The Master of Education in Higher Education degree prepares students to become leaders who will shape the future of American public and private higher education. The ME in Higher Education has an online option for professionals with two years of experience and an on-campus option for students new to higher education. 

The ME in Higher Education is a 30 semester hour program. Students take courses to prepare them in student development, assessment, diversity, ethics, policy, and governance. Additional semester hours of coursework are required for those who are new to higher education. 

For those with two years of experience in higher education settings, the ME in Higher Education may be completed completely online.  

For those new to higher education, this program includes addition coursework with practicum experiences in the higher education setting. Courses are completed through a combination of on-campus and practicum-based courses.

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

• An overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate work or acceptable scores on the GRE for prospective students with less than a 2.7 undergraduate GPA

• A well-written statement of purpose describing the student’s background and goals as well as the importance of the degree in achieving those goals and a commitment to pursuing a career in the field of higher education 

• Two or three letters of recommendation (see below) regarding the prospective student's potential for doing master's level work from professionals such as an undergraduate major advisor, current employer, school principal or others who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s ability to engage in graduate work in the desired program.

Additionally, for prospective students interested in the online program for professionals:

• At least two years of work experience in a higher education setting

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

Applications for the on-campus program for prospective students new to higher education  

• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education

• Statement of purpose

• Two letters of recommendation 

• Resume or curriculum vitae

Applications for the online program for prospective students with experience in higher education 

• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education

• Statement of purpose

• Three 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:

• A minimum of 30 semester hours of approved graduate course work

• The master's core requirement by completing four to six course in the specified higher education core

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

• A thesis, research seminar, or capstone seminar

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:

• 12 to 18 credits of higher education core courses
• 9 to 21 credits of specialization in higher education 
• 3 credits of thesis, critical issues, or capstone seminar

Students without work experience in higher education may be required to complete additional semester hours to fulfill the practicum experience in higher education requirement as well as degree requirements.​

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. 

Additional hours are required to fulfill the on-campus program requirements for students new to higher education. 

Guide for the online program for students with experience in higher education

 Guide for the on-campus program for students new to higher education