Postsecondary Leadership

Concentration Advisor:

T. Dary Erwin, Ph.D.
540.568.6688
erwintd@jmu.edu 


Quick Links:

Admission Criteria  
Curriculum Chart          
Course Catalog 
Handbook   


Careers in Postsecondary Leadership:

JMU offers a unique doctoral program in Postsecondary Leadership, encompassing a combination of practical skills and leadership theory which you can bring to your work in:

  • College or university administration
  • College-level instruction of postsecondary education
  • Consulting
  • Educational research/academia
  • Policy

This program will serve you well if you…

  • aspire to, or already work in, a position in postsecondary administration, academics, or consulting.
  • have at least 3-5 years of experience in the field of postsecondary education administration.
  • would like to be a part-time or full-time student.

What makes this program unique?

A degree from the School of Strategic Leadership Studies is unique, not only because it is a doctoral degree, but also because it has cross-disciplinary courses and promotes competency in: 

  • institutional governance
  • internationally and nationally focused organizational performance measures
  • leadership theory
  • ethics
  • financial structures
  • public-private partnerships
  • advocacy and fundraising
  • application of knowledge (throughout guided coursework) culminating in an externship and dissertation
  • student development approaches

The Need for Postsecondary Leadership 

Higher education administration is listed as one of the "best careers" for the future by US News and World Report. Our graduates will assume major leadership roles drawing upon their training at JMU in areas of policy, business and organization, innovation, accountability, and interpersonal skills. Graduates may enter academic, policy, or practitioner positions at a variety of postsecondary institutions, higher education organizations, state coordinating boards, and governmental agencies related to postsecondary education.