This doctoral program's goal is developing leaders who will effectively steer higher and postsecondary education institutions, conduct scholarly research, and contribute in meaningful and distinctive ways to the overall development of the profession. Our students are expected and encouraged to think rigorously, understand and appreciate the craft of scholarship and research, demonstrate interest in and a capacity to make a difference in postsecondary education, and be actively committed to diversity. Doctoral students may have research interests that cut across our designated doctoral concentrations. In keeping with our traditions of interdisciplinary scholarship, rather than requiring you to choose a concentration that may not be the best preparation for the work you wish to do, we offer an Individually Designed Concentration option. Students may propose an Individually Designed Concentration by preparing a formal request within one year of initial enrollment. The Individually Designed Concentration should combine work in the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education with work in other departments and schools within the University. Students are assigned an academic advisor from among the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education (CSHPE) faculty members, based on shared professional interests. Students and advisors work together to develop a plan of study that is appropriate to the student's background and career interests. As students progress, they meet annually with CSHPE faculty, who conduct an academic review of students progress to ensure all needs are being met. Higher education course descriptions, including syllabi, are available online. As a student's interests and ideals are honed with gained knowledge and experience, a change of advisor may be in the student's best academic interest.