Executive Ph.D. Program in Urban Higher Education

The tuition fee is 8,520 USD per year.

The Executive Ph.D. Program in Urban Higher Education prepares students for senior leadership roles in post-secondary institutions and related organizations. It focuses on responding to challenges in urban and metropolitan communities through transdisciplinary discussions and research. The program utilizes a cohort model designed for working professionals, emphasizing collegiality and networking over a 24-month period.

The program requires 72 total credit hours, including 15 in Professional Specialization, 18 in Higher Education Core, 15 in Statistics and Research Methods, 12 for Dissertation/Literature Review, and up to 12 transfer hours. The 24-month cohort model integrates dissertation development throughout.

Graduates are prepared for roles such as College President, Provost, Chancellor, Academic Dean, Chief Learning Officer, and other higher education administrator positions.

Applicants need a Master's degree, preferred minimum of three years of experience, and three professional references. Required documents include an application, official transcripts, a statement of purpose (1500 words), and a proposed research statement (2500 words). A successful interview and program committee recommendation are necessary, with up to 12 transfer credits possible upon approval.

The programme totals about 72 credit hours. This is a 24-month, on-campus program delivered through a cohort model designed for working professionals, requiring students to balance coursework with professional duties. For international students, tuition is well below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 91% of applicants.

Research and interdisciplinary collaboration are central to Jackson State University, a Carnegie-classified high research university in Jackson, Mississippi. Its research activity includes the Center for Health Disparities Research and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, with more than $25.8 million in funding each year. Students and faculty develop new technologies and pursue work connected to health, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Learning extends into the lab, the community, and the wider world.

Students can choose from more than 90 programs across arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and professional fields. Academic offerings include biology tracks in environmental science, marine science, and several pre-professional areas, along with biomedical engineering, chemistry, business administration, accounting, art graphic design, and art studio. The university's colleges include Education and Human Development, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, Science, Engineering and Technology, and Business. A 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports the academic setting.

Jackson State's campus life connects study with the traditions of a public HBCU. Students can attend Tiger football games and hear the Sonic Boom of the South, while the city of Jackson offers a historic setting beyond campus. International students can expect an education that encourages global leadership, interdisciplinary learning, internships, fellowships, and professional opportunities. Financial aid grants reach 85% of undergraduates, and 13 JSU Fulbright Scholars are listed among student outcomes.