Master of Education in Higher Education
The Master of Education in Higher Education degree prepares students to become leaders with a deep understanding of higher education administration issues and practices in two- and four-year colleges and universities. This degree is designed for those interested in pursuing entry-level administrative and professional staff positions in higher education, as well as individuals already working in higher education interested in pursuing mid-level positions.
The ME in Higher Education is a 30 semester hour program. Students take core courses in higher education along with courses selected with a faculty advisor based on the student's interests and goals. The program culminates with the completion of a master's research seminar, master's practicum, or thesis in higher education. Coursework is completed online.
Admission to the ME in Higher Education
In addition to admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies, admission to the master's program requires the following:
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A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution
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A well-written statement of purpose describing your background and goals as well as the importance of this degree in achieving those goals and pursuing a career in the field of higher education
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Two letters of recommendation regarding your potential for doing master's level work from professionals such as an undergraduate major advisor, current employer, or others who are knowledgeable about your ability to engage in graduate work in this degree program
The master's program has selective admissions and may admit a limited number of students. Thus, meeting all formal criteria does not guarantee admission.
What to Submit with Your Application
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Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education
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Statement of purpose
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Two letters of recommendation
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Resume or curriculum vitae
Requirements for the ME in Higher Education
For the Master of Education degree, students must complete the following program requirements:
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A minimum of 30 semester hours of approved graduate course work
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A higher education specialization that includes HED 5900 HED 6010, HED 6510, HED 6530, HED 6570, HED 6640, HED 6770, HED 6700, and HED 6730
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A thesis, critical issues seminar, or master's practicum in higher education
In addition, no more than six semester hours of credit from any combination of workshops (5950), problems or special topics courses (5980 or 6980), and independent studies (5990 or 6990) may be included in the degree program.
All coursework and requirements of the master's degree must be taken within a six-year period immediately preceding the date the degree is awarded.
Plan of Study
A plan of study identifying the courses for the master's degree is required after 12-credit hours, generally at the end of the first semester of full-time study. The master's plan of study must include the following within the 30-semester hour minimum:
- 27 credits of specialization in higher education
- HED 5900, 6010, 6510, 6530, 6570, 6640, 6770, 6700, and 6730 are required
- 3 credits of thesis, critical issues seminar, or master's practicum in higher education
Guide for Developing a Plan of Study
Below is a guide for developing a Plan of Study for the Master of Education in Higher Education. Students should work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Education Specialization | ||
| Select the following: | 27 | |
| Diversity Leadership in Higher Education | ||
| History Of Higher Education | ||
| The American College Student | ||
| Theories Of Student Development | ||
| Research in Higher Education | ||
| Governance And Administration In Higher Education | ||
| Evaluation And Outcomes Assessment In Higher Education | ||
| Finance Of Higher Education | ||
| Legal Aspects Of Higher Education | ||
| Master's Thesis, Critical Issues Seminar or Master's Practicum | ||
| Select one of the following as approved by advisor: | 3 | |
| Critical Issues In Higher Education (recommended for working professionals) | ||
| Master's Practicum In Higher Education (recommended for pre-professional students) | ||
| Master's Thesis In Higher Education | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
2. Demonstrate ability to identify and apply governance, leadership, organizational, and administrative practices that assist institutions in accomplishing their missions.
3. Demonstrate ability to assess student/program outcomes to inform current practice in higher education.
4. Demonstrate ability to integrate ethics and considerations of student development in decision making, practice, or course projects.
5. Demonstrate ability to gather higher education data, evaluate it, and use it to understand trends and to inform current practice in higher education.
6. Demonstrate ability to create diverse environments that foster diverse student learning and development in higher education.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of issues of race/ethnicity and social justice to guide professional practice.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of higher education law to guide professional practice.
9. Demonstrate knowledge of higher education finance to guide professional practice.
10. Demonstrate knowledge of critical issues facing higher education administration (working professionals)
11. Demonstrate participation in and reflection on professional development activities (pre-professional students).