About this Program

The program has a strong reputation as an academically rigorous program that emphasizes executive-level leadership preparation. Students interact with some of the most important higher education leaders and policymakers in the U.S. while studying under the guidance of dedicated faculty members.

Program Highlights

  • Reputation: ODU is a high-quality, nationally-recognized program that enrolls community college leaders across the U.S.

  • Dissertation: Dissertation work starts day one and is supported through timely completion

  • Live Video Online: Live video courses are scheduled in the late afternoon and evenings at times that let working professionals stay in their current positions while earning a high-quality degree

  • Team-Taught: Courses are team-taught by dedicated faculty and national community college leaders, as well as state and institutional guest speakers from across the U.S.

  • Summer Institute: Cohorts of community college leaders from across the U.S. gather once-a-year at our annual Summer Institute

  • Affordable: Our competitive tuition rates make the program worth the investment. Out-of-state students pay close to the in-state rate

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

$107,670 Median Salary

Plan, direct, or coordinate research, instructional, student administration and services, and other educational activities at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

Education Administrators, All Other

$88,240 Median Salary

All education administrators not listed separately.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Community College Leadership at ODU?
Students entering the Doctor of Philosophy program in Community College Leadership should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.

Ph.D. applicants have the option to apply for either priority admission or regular admission. The deadline for priority admission is November 1st. Applicants may also apply for the regular admission cycle by February 1st to begin in the summer semester.
 

  • Complete an online application;

  • Upload unofficial transcripts from previous educational institutions;

  • Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a current score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT of at least 80. Applicants also upload supplemental materials including: •    A CV or resume that describes the your academic and professional background; •    1-page Statement of Purpose that addresses: What are your professional goals? Why do you wish to obtain a PhD? •    An original 2-page single-spaced academic writing sample on a current issue facing community colleges of interest to you that adresses: What is the issue? Why is it important to the field of community college research and practice?

  • Three (3) letters of recommendation. At least one letter must come from a professor or an individual who describes the applicant's academic performance and writing ability. Letters from senior-level leaders that endorse the applicant's leadership potential are encouraged. Applicants will enter the emails for references in the online system, and references will be emailed a link to upload a letter of recommendation on letterhead and complete the online reference form.

  • Complete a phone interview.  The admissions committee composed of program faculty will review all applications then will select applicants for an interview via phone with the committee or committee member(s). Interviews will be used to determine final admissions decisions.

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $599
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $623
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,439

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Contact

Associate Professor

EDUCATION BUILDING
NORFOLK, 23529