PhD in Higher Education

This program provides the knowledge and research skills for you to pursue a career as a researcher in the field of higher education, or a career in colleges, universities, government agencies, professional associations and international organizations as a higher education expert in policy, leadership and administration.

Are you a current or emerging community college leader? The Community College Leadership (CCL) Cohort is offered in select years and is designed to meet your needs. Topics include system organization, policy, governance, mission, college functions, equity and social justice, educational philosophy and research methods.

Study options
Flexible-time option (PhD)
Full-time

Designed for practicing professionals, the flexible-time PhD option enables students to continue working while pursuing their studies. Flexible-time students are self-funded. Learn more.

Program length
4 years, 6 years flexible-time
Example career pathways
Higher education, government, subject matter expert
Funding details

OISE offers a Graduate Funding Package to students in their first four years of a PhD program (excluding the flexible-time PhD, which is self-funded). OISE's Graduate Funding Package covers the cost of tuition and helps offset other living expenses. In 2026-2027, the value of the funding package was at least $40,000. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the OISE Graduate Funding Package website for more details.

Basic program requirements
6 half courses
Comprehensive exam
Thesis
Example courses
Doctoral Seminar: Recurring Issues in Postsecondary Education (LHA3803H)
Doctoral Research Seminar in Postsecondary Education (LHA3804H)
One half course in research methods