This program is committed to preparing and supporting administrative leaders in higher education in their development of research that informs the field and provides service to the practice of higher education.<br><br>The doctoral program is designed to prepare administrative leaders for positions in community colleges, two- and four-year colleges and universities. Graduates will complete the program with a better understanding of higher education leadership and management, improved research skills, and exceptional multicultural competencies. <br> <br>The program consists of 54 semester hours beyond the master's degree inclusive of the dissertation. The Ed.D is a practitioner's degree designed for the advanced student who wishes to achieve a superior level of competency in his/her professional field with emphasis on practice and leadership in an urban setting. The degree requires students to demonstrate proficiency in independent research in higher education and make original contributions to the body of knowledge related to higher education.