The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Higher Education is a 30-credit degree program designed to enhance students' and professionals' contributions to higher education, preparing them for a broad range of administrative roles in this growth area as well as to develop meaningful projects related to their work.  Many of our students are working professionals in higher education, or faculty in community colleges looking for advancement, and others are exploring student success.

This program is flexible, offering part-time study in five semesters. This program provides contemporary perspectives on careers, policies, administration, history, organization, social justice and educational equity, data-based decision making and teaching in post-secondary education. The final project is an opportunity for either a practicum or a professional project directly related to participant's area of interest.

Prior Learning Assessment 

For students with more extensive applied experience or study in an area related to higher education, the program allows for up to 12 credits of evaluated learning through prior learning assessment and/or transfer credit. The American Council of Education has evaluated some credit sources from organizational or military learning at the graduate level that, when applicable, can be used in a student's program. In addition, in consultation with program faculty, students can submit learning descriptions to be considered for evaluation for graduate level prior learning assessment and credit toward their degree.

PROGRAM DELIVERY AND TUITION RATE

While most of this program is delivered online asynchronously, some courses may have a small number of synchronous supplemental learning opportunities via webinars or virtual environments. Instructors will make an effort to schedule these activities at times that work for their students. In addition, due to the nature of some courses, students may be required to access or acquire additional software and/or hardware for some course activities. Students will be notified of additional requirements in a course’s full syllabus. This program is billed at the non-MBA rate.

ADMISSION

Admission to this program is selective. This program enrolls new students in the fall, spring, and summer terms. Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree. 

APPLICATION

Please see the Graduate Admissions pages of this catalog for a complete listing of materials required to complete a graduate application.

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

M.A. in Higher Education Curriculum

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
EDHE 6031	Administration and Leadership in Higher Education	3
EDHE 6032	Economics and Finance in Higher Education	3
EDHE 6034	History and Philosophy of Higher Education	3
EDHE 6080	Fostering Student Success and Equity in Higher Education	3
EDHE 6040	Data Literacy and Research Interpretation (or another assessment/research methods course approved by advisor, such as:)	3
or EDET 6080	Evaluation Assessment and Data Driven Learning Design
or PPOL 6020	Research Methods
or ADLC 6020	Approaches to Critical Inquiry & Research
4 Higher Education Electives		12
EDHE 7015	Higher Education Capstone	3
Total Credits		30

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Evaluate complex issues in higher education to develop evidence-based solutions for resources, administration, policy, and/or student success.\\n
• Design and assess innovative programs that foster inclusive learning environments and promote educational equity.\\n
• Effectively communicate and advocate for higher education initiatives to diverse stakeholders.
• Apply leadership and management principles to advance institutional missions in higher education.
• Demonstrate mastery of program learning by integrating theory, research, and practice in a comprehensive capstone project.