The Higher Education Administration program is most flexible in terms of allowing students to design their own programs in consultation with their advisor. The program is designed for those seeking leadership positions in colleges and universities.
Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards
- Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies.
- Regular admission in the program requires an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4-point scale).
- Applicants must provide evidence of promise as an administrator by preparing and submitting an admission portfolio directly to the Department of Educational Leadership. The following items must be included in the contents of the portfolio:
- a department application form (Click Here);
- a current resume identifying training, experience, and professional accomplishments;
- a minimum of two letters of reference (dated and submitted on organizational letterhead) from individuals who can appropriately address the applicant's potential as an administrator and attest to the applicant's potential for success in the program;
- a two-page statement incorporating how the applicant's program goals and beliefs about leadership connect to the Educational Leadership program and these principles:
- Vision for student success and achievement;
- Involvement of all stakeholders;
- Leadership for a diverse and complex society; and
- Demonstration of ethical behavior.
- identification of at least two significant activities that indicate experiences, abilities, and potential for educational leadership. For each activity identified, applicants should clearly describe the activity and the role and responsibilities they assumed, include the number of people involved or impacted by the activity, describe the budget (if applicable) or resources used, and summarize with a self-reflective statement addressing the insight and learning that occurred.
- Regular admission will be granted only after the admission portfolio has been reviewed and deemed acceptable by a committee of Educational Leadership faculty. Acceptability will be judged on the appropriateness of the contents of the admission portfolio relative to the degree program to which application is being made. The applicant's statements about beliefs, professional goals, and activities must show evidence of thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and congruence with the degree program to which the application is directed.
It is advantageous for the applicant to submit the admission portfolio as early as possible. Applicants must submit a complete admission packet, and it must be approved before a student is granted regular admission.Core Courses (21 hours)EDL 600 - Research for Educational Leadership 3(3-0)
EDL 636 - Higher Education Law 3(3-0)
EDL 677 - The American College Student 3(3-0)
EDL 757 - Student Development Theory 3(3-0)
EDL 764 - Financing of Higher Education 3(3-0)
EDL 776 - Administration of Higher Education 3(3-0)
EDL 777 - Student Affairs Administration 3(3-0)
Electives (9 hours)Select in consultation with an advisor.
Capstone Project (6 hours)All students earning a M.A. in Higher Education Administration will take a written comprehensive exam during their last semester of enrollment in the M.A. program.
Total: 36 semester hours