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Curriculum
This is a 114-credit* doctor of education degree with options in leadership in higher education and community college leadership, at the completion of which you will earn a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Adult and Higher Education degree from Oregon State University. (* Up to 36 credits from an approved master's program may be transferable.)
In the first two years, you will meet face to face two weekends per term with your cohort in the fall, winter and spring. After the first two years, you will be enrolled in "instructional research" courses each term to complete your thesis work until graduation. No face-to-face course meetings are required after the first two years.
As a member of a learning cohort, you’ll collaborate with other higher education professionals, share real-world experiences and build lasting relationships.
Degree requirements
Instructional methods include individual and small group projects, seminars and a professional internship. A dissertation is required to complete the program. It is suggested that you plan for an average of eight hours of reading, research and writing on a weekly basis.
You can expect to complete the program in three and a half to four years. Visit OSU's academic catalog or the College of Education's program website for complete curriculum details.
Sample course topics
- Education and work
- Educational finance
- Legal issues in higher education
- Leadership in student services
- History of higher education
- Higher education administration
- Organization theory in higher education
- Ethical practice
- Instructional leader
- Quantitative analysis in educational research
Additional program features
Internship
The program includes a professional, practice-focused internship that all students must complete in order to graduate. Find more information on the College of Education's program website.
Dissertation
All students are required to develop a dissertation proposal for a research problem or issue related to institutions of higher education. Ed.D. candidates must complete at least 24 dissertation credits.
Notice: Oregon State University students may now take part in internships anywhere in the United States. Read more about Ecampus’ authorization to operate in your state.
Important dates
See our academic calendar for our full quarter term schedule.
Degree details
* Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system. There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 108-120 quarter credits are equal to 72-80 semester credits.
† Cost per credit is calculated using tuition per credit for the current academic year. It does not include associated fees, course materials, textbook expenses, and other expenses related to courses.
‡ You can complete this program in a hybrid format that blends online coursework with in-person classes held periodically in Portland, Oregon. View the curriculum.
Application deadline
Apply by Feb. 15. All admitted students will begin the program in fall term each year.
Ready to apply?
Once you've gathered the information you need to know before you apply to Oregon State University, take the next steps.
