Program Overview

Higher Education, MEd

The Master of Education in Higher Education program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is designed to transform college access, workforce preparation, and higher education student services. This innovative program aims to provide foundational tools for student services practitioners who will pursue entry to mid-level staff or leadership roles in higher education institutions.

Program Description

The program seeks to establish partnerships with college and career readiness professionals to address the academic and personal challenges of elementary and secondary youth who may be underprepared to fully contribute to the economic vibrancy of the region. Students in this program will contribute as transition planning advocates to the development of academic and career pathways that will inspire renewed hope for vulnerable youth populations and positively impact their future aspirations.

Program Type and Format

• The program type is Graduate, MEd.
• The format is 100% Online.

Master of Education, Higher Education

The UMSL Higher Education MEd program has been redesigned to promote student services collaboration across both educational sectors, K-12 and higher education. Student services emphases in both higher education and college and career readiness provide an opportunity for practitioners to serve as transition advocacy specialists for students in K-12 educational settings, or they can provide student support services in a postsecondary setting after students have transitioned to college.

Curriculum

The enhanced, comprehensive curriculum addresses the needs of student services staff and leaders in higher education, K-12 teacher leaders, and college and career readiness professionals in our schools and communities. Student support professionals will be provided the necessary tools to empower students at all educational levels to succeed. A renewed emphasis will be placed on students who are culturally connected to marginalized communities or underrepresented populations to promote achievement and success among these groups.

Outcomes and Career Outlook

Students who graduate from this program pursue careers in a variety of higher education settings, including:

• College Advising Corps
• Multicultural Student Services
• Student Conduct
• Disability Access Services
• TRIO, Talent Search, Upward Bound, and other pre-collegiate transition programs They also pursue careers with state agencies such as MDHEWD and federal agencies such as the Office of Postsecondary Education.

Employment and Salary

• The employment of Postsecondary and Pre-Collegiate Student Services professionals is projected to increase by 7% through 2030.
• The median annual salary is $94,410 according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET.

Career Opportunities

• Academic and Career Advising
• Academic Affairs Professional
• Career Readiness Professional
• Child Advocacy, Victimization, and Trauma Support Professional
• College Access Policy Development Professional
• College Readiness Advocate
• K-12 College and Career Coach
• Student Services Staff and Administration
• Precollegiate Programming Staff

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements include:

• An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
• A completed UMSL Graduate School Application.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: July 1
• Spring: December 1
• Summer: May 1

Degree Information

Plan of Study

Review Full Degree Requirements.

Non-Missouri Residents

Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Student Organizations and Career Services

• Student Organizations: Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations.
• Career Services: Students have access to professional career counselors who can assist in everything from resume development and interview preparation to lining up an internship or connecting you with your next full-time career.

Research Opportunities

There are many opportunities for graduate students to showcase their research, including the annual Graduate Research Fair, which is open to students from all graduate programs. Doctoral and thesis master's students can also compete in the Three Minute Thesis challenge to be evaluated by a panel of judges for a chance to win cash prizes.

Related Majors

Explore more degree options:

• Education, MEd Special Education, MEd
• School Counseling, MEd

College of Education

The UMSL College of Education transforms lives by shaping the educational landscape in the St. Louis region, advancing educator quality and professional development in Missouri, and being recognized nationally as a leader of vital research and as a hub of innovation.

Why Choose the UMSL College of Education?

The College of Education offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that prepares teacher candidates to be highly successful educators. Students complete a year-long practicum experience in a local school or in one of the dozens of area Studio Schools located throughout the region.

Faculty and Alumni

College of Education faculty have been educating the next generation of leaders for more than 50 years. With decades of collective teaching experience, our faculty provides students with world-class education, hands-on experience, and innovative curriculum to become in-demand educators. The College of Education has prepared over 20,000 educators for service, making up a strong network of noble educators, counselors, administrators, and scholars motivated to transform the lives of others and advocate for all.