Program Overview

Higher Education Administration Master's Degree

The Master of Education in Higher Education Administration prepares professionals to lead across multiple areas of higher education, including all levels of administration, student affairs, academic advising, and more. Combining rigorous academics with hands-on experience and professional training, the program equips graduates to tackle today's complex challenges in colleges and universities.

Program Overview

This program develops effective leaders for community colleges, universities, professional schools, and policy settings. With a focus on transformative leadership, it cultivates scholar-practitioners who are committed to supportive, equity-driven practices. Faculty emphasize reflection, critical thinking, and the integration of personal and professional experiences within a collaborative cohort model. Graduates emerge ready to engage various populations and make meaningful contributions to the field of higher education.

Program Formats

The program offers flexible formats—in-person and hybrid online—for working professionals. Students can tailor their experience by choosing one of two emphasis areas: Community College Leadership or Comprehensive University Leadership, aligning their studies with specific career goals and different postsecondary environments.

Hybrid Online Format

Students have the option to pursue the Higher Education Administration (MEd) either through the traditional on-campus format or a flexible hybrid online format. The hybrid online option allows students to complete coursework online while still benefiting from valuable campus resources.

Online Course Delivery

All courses are delivered online either asynchronously or synchronously, with access to interact with faculty and classmates.

Required Campus Experience

As part of the Required Campus Experience for the MEd in Higher Education Administration, students must complete HSA 6933: Internship/Practicum in Higher Education Administration, which includes a 150-hour supervised field experience in a selected functional area such as student affairs, academic affairs, or policy and governance. Guided by a site supervisor, students engage in hands-on administrative tasks and reflective learning to apply theory to practice, deepen their understanding of institutional operations, and build professional competencies for leadership roles in higher education.

Admission Requirements

• Required Degree: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.
• Minimum GPA: 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale); departments may consider GPA of last 60 semester credit hours.
• Coursework: Completed adequate credit hours or foreign institution equivalent coursework as preparation for the program.
• Transcripts: Required from all institutions attended; international transcripts must be recorded/translated to English.
• Credential Evaluation: Required if you have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions; submit an evaluation of your transcripts from FCSA or any NACES-approved credential evaluation agency.
• English Language Proficiency: 550 TOEFL Paper / 79 TOEFL Internet / 6.5 IELTS / Duolingo 100.
• Purpose Statement: Required.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines are as follows:

• Spring 2026: November 1 (International), December 15 (Domestic).
• Summer 2026: Not Available.
• Fall 2026: June 1 (International), August 1 (Domestic).
• Spring 2027: November 1 (International), December 1 (Domestic).
• Summer 2027: Not Available.

Funding Opportunities

Resources are available for funding opportunities.

Career Options

The program prepares students for future careers that are in demand, based on data from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and online job postings.

Course Scheduling and Offerings

During both the Fall and Spring Semester, courses run from 6:00 PM to 8:45 PM, Monday through Friday. During the Summer Semester, higher education administration coursework typically begins at or after 5:00 PM.

Graduate Advisor of Record

Michael Denton, PhD.

Student Development Specialist

Cristie Grieb.