PhD in Education with a Specialization in Higher Education
The PhD in Education Program is individualized, interdisciplinary, and experiential. Students may opt to specialize in higher education (HED) or incorporate coursework within a self-defined interdisciplinary program of study.
Have questions? Attend an information session or contact the specialization representative, Kelly Schrum.
About the Specialization
The Higher Education Specialization is offered jointly by the Higher Education Program (HEP) in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) and the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). This doctoral program utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to prepare students for faculty positions and leadership positions in higher education administration and student affairs through core required coursework in higher education and a secondary concentration that can further disciplinary expertise.
Faculty members in the Higher Education Specialization collaborate extensively with scholars from inside and outside Mason. HEP faculty have broad research interests and expertise, including the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), teaching and learning with technology, equity and diversity in higher education, student success, higher education policy and finance, learning data analytics, faculty development, internationalization of higher education, STEM education, and ethics and spirituality in higher education. HEP faculty have served as editors or associate editors of major academic journals, and they have collectively contributed more than $20 million in externally funded research.
Our Graduates
John Dooris, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: Necessary but Insufficient? The Influence of Data on Federal Higher Education Accountability Policy Beliefs and Policy Change
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Jamie Lester
Meggan Ford, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: The Influence of Intercultural Competence on the Experience of International Branch Campus Administrators
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Jan Arminio
Andy Hamilton, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: Educational Pathways for Military Veterans Transitioning into Information Technology and Cyber-Security Related Career Fields
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. P. Daniel Chen
Jennifer Lebron, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: Faculty Agency and the Internationalization of Higher Education: A Case Study of One University in Pakistan
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Jamie Lester
Anne Elizabeth Aichele, PhD 2021
- Dissertation Title: Finding Grace: An Exploration of the Impact of Personal and Professional Experience on Leadership Educators in Making Sense of Social Change
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Julie Owen
Richard Michael Hess, PhD 2021
- Dissertation Title: Examining Learners’ Self-Regulation Patterns within a Learning Management System
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Angela Miller
- Award: GMU PhD in Education Program Outstanding Dissertation Award
Maria J Pallotta, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: Marine Corps Leaders in Irregular Warfare: Professional Military Education for Cross-cultural Competence in Counterinsurgency
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Anastasia Samaras
Janet Athanasiou, PhD 2020
- Dissertation Title: Understanding the Impact of Cocurricular Programming on the Identity Development, Involvement, and Engagement of Online Students
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Amy Swan
Morgan Fisher, PhD 2020
- Dissertation Title: In Their Words: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of Former Student-Athletes’ Experiences in Life Skills Programs in Relation to Career Development and Transition Out of College
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Jan Arminio
Jonathan Goldman, PhD 2020
- Dissertation Title: Shimer College Effects on Students: A Retrospective Case Study
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Jeannie Brown Leonard
Jennifer Rainey, PhD 2020
- Dissertation Title: “The Cavalry Isn’t Coming”: Exploring the Experiences of Female Middle Managers in Higher Education
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Meagan Call-Cummings
Leticia Guzman, PhD 2021
- Dissertation Title: Understanding the Impact of a Stem Summer Bridge Program on Students from Underrepresented Groups Entering their First Semester
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Kelly Schrum
Jonathan Hsu, PhD 2019
- Dissertation Title: The Influence of Professional Experiences on Adjunct Faculty Teaching
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Kelly Schrum
Meghan Arias, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Examining the Digital Disability Divide in Higher Education
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Kelly Schrum
Matthew Boyce, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Understanding How College Admissions Professionals Define ‘Holistic Application Review’: A Grounded Theory Study
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Jamie Lester
John Cocchetti, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Connecting with Students: A Case Study of Deans of Students at Liberal Arts Colleges
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Jan Arminio
Megan Hennessey, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: The Lived Faculty Development Experience of Active Duty Military Instructors
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Julie Owen
Elizabeth Kalinowski Ohrt, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Antecedents of Trust in Academic Advising Relationships
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Jaime Lester
Elizabeth Hanna Pitts, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Faith Journeys: An Exploration of the Narratives of Faith and Intercultural Development among College Students on Study Abroad Programs
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Lester Jaime
Willie Stroble, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: A Case Study of the Transition of Student Veterans Who Previously Had Been Unsuccessful in Higher Education
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Jan Arminio
Details
The mission of the PhD in Education Program is to empower scholars and leaders to think critically, advance research-informed practice, address pressing challenges, and promote equity through excellence in research, teaching, and service in their chosen fields.
Each student in the PhD in Education Program is mentored by faculty in the development of their own personalized program of study that fosters their ability to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of significant theories, developments, and practices in one's chosen area of study
- Understand, utilize, and interpret basic principles, ethical practice, and methodologies of educational research design and data analysis
- Effectively communicate both orally and in writing to a variety of professional audiences
Supported professional experiences and internships beyond required coursework support mastery of these competencies, including:
- Attending and/or presenting your scholarly work at professional conferences to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners
- University teaching and/or co-teaching experiences in professional areas of expertise
- Supervising pre-service teachers
- Writing, editing, and reviewing for scholarly journals
- Research apprenticeships and assistantships
- Supported independent research in an area of professional interest
- Internships unique to the individual’s area of study
- Building a professional portfolio
The PhD in Education is awarded after the successful completion of:
- Coursework
- A comprehensive portfolio assessment
- A written dissertation
- An oral dissertation defense
Why This Program?
Are you ready to expand your impact in the field of education?
A PhD in Education from George Mason can help you reach that goal! Our accomplished faculty can help you leverage your existing expertise in the field of education and deepen your toolkit of professional knowledge and skills that will take your career to the next level of influence.
Our graduates have attained consequential professional positions such as:
- Academic faculty at post-secondary institutions
- Leadership and research positions in federal and state government, post-secondary institutions, research organizations, and non-government agencies
- Analysts and consultants with private companies, political advocacy groups, education or research think tanks, and professional associations
- School, district, and statewide leadership positions in major preK-12 school districts, technical assistance centers, and other informal educational agencies
- Curriculum and instructional materials developers
Our flexible student-centered program structure allows each student to design a personalized, interdisciplinary program of study that helps them to become outstanding educational researchers, practitioners, and leaders in their respective fields. Our faculty have strengths in:
Theoretical & Applied Research
- Choose from a wide range of advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods coursework options
- Have the opportunity to gain research experience on projects funded by federal agencies, including the Institute for Education Sciences and the National Science Foundation
Advanced Teacher Preparation
- Choose from a wide range of teaching and teacher preparation coursework and internship options, including opportunities to co-teach university courses with faculty and supervise teacher internships
- Receive advanced training in online teaching and learning
Education Leadership & Policy
- Choose from a wide range of coursework and internship opportunities in leadership and policy fields, both national and international
- Have unique opportunities for experiential learning due to proximity to Washington DC and several of the largest school systems in the country
Movement & Sport Sciences
- Choose an intensive Kinesiology program with opportunities for experiential learning in state-of-the-art movement labs.
- Or, create a custom program of study in fields related to movement and sport sciences, including teaching in physical education and sport management
How Can I Learn More?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions and Answer Page
Attend an Information Session
The PhD in Education Program periodically conducts information sessions to acquaint applicants with our program and the admissions process. Information sessions include an overview of the PhD in Education Program followed by breakout sessions with faculty who can answer questions about professional specialization areas. Scheduled sessions are listed at the top of this page.
Foundational Knowledge (3 credits)
- EDUC 800: Ways of Knowing (3 credits) OR EFHP 860: Critical Perspectives in Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion (3 credits) (Kinesiology only)
Foundational Research Methods (9 credits)
Advanced Research Methods (6 credits minimum)
- EDRS 814: Anti-Colonial Methodologies (3 credits)
- EDRS 818: Critical Discourse Analysis in Education Research (3 credits)
- EDRS 820: Evaluation Methods for Educational Programs and Curricula (3 credits)
- EDRS 821: Advanced Applications of Quantitative Methods (3 credits)
- EDRS 822: Advanced Applications of Qualitative Methods (3 credits)
- EDRS 823: Advanced Research Methods in Single Subject/Case Design (3 credits)
- EDRS 824: Mixed Methods Research: Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (3 credits)
- EDRS 825: Advanced Research Methods in Self-Study of Professional Practice (3 credits)
- EDRS 826: Qualitative Case Study Methods (3 credits)
- EDRS 827: Introduction to Measurement and Survey Development (3 credits)
- EDRS 828: Item Response Theory (3 credits)
- EDRS 829: Bayesian Methods (3 credits)
- EDRS 830: Hierarchical Linear Modeling (3 credits)
- EDRS 831: Structural Equation Modeling (3 credits)
- EDRS 832: Document Analysis and Archival Research (3 credits)
- EDRS 833: Participatory Action Research (3 credits)
- EDRS 836: Narrative Inquiry (3 credits)
- EDRS 850: Grounded Theory (3 credits)
- EDRS 897: Special Topics in Research Methods (3 credits)
- WMST 890: Advanced Topics in Feminist Research and Scholarship (1 credit)*
*WMST 890 is pre-approved for HE Concentration students; all other students need permission from their Program Advisory Committee and the Director of the PhD in Education Program.
Specialized Study (36 credits minimum)
Specializations
Most students specialize in a single area of study with additional coursework in a secondary area of interest. However, it is also possible to have a dual specialization in two areas of interest or to work with faculty mentors to self-create a unique interdisciplinary specialization. Specialized coursework often includes individualized internship experiences.
- Search specialized coursework options using the Course Search Tool.
Concentrations
Students in a concentration have identified an area of study to engage in a targeted focus of study. Concentrations have pre-determined coursework that includes application and/or internship experiences.
- Education Leadership program of study
- Kinesiology program of study
Graduate Certificate Add-on (optional)
Students have the option to add a graduate certificate to their PhD in Education degree. Information about these options can be found here:
- Critical Studies in Education Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Certificate in Research Methods: Applied Quantitative Methods Concentration
- Graduate Certificate in Research Methods: Qualitative Research Concentration
- Graduate Certificate in Research Methods: Anti-Racist and Decolonizing Research Concentration
Doctoral Dissertation (12 credits minimum)
- EDUC 998: Doctoral Dissertation Proposal (3-6 credits)
- EDUC 999: Doctoral Dissertation Research (6-9 credits) OR HE 999: Doctoral Dissertation (1 credit)*
*HE 999 is an option only for HE Concentration students.
Application Deadlines
| TERM | CLASS START OPTIONS | APPLICATION DEADLINE | ADMISSION INTERVIEWS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | August* | November 15th (Early admission**) | Mid-December |
| August* | February 15th | Mid-March | |
| August | April 15th | Mid-May | |
| August | June 15th | Mid-July | |
| Spring | January | October 1st | Mid-November |
| January | November 1st (space available) | Mid-November |
*Students admitted in this application cycle can opt to begin courses in the summer term that begins in May.
**Applications received by the early admission deadline will receive first consideration for available merit-based multi-year funding package offers. Funding package offers will be awarded in subsequent application cycles if funds are available. A range of additional funding opportunities are available regardless of acceptance term (see PhD in Education funding page).
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
Application Requirements
All application materials must be submitted through Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to satisfy the requirements below.
Application Form and Fee:
- Submitted application form and $75 application fee. Application fees are non-refundable.
Resume or Curriculum Vita:
- The resume, or curriculum vita, should reflect experiences and accomplishments foundational for a PhD in Education Program. It should be free of grammatical errors.
Goals Statement:
- The goals statement should be 750-1000 words and describe the academic and career goals that a PhD in Education will enable you to attain.
- We recommend applicants be specific in describing their past experiences related to the intended professional specialization as well as personal and professional aspirations.
- Applicants should identify their intended primary professional specialization or concentration within the PhD program. If there are specific faculty members within that specialization that the applicant is interested in studying with, this should be mentioned as well (this is not required).
Transcript:
- Applicants can upload their unofficial transcripts for application review. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions for specific requirements.
GRE (Graduate Record Exam) scores:
- GRE scores must be from an examination taken within the last five years. Official test scores must be received by George Mason by the application deadline. This requirement cannot be waived.
- GRE scores are optional for the Concentration in Education Leadership.
Three Letters of Recommendation:
- Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
- Applicants should follow the instructions included within the online application to submit the recommendation form directly to their recommender. Mason does not accept paper recommendations.
- Applicants should ask recommenders to comment on their experiences and accomplishments that are indicators of aptitude for doctoral study.
Students with International Education Credentials:
- Additional requirements might be required. Please see the International Graduate Requirements for additional information.
Supplemental Materials (optional):
- Supplemental materials might include writing samples of previous research reports, including published works.
- A description of evidence of aptitude to successfully complete required statistics coursework, including non-degree coursework taken prior to admittance into the PhD in Education Program.
All required materials must be in the admissions office by the admission deadline to ensure proper processing. If you are missing parts of the required application materials, your application is incomplete and will not be considered. While there is a short grace period for official GRE scores to arrive from ETS for applicants who have taken the exam prior to the admissions deadline, applicants can also submit unofficial GRE scores in the supplemental materials section of the application to ensure that there is not a delay in the review of their application.
Admissions Requirements
Program Eligibility
Applicants must have conferred a master’s degree prior to beginning coursework in the PhD program. Three years of relevant work experience may be required for specific professional specializations. Applicants must have a minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. The GPA requirement may be higher for some graduate programs. The university, at its discretion, may, in evaluating the meeting of this requirement, additionally consider the difficulty of the baccalaureate degree, relevant work experience, any/or other evidence of ability to succeed in graduate study.
The Ph.D. in Education admissions committee conducts a holistic review of all components of each candidate's application, which includes GRE scores (optional for Concentration in Education Leadership), GPA, fit with the program faculty research, publications, goal statement, relevant work experience and educational background or other evidence provided that supports the candidate’s qualifications. In addition, an interview with program faculty is required for admission.
Tuition (2023-24)
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION | COST PER CREDIT |
|---|---|
| Virginia Resident | $752.50 (includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident | $952.50 (includes MSF*; discounted from $1,641.50) |
| VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** | $640.00 (includes MSF*) |
| CEHD Course Fee | $25 - $84 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit | $777.50 - $836.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit | $977.50 - $1036.50 |
| Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** | $665.00 - $724.00 |
| Graduate New Student Fee (non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$60 |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $163.50
**VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.
Financial Aid
There are a wide range of sources to help you fund your doctoral study, including:
- Loans and scholarships available through the Office of Student Financial Aid.
- Graduate research or teaching assistantships, tuition waivers, and fellowships available through CEHD, faculty grants, and the University Graduate Division. Visit the PhD in Education funding page for more information.
- Tuition reimbursement options available through many school districts. Speak to your employer for more information.
Advising
Initial Advisor
At the time of admission, students in the PhD in Education Program are provided with an initial point of contact from their specialization to serve as a temporary advisor. After no more than two semesters of coursework, students select a chair for their Program Advisory Committee to assist them in forming a program advisory committee.
Program Advisory Committee
The first committee, the Program Advisory Committee, advises the student through the development of a program of study, completion of all pre-dissertation coursework, and defense of the Comprehensive Portfolio Assessment required to advance to candidacy.
Doctoral Dissertation Committee
A second committee, the Doctoral Dissertation Committee, advises the student in the preparation, submission and defense of the PhD in Education dissertation
Program Guidelines
Program Guidelines
This document contains the following sections:
SECTION I: INTRODUCTION
- Comprises a description of the program including its structure, program evaluation, and resources for students.
SECTION II: PROGRAM GUIDELINES POLICIES AND PRACTICES
- Comprises a synopsis of key applicable George Mason policies and practices as well as additional requirements and protocols of the PhD in Education degree including (a) academic integrity, (b) appeals, (c) committees, (d) continuous enrollment and time limits, (e) course requirements, (f) credit transfers, (g) exiting the program, and (h) graduation requirements.
SECTION III: PROGRAM OF STUDY GUIDELINES
- Comprises requirements for students constructing their program of study including (a) course level requirements, (b) types of course options, (c) required program of study components, and (d) program-specific course requirements.
SECTION IV: PORTFOLIO GUIDELINES
- Comprises requirements for documenting evidence of student learning and knowledge development throughout the pre-dissertation phase of doctoral coursework including (a) the program advisory committee, (b) the portfolio process, (b) Portfolio I, (c) Portfolio II, and (d) Portfolio III/Comprehensive Portfolio, and (e) Portfolio Rubrics
SECTION V: DISSERTATION GUIDELINES
- Comprises important information related to (a) the dissertation committee, (b) both dissertation format options: traditional and manuscript, (c) dissertation proposal, (d) institutional review board approval, (e) dissertation defense, (f) final dissertation review, and (g) dissertation submission to the university library.
Resources
Documents and Forms
This page contains forms for the program, including (a) program of study and related forms, (b) individualized course forms, (c) portfolio forms, (d) dissertation forms and resources, and (e) funding applications.
Funding Opportunities
This page contains information related to (a) college-funded research assistantships, (b) grant-funded employment opportunities, and (c) other funding opportunities within and outside George Mason.
Course Search Tool
This page allows you to search all courses offered in the PhD in Education Program and filter by: (a) specialization, (b) content interest area, and (c) semester that courses are typically offered.
Important Deadlines & Upcoming Events
Dissertation Defense:
- Spring: last Friday in March
- Summer: last Friday in June
- Fall: last Friday in October
Student Organizations
PhD in Education Student Organization (PESO)
Graduate and Professional Student Organization at George Mason University (GAPSA)
Student Accomplishments
Faculty Specialization Representative
-
Kelly Schrum
PhD, Johns Hopkins University
Primary Faculty
-
P. Daniel Chen
PhD, Florida State University -
Chrystal George Mwangi
PhD, University of Maryland College Park -
Jeffrey Grim
PhD, University of Michigan Ann Arbor -
Graziella McCarron
PhD, University of Maryland College Park -
Julie Owen
PhD, University of Maryland College Park -
Aoi Yamanaka
PhD, George Mason University