If you’re reading this article, then you can probably remember a time when online classes and distance learning seemed like something out of science fiction.  Ten years ago, the idea of getting a degree without leaving your house was as novel as the floating skateboards in Back to the Future.  If you’re researching phd online degrees and you’re fascinated with the changing face of education, then you might want to consider getting a phd in higher education.

Obviously, higher education phd programs aren’t as well-known as others such as economics or health care.  If you’re wondering just what you’d do with a higher education phd, then don’t worry.  We’ve got the skinny on this degree.

Here’s a good example: statistically, enrollment in private and public universities is changing.  While there are still a good many students hitting the books after high school, more and more students are being classified as “adult learners”.  That is, they have careers, families, and an extremely busy schedule.  These days, people can go back to school at any age.

As a result, schools are scrambling to cater to this new population of students.  They’re creating distance learning programs to cater to their busy schedules, and they professionals in place to help roll out these new initiatives.

With a phd in higher education, this is where you come in.

Higher Education PhD Programs: What You’ll Learn

The cool thing about a higher education phd is your classes; in short, they’re really interesting.

For example, you’ll be studying how people learn, and how they learn best.  You’ll be researching what tools are most effective for getting all that knowledge to actually “stick”, and the best ways to create online learning programs that are useful and interactive.

As a doctor of higher education, you’ll be at the forefront of learning in the 21^st century.

Now, it’s important to point out that there are two areas of focus with this degree.

The Ed.D in higher education is for those students who are interested in practical application.  If you want to work as a university president or department head, manage student affairs, or work in an administrative position for your state or national government, then this is the degree you’ll want to pursue.

The Ph.D in higher education is for those interested in pursuing research or teaching at the university level.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both, so you’ll want to carefully consider your options before making a decision.

Some of the classes you can expect to take with this degree could include:

• Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
• Academic Administration in Higher Education
• Finance in Higher Education
• Educational Resource Development
• Legalities in Higher Education
• Gender and Higher Education
• The Role of Higher Education in Democracy
• The Research on Students in Higher Education
• Policy Studies in Higher Education
• Grant Writing for Higher Education
• Human Resource Development

Careers With A Higher Education PhD

Now, obviously you’ll be eligible to work at any university with phd in higher education.  But, you’re not only limited to academia with this degree.  You could also work in government agencies, national and international educational associations, as well as private companies.

It’s hard to say how much you can earn with a phd in higher education.  It’s widely varied because there are so many things you can do with this degree.  If you manage to work your way up to college president, your salary will be hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars.  If you’re a department head, your earnings will be a slightly more modest sum of $60,000-$75,000 or more.  But, keep in mind that you’re earning this with three months off per year.  That’s a nice perk that you certainly won’t get in the private sector.

Whether you intend to do research or work in the field, getting a phd in higher education will be an interesting way to start a comfortable career.  While jobs in higher education aren’t growing as fast as some other sectors, they still pay relatively well, especially if you work for a government agency or private company.