Program Overview

Master of Education - Higher Education

About

The Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) in Higher Education prepares graduates for entry-level leadership positions at public and private universities, community colleges, and proprietary institutions. The program is distinguished by its emphasis on integrating practical and relevant administrative skills with a broad understanding of issues facing higher education institutions. The M.Ed. program allows students to choose a sequence of courses emphasizing student affairs, intercollegiate athletics, or higher education organization.

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please refer to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Discuss the historical and philosophical influences that have guided the evolution of higher education in the U.S.
• Discuss the ways in which institutional mission, type and organizational structure shapes the nature of student affairs or intercollegiate athletics work.
• Discuss the nature of leading and working with and in diverse organizations.
• Discuss the requisite knowledge to fulfill key student affairs responsibilities (e.g., ethical practice, diversity awareness, supervision, assessment, etc.).
• Discuss and articulate an informed perspective on several contested issues in higher education (e.g., student affairs, intercollegiate athletics, etc.).

Career Possibilities

Higher Education Organization

Entry to mid-level administration in non-student services at universities, community colleges, and proprietary institutions:

• Facilities management
• Public relations
• Institutional advancement
• Business affairs
• Human relations administration

Student Affairs

Entry to mid-level management in student services:

• Hall director
• Cultural center director
• Academic advisor
• Study abroad programs
• International programs
• Intercollegiate athletics

Requirements

Plan Description

The Master of Education – Higher Education is designed to prepare graduates to serve in administrative capacities within the university, community college, and for-profit settings, with opportunities to study in areas such as student affairs, intercollegiate athletics, and higher education administration.

Plan Admission Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• A completed application and official copies of all college transcripts
• Two letters of professional/academic recommendation
• Optional GRE
• A minimum GPA of 2.75 for all undergraduate work or a 3.00 for the last two years of undergraduate work
• Evidence of a minimum of two years satisfactory teaching or administrative experience (or equivalent) preferred but not required
• Statement of Interest
• Indication of interest in a graduate assistantship, when applicable
• A current resume or vitae

All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Plan Requirements

Total Credits Required: 36

Course Requirements

Required Courses – Credits: 12

• EDH 607 - Leadership Development Seminar
• EDH 609 - Leading Diverse Organizations
• EDH 727 - College Students in the United States
• EDH 703 - History of American Higher Education

Core Research Course – Credits: 3

• EPY 702 - Research Methods

Additional Research Course – Credits: 3

Select one of the following:

• EPY 718 - Qualitative Research Methodologies
• EPY 721 - Descriptive and Inferential Statistics: An Introduction
• EDH 730 - Institutional Assessment

Internship – Credits: 3

• EDH 690 - Masters Internship

Elective Courses - Credits: 12

Complete 12 credits of advisor-approved elective course work. Courses may be selected from but are not limited to, the following three emphasis areas.

Student Affairs Emphasis

• EDH 626 - College Student Personnel Services
• EDH 714 - Understanding Minority Serving Institutions
• EPY 711 - Human Growth and Development

Intercollegiate Athletics Emphasis

• IPSM 603 - Issues in College Sport
• IPSM 606 - Intercollegiate Athletic Administration
• IPSM 711 - Sport Marketing

Administrative Leadership Emphasis

• EDH 708 - The American Community College
• EDH 742 - Academic Governance in Higher Education
• EDH 750 - Special Topics in Higher Education

Capstone Course – Credits: 3

• EDH 610 - Culminating Experience

Degree Requirements

• The student must complete a minimum of 36 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
• All courses in the program must be at the 600-level or above, with 50% at the 700-level.
• The Master of Education (M.Ed.) – Higher Education is a non-thesis program, which requires the successful completion of a capstone project taken during the final semester.

Plan Graduation Requirements

The student must successfully complete the capstone course.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.