Preparing senior leaders for urban higher education
The Executive Ph.D. Program (EPhD) in Urban Higher Education at Jackson State University (JSU) prepares students to assume senior leadership roles in post-secondary institutions and other organizations whose primary endeavors relate to or impact the operations of institutions of higher learning.
The program is intended to prepare executives, middle/senior managers and other institutional leaders in higher education and related human services agencies to respond effectively to the challenges posed by urban and metropolitan communities in a pluralistic society undergoing sustained social, economic and political change.
- Program
- Executive Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education
- Duration
- 24 months (cohort model)
- Total Hours
- 72 credit hours
- Cohort Size
- 15–25 participants
- Deposit
- $1,000 non-refundable (applied to Fall tuition)
- Phone
- (601) 979-1811
- ephd@jsums.edu
- Facility
- Mississippi e-Center, 1230 Raymond Road, Jackson, MS 39204
“See All the Sides”
Institutional rationale and individual reasons for pursuing the EPhD at JSU. For administrators, engage in compelling transdisciplinary discussions and dialogue about institutional changes on the horizon that will shape the acceleration of catalytical transformation in future higher education.
A 24-month accelerated doctoral cadre
This program is designed on the cohort model which requires all admitted students to complete the same courses from beginning to end over a 24-month period. Although culminating dissertation development is finalized in the latter stages of doctoral studies, the preparation, planning and refining of the dissertation is interwoven throughout the 24 months. Students develop a two-year plan identifying a balance between coursework and professional work duties at their home / host institution or agency.
The EPhD cohort model represents a cadre of committed colleagues who enroll in, and graduate from, an accelerated research-based doctoral program collectively — matriculating in a rigorously planned and intensely prescribed academic program of study according to a signed agreement and a related pledge agreed upon by each student in the cohort.
The model promotes collegiality, interdependence, networking and camaraderie among students for a lifetime. It is designed for adult learners who are working professionals and can persevere as well as endure the rigors of the program toward personal and professional growth.
72 credit hours across four components
The EPhD curriculum balances professional specialization, higher-education core knowledge, advanced research methods, and dissertation work — with 12 cognate hours from previous graduate work.
Professional Specialization Core 15 hrs
- EDHE 814 Leadership in Higher Education 3 hrs
- EDHE 824 Student Affairs Administration 3 hrs
- EDHE 825 Methods of Urban and Regional Analysis and Planning 3 hrs
- EDHE 877 Public Policy Formulation 3 hrs
- EDHE 882 Seminar in Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation 3 hrs
Higher Education Core 18 hrs
- EDHE 800 Philosophy and History of Urban Higher Education 3 hrs
- EDHE 802 Higher Education Administration & Theory in Cross Cultural Environments 3 hrs
- EDHE 804 Higher Education Futures: Strategic Planning and Development 3 hrs
- EDHE 805 Globalization of Higher Education 3 hrs
- EDHE 829 Legal Aspects of Higher Education 3 hrs
- EDHE 865 Higher Education Finance 3 hrs
Statistics and Research Methods Component 15 hrs
- EDHE 812 Quantitative Research Methods 3 hrs
- EDHE 813 Qualitative Research Methods 3 hrs
- EDHE 820 Advanced Statistical Methods 3 hrs
- EDHE 830 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods 3 hrs
- EDHE 833 Research Design 3 hrs
Dissertation & Cognate 24 hrs
- EDHE 899 Dissertation / Literature Review 12 hrs
- — Cognate Transfer Component 12 hrs
72
Total Credit Hours
How to apply
Admission to the EPhD program requires completion of all ten requirements below. Students must also be able to transfer a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours from previous graduate work to complement the core area — with program faculty approval required before formal admission.
Accepted application from the Graduate School
A Master's degree from an accredited university
Minimum three-years experience preferred
A completed EPhD program application
Two official transcripts for all regionally accredited colleges and universities attended
References should come from three (3) professional persons who are knowledgeable of the applicant's professional academic ability, job experiences, leadership potential and availability to participate in the program. A reference from the President or Chief Executive Officer will strengthen the application. The requested reference form must be signed and submitted electronically by the author. The applicant's name should be in the subject line. Executive PhD in Urban Higher Education — Reference Form.
A clear statement of purpose and proposed research
A successful interview with the program screening committee
Recommendation for admission by the screening committee
Upon admission, a non-refundable $1,000 deposit will be required to hold your spot. This deposit will be applied to your Fall tuition.
CAEP & SACSCOC standards
The EPhD program is offered in the College of Education and Human Development, which is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Both the College of Education and Human Development and Jackson State University are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
To date, there is no agency or organization for accrediting programs in higher education at the doctoral level. Students who successfully complete the EPhD program will meet the standards and requirements set by CAEP and SACSCOC.
Develop as scholar, practitioner & researcher
The program aims to develop scholars, practitioners, researchers, and other professionals who will receive advanced knowledge and skill sets relative to urban higher education. Students master core knowledge in the field and develop a high level of analytical (quantitative and qualitative) research skills, complemented by an extensive breadth of relevant leadership knowledge in management, planning, and policy.
“Challenging Minds, Changing Lives.”
Jackson State UniversityWhere EPhD graduates lead
EPhD graduates step into senior-leadership roles across higher education and related human services agencies.
Application materials & program documents
Ready to lead higher education?
For more information, please contact us at (601) 979-1811. We look forward to seeing how our program can help you achieve your goals.
Contact the EPhD Program
1230 Raymond Road
Jackson, MS 39204