OVERVIEW
The Higher Education program at The University of Alabama was founded in 1971, when a small number of such programs existed in the United States. The program today has a dynamic and nationally recognized faculty, whose areas of scholarship include community colleges, higher education finance, college teaching and learning, student access and outcomes, and organizational behavior. Over the years, hundreds of program graduates have made a deep and positive impact in a range of higher education settings.
The program draws students with professional experience and interests in multiple institutional types, including two-year and four-year institutions, for-profit institutions, policy groups, and non-profit organizations. Across the degree programs, the curriculum is designed to challenge and expand students’ understanding, enabling creative thinking, rigorous analysis, and innovative problem solving.
The program in Higher Education at The University of Alabama welcomes applications from highly-qualified individuals who have strong academic preparation, leadership potential, and a clearly articulated commitment to the field of higher education. Admission is competitive, as we admit a small number of students each year for our various programs.
| Program Coordinator | Degree Program | Graduate Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Bray, Nathaniel | Higher Education Administration PhD (MAIN) | Skylar Petersen |
| Breaux, Arleene | Higher Education Administration EdD (MAIN+DL) | Skylar Petersen |
| Eaton, Paul | Higher Education Administration MA | Danielle Edwards |
| Culver, KC | College Teaching Certificate (MAIN) | Skylar Petersen |
PROGRAMS
- M.A. in Higher Education Administration
- M.A. in Higher Education Administration (online)
- Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration
- Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration (hybrid; Not admitting for Fall 2026)
- Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration
CERTIFICATE
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Masters of Arts (MA) in Higher Education
July 15 for fall admission
April 15 for summer admission
Nov. 1 for spring admission
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Higher Education
Jan. 15
Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education
Jan. 15
Executive Program
Doctor of Education (EdD) Executive Cohort
Feb. 15
Qualified students interested in graduate assistantships should have all application materials submitted by the application deadline.
CONTACTS
| Program | Coordinator | |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Education Administration, Ed.D., and Ph.D. | Dr. Nathaniel Bray | nbray@ua.edu |
| Higher Education Administration, MA | Dr. Paul Eaton | pweaton@ua.edu |
| Higher Education Administration, Executive Ed.D. | Dr. Arleene Breaux | apbreaux@ua.edu |
| Graduate Certificate in College Teaching | Dr. KC Culver | kc.culver@ua.edu |
FACULTY
Blair Alexander
Coordinator of Continuous Improvement, Dean's Office and Clinical Assistant Professor of Higher Education, ELPTS
Donald L. Gilstrap
Dean of University Libraries and Professor of Higher Education Administration, ELPTS
David Hardy
Associate Dean for Research & Service, Dean's Office and Associate Professor of Higher Education, ELPTS
Karri Holley
Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor, Higher Education, ELPTS
Akeisha Young
Director of Accreditation & Assessment, Dean's Office and Clinical Assistant Professor of Higher Education, ELPTS