Master of Education in Higher Education

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:

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution

  • 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 

  • 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

  • A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred

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

  • Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education

  • Statement of purpose

  • Two letters of recommendation 

  • Resume or curriculum vitae

Requirements for the ME in Higher Education 

For the Master of Education degree, students must complete the following program requirements:

  •  30 semester hours of approved graduate course work

  • An area of  specialization in higher education with courses pre-approved by the faculty advisor

  • A  culminating project that the students develop throughout their program and defend in their final semester

No more than six semester hours of credit from any combination of workshops (5950), practicum (6940), problems or special topics courses (5980 or 6980), and independent studies (6990), and thesis (6960) 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.

Master's coursework

Specialization in Higher Education
Select the following:
HED 5900Diversity Leadership in Higher Education3
HED 6010History Of Higher Education3
HED 6510The American College Student3
HED 6530Theories Of Student Development3
HED 6570Research in Higher Education3
HED 6640Governance And Administration In Higher Education3
HED 6700Finance Of Higher Education3
HED 6730Legal Aspects Of Higher Education3
HED 6770Evaluation And Outcomes Assessment In Higher Education3
HED 6850Critical Issues In Higher Education3
Master's Culminating Experience
A culminating project will be developed throughout the program and defended in final semester
Total Hours30

GUIDE FOR DEVELOPING A PLAN OF STUDY

Below is a guide for developing a Plan of Study for the Master of Education. Students should review their degree audit and work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements. 

Plan of Study Grid
First TermHours
HED 6010 History Of Higher Education 3
HED 6730 Legal Aspects Of Higher Education 3
 Hours6
Second Term
HED 6510 The American College Student 3
HED 6640 Governance And Administration In Higher Education 3
 Hours6
Third Term
HED 6570 Research in Higher Education 3
 Hours3
Fourth Term
HED 6770 Evaluation And Outcomes Assessment In Higher Education 3
HED 6850 Critical Issues In Higher Education 3
 Hours6
Fifth Term
HED 5900 Diversity Leadership in Higher Education 3
HED 6700 Finance Of Higher Education 3
 Hours6
Sixth Term
HED 6530 Theories Of Student Development 3
Defend Master's Culminating Project
 Hours3
 Total Hours30
  • PLO 1: Demonstrate ability to trace and analyze historical and philosophical development trends in higher education and their impact on current practice in higher education.
  • PLO 2: Demonstrate ability to identify and apply governance, leadership, organizational, and administrative practices that assist institutions in accomplishing their missions.
  • PLO 3: Demonstrate ability to assess student/program outcomes to inform current practice in higher education.
  • PLO 4: Demonstrate ability to integrate ethics and considerations of student development in decision making, practice, or course projects.
  • PLO 5: Demonstrate ability to gather higher education data, evaluate it, and use it to understand trends and to inform current practice in higher education.
  • PLO 6: Demonstrate ability to create diverse environments that foster diverse student learning and development in higher education.
  • PLO 7: Demonstrate knowledge of issues of race/ethnicity and social justice to guide professional practice.
  • PLO 8: Demonstrate knowledge of higher education law to guide professional practice.
  • PLO 9: Demonstrate knowledge of higher education finance to guide professional practice.
  • PLO 10: Demonstrate knowledge of critical issues facing higher education administration (working professionals)
  • PLO 11: Demonstrate participation in and reflection on professional development activities (pre-professional students).