Program

The Higher Education Leadership (DHEL) program is appropriate for professional educators, supervisors, and trainers to earn a doctor of education (Ed.D.) degree while remaining employed.  Since its inception in 1972, this educational program has been demonstrating that an academic environment and the workplace are elements of a coherent whole. DHEL students complete study areas and job-related problem-solving projects and thereby improve their institution/organization while developing their own knowledge and skills.

If you seek an outstanding doctoral program that enables you to remain employed while participating in an international network of students, graduates, faculty, and staff dedicated to helping you earn the Ed.D. degree, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Please Note : The official catalog of the Higher Education Leadership is the governing document for all program-related information. Consequently, if there is any conflict between the information contained online and that contained in the catalog, the information in the catalog prevails.

NSU's Degrees are Recognized

Nova Southeastern University is one of the most evaluated universities in the country; it has undergone scrutiny to meet regulations in more than 30 states. The more than 2,000 DHEL graduates have a strong record of being recognized by the employers for promotion in academic rank, for appointment to positions of greater responsibility, and for increased salary benefits.

Student Outcomes

The successful graduate of the Higher Education Leadership program is expected to:

1. Exhibit the ability to communicate effectively in listening, speaking, and writing.
2. Demonstrate, in course work, the ability to conceptualize, organize, analyze, integrate, synthesize, and use judgement to address assignments, issues, problems, cases, or situations, drawing on a foundation of knowledge and perspective.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of both theoretical and applied research in the area of specialization and in the postsecondary/adult/higher education enterprise.
4. Utilize alternative approaches while acting as a change-agent in seeking to address and solve problems and issues in his or her organization.
5. Relate the literature of postsecondary education and the field of specialization to current and future trends, issues, problems, and processes in an education or training context within an organization.

Program of Study

• Program Outline for Students that entered the DHEL Program Fall 2003 to Present  
• Program Sequence for Students that started the program in:
• Winter Sequence  
• Summer Sequence  
• Fall Sequence

• Program Outline for Students that entered the DHEL Program Winter 2003, Spring 2003, and for PHE Students who transitioned to the new curriculum in Winter 2003 
• Program Outline for Students remaining in the old PHE Program  

Degree and Program Completion Requirements

Degree Application

• Application for Degree Form

A $75 degree application fee is required and must be paid prior to degree conferral. If a graduate wishes to participate in commencement exercises, there is an additional cap and gown fee.

Program Completion Requirements

PHE students who changed to the DHEL program or DHEL students who entered Winter 2003 through Summer 2003 must fulfill the following graduation requirements:

1. Attend and pass nine courses (27 credits).
2. Pass one practicum project (3 credits).
3. Earn six (6) credits comprised of three (3)-2 credit research courses.
4. Earn 18 credits comprised of (3)-6 credit specialization courses
5. Successfully complete:
• The concept paper (2 credits)
• The applied dissertation proposal (5 credits)
• The applied dissertation report (5 credits)
6. Be current in all tuition, fees, and miscellaneous charges, including those for books purchased.

Total requirements: 66 credit hours. (All requirements must be completed within 5 years from the date of the beginning of the term of entry.)

DHEL students, entering as of Fall 2003, must fulfill the following graduation requirements:

1. Attend and pass 12 courses (36 credits)
2. Earn 18 credits comprised of (3)-6 credit specialization courses
3. Successfully complete:
• The concept paper (2 credits)
• The applied dissertation proposal (5 credits)
• The applied dissertation report (5 credits)
4. Be current in all tuition, fees, and miscellaneous charges, including those for books purchased.

Total requirements: 66 credit hours. (All requirements must be completed within 5 years from the date of the beginning of the term of entry.)

PHE Students who remained in the old PHE program must fulfill the following graduation requirements:

1. Attend and pass six courses (18 credits).
2. Pass three practicum projects (12 credits).
3. Earn four (4) directed study credits comprised of either one (1) additional practicum project or a combination of credits selected from approved electives or transferring elective credit into the program.
4. Pass two specialization courses
5. Successfully complete:
   • The applied dissertation proposal (7 credit hours).
   • The first complete draft of the applied dissertation and the evaluation (7 credit hours).
   • The applied dissertation report (7 credit hours).
6. Be current in all tuition, fees, and miscellaneous charges, including those for books purchased.

Total requirements: 61 credit hours. (All requirements must be completed within 7 years from the date of the beginning of the term of entry.)

Commencement Ceremony Requirements

Students must satisfy all NSU, FSEHS and Program requirements including degree conferral prior to June 1st of the same year in order to participate in commencement ceremony. For additional information about FSEHS Commencement please go to http://www.schoolofed.nova.edu/commencement/