Baruch College Launches NYC’s First Doctoral Program in Higher Education Administration at a Public Institution

Baruch College Launches NYC's First Doctoral Program in Higher Education Administration at a Public Institution

September 18, 2025

Baruch College celebrated the launch its first doctoral degree in higher education administration on September 16, marking a milestone for the institution and The City University of New York (CUNY) system.

Housed within the Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, the Executive Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration (EdD-HEA) is a flexible, fully online program designed for working professionals with a master's degree and experience in higher education or a related field.

Baruch President S. David Wu and CUNY Chancellor Felix V. Matos Rodriguez welcomed the audience of nearly 200 alumni, approximately 50 potential degree applicants, and national higher education leaders. Members of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul's executive team such as Danielle McMullen, assistant secretary for education, and Angel Vasquez, deputy secretary of labor, were also in attendance. Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, was the keynote speaker.

Leading with Firsts

This EdD-HEA program represents several important firsts. It is Baruch College's first doctoral degree in education and the first doctoral program offered by the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs.

It is also the first fully asynchronous doctoral program across CUNY, as well as the University's first doctoral degree in higher education administration.

Graduates of the program will emerge as strategic, equity-driven leaders ready to champion innovation and student success across diverse educational settings.

'A national and global model'

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez: "The Marxe School's new Executive Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration reflects CUNY's and Baruch's commitment to shaping leaders who graduate ready to effectuate organizational as well as societal change. Leadership positions in higher education will increasingly require a doctorate, and this program will meet that growing need. This program will be a national and global model. The fully online, asynchronous format means professionals can earn their doctorate without having to pause their careers or relocate. Students across the country and the world will be able to learn from our expertise and apply it elsewhere. Ultimately, this new degree aligns with our core values - advancing opportunity, broadening access and fostering equity and social mobility."

Baruch College President S. David Wu: "The launch of our EdD-HEA degree program is unique in many ways as it took more than two years to come to fruition and is a culmination of more than four decades of higher education administration programming at Baruch. Aspiring higher education leaders now have access to an online doctorate program, which builds on Baruch's great foundation serving as a national laboratory for success in higher education."

Marxe School Dean Sherry Ryan: "The Marxe School has been a longstanding leader in preparing professionals for higher education administration at the master's level. Now, with the launch of our EdD, we take a bold step forward, building on our legacy and expanding our commitment to developing leaders who advance equity, inclusion, and social justice in public service. The EdD in Higher Education Administration is a natural extension of our mission, aligning with our values and history of offering the MSEd."

During the event, Dean Ryan presented Mitchell with the School's inaugural "Higher Education Champion" award for being an influential leader within the field.

Meeting a Growing Demand in the Field

Based upon Bureau of Labor statistics, career opportunities requiring an EdD are expected to grow by almost 200,000 positions by the year 2032.

Today, there are 105 doctoral programs in higher education offered nationally, with only 35 being fully online.

According to Dean Ryan, the EdD-HEA program at the Marxe School offers several advantages:

• Fully online and asynchronous
• Nationally recognized faculty
• Integration of theory and practice
• Dissertation in practice
• Accelerated completion
• Dynamic location in New York City

This 54-credit program can be finished in under three years. Students will benefit from personalized support, including a full-time doctoral advisor, one-one-one writing and quantitative tutoring, help from a dedicated research librarian, and professional networking.

Attend an upcoming open house to learn more about the EdD-HEA program.

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