Program Requirements
The required qualifications for admission into the Ph.D. in Higher Education program are an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and a strong undergraduate GPA. Applicants with a baccalaureate degree and little to no higher education experience may be admitted in cases of extraordinary academic promise and demonstrated commitment to research and scholarship in higher education.
The preferred qualifications for admission to the Ph.D. program are, in addition to the above, an earned master's degree in higher education or a closely related area; a strong graduate GPA; 3-5 years full-time, post-master's degree experience in higher education setting(s); and higher education research and/or assessment experience.
A completed application includes: Rutgers Application for Graduate Admission, official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework, personal statement, writing sample, and three letters of reference (at least two from full-time faculty members). Prior to admission, applicants must complete an individual interview with at least one higher education program faculty member.
Review of applications for Fall admission begins December 15.
Non-matriculated students may enroll in courses only with permission of both the instructor and the GPD. Non-matriculated students should have an earned master's degree and 2-5 years of full-time professional experience in higher education or closely related setting(s). Successful completion of program coursework as a non-matriculated student does not automatically lead to admission into a higher education degree or graduate certificate program. Non-matriculated students and students from other Rutgers graduate degree programs may enroll in a MAXIMUM of 9 credit hours of core Higher Education courses.
