Higher Education Specialization, M.Ed.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Samantha Silberstein

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) specialization in Higher Education prepares professionals to enter or advance in student affairs and academic support roles in postsecondary education. The program provides a strong foundation in higher education theory and practice, is grounded in practical, experiential learning, and offers a comprehensive understanding of higher education structures, governance, and operations. It also incorporates social, historical, philosophical, and developmental perspectives on postsecondary education.

Program graduates typically work in functional areas such as academic advising, admissions, career services, financial aid, judicial affairs, alumni relations, athletics, multicultural affairs, residence life, and student activities.

Admission Requirements

Transcripts from each institution attended (graduate and undergraduate).
An undergraduate grade average of “B” (GPA = 3.0) or better is recommended.
Three recommendations from individuals who can attest to the qualifications of the applicant for admission to this program.
Personal statement.
Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

Degree Requirements

The M.Ed. with specialization in Higher Education requires a minimum of 36 credit hours including electives that are selected from course offerings in Educational Leadership and other disciplines. The program requires students to engage in supervised professional practice, which provides the opportunity to connect theory to practice while working in a community college or university administrative or student support office or program.

Core Courses (30 credit hours)

EDL 511 - Organization, Administration, and Leadership in Higher Education Credit Hours: 3
EDL 523 - Research in Education Credit Hours: 3
EDL 531 - Program Design and Management in Higher Education Credit Hours: 3
EDL 548 - Innovative Approaches to College Student Success Credit Hours: 3
EDL 550 - Foundations of Higher Education Credit Hours: 3
EDL 551 - Student Development Theory Credit Hours: 3
EDL 553 - Evaluation and Assessment in Higher Education Credit Hours: 3
EDL 555 - Legal and Policy Issues in Higher Education Credit Hours: 3
EDL 558 - Social Justice Topics in Education Credit Hours: 3
EDL 596 - Culminating Project I Credit Hours: 3

Electives (6 credit hours)

Students will take a set of elective courses at the 500 level (or above) that focus on areas related to their professional interest areas. These courses will be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor.

Exit Requirements

All students must take and pass EDL 596 .
All students must complete a culminating project.
All students must successfully complete an approved internship.