Program Overview
Master of Science in Higher Education
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Higher Education is a 36-credit graduate program that covers fundamental leadership strategies and a strong foundation in the historical and social contexts that can impact the achievement of organizational goals. The flexible curriculum allows students to create a program of study that supports their specific interests.
Program of Study
Core Courses
- Introduction to Organizational Leadership
- Introduction to Social Analysis
- Quantitative Methods in Educational Leadership
Support Discipline Courses
Choose two:
- Economics of Education
- Ethics and Education
- Higher Education Finance
- Higher Education Law
- History of Higher Education
- Politics of Higher Education
- Sociology of Higher Education
Elective Courses
Select two courses from the support discipline and/or higher education concentration options that you haven't taken yet, or other courses as advised.
Higher Education Concentration Courses
Choose four:
- Administration of Athletics in Higher Education
- Administration of the Community College
- Administration of Institutions of Higher Education
- Assessment and Accountability in Higher Education
- Career Development
- Community Colleges
- College Student Affairs
- College Persistence
- Higher Education Finance
- Higher Education Law
- Leadership for Cradle to Career Education Systems
- Research Colloquium on Higher Education
Capstone in Education Policy and Leadership
Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
- Fall: Rolling
- Spring: Rolling
- Summer: Rolling
Required Application Materials
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three Letters of Recommendation
Supplemental Documents
- Statement of Goals: A one- to two-page statement discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program.
- Educational Leadership Essay: A 800-word essay on one of two possible topics.
Careers and Advisement
The Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center is the central office on campus serving undergraduate, graduate, and prospective students interested in pursuing careers in education and programs leading to teacher certification.
Supplemental Degree Programs
Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.
Supplemental programs available with this degree:
- Africana Studies CGS
- Community College Leadership CGS
- Demography CGS
- International Education Management CGS
- Teacher Leadership CGS
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Master of Science in Higher Education at the University at Albany prepares students for administrative roles in colleges, universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and education companies. It's designed for aspiring, early, or mid-career professionals who want to advance in fields such as admissions, advancement, enrollment management, student life, institutional research, diversity and inclusion, and advising.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the following:
- Dynamic educational leadership skills
- A strong foundation in the historical and social contexts impacting the achievement of organizational goals
- Flexibility to create a program of study aligned with their specific interests
Description:
This 36-credit graduate program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering fundamental leadership strategies. It delves into historical and social contexts relevant to achieving organizational goals. The flexible structure allows students to tailor their program based on their specific interests.
Outline:
Core Courses (4 courses):
- Introduction to Organizational Leadership
- Introduction to Social Analysis
- Quantitative Methods in Educational Leadership
- Choose one of the following:
- Administration of Athletics in Higher Education
- Administration of the Community College
- Administration of Institutions of Higher Education
Support Discipline Courses (2 courses):
- Choose two courses from the following:
- Economics of Education
- Ethics and Education
- Higher Education Finance
- Higher Education Law
- History of Higher Education
- Politics of Higher Education
- Sociology of Higher Education
Elective Courses (2 courses):
- Choose two courses from the support discipline and/or higher education category options (that haven't been taken yet).
Higher Education Courses (4 courses):
- Choose four courses from the following:
- Assessment and Accountability in Higher Education
- Career Development
- College Student Affairs
- College Persistence
- Higher Education Finance
- Higher Education Law
- Research Colloquium on Higher Education
Capstone Course:
- Capstone in Educational Administration
Careers:
The program prepares graduates for positions in various sectors, including:
- College and university positions in academic affairs, student affairs, athletics, and institutional research
- Early career policy analysis posts in education departments, professional associations, or policy research firms or centers
Other:
- The program offers an internship or field experience opportunity.
- The program is housed in the city of Albany, New York, providing an ideal environment for post-secondary education studies and applied learning experiences.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
