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Higher Education

Master of Education

The M. Ed. In Higher Education (MHE) is designed for those who currently work in higher education but do not hold a master’s degree, those who plan to transition to working in higher education, or those planning to teach at the college level within their discipline.

The program provides a foundation of the past and present landscapes of higher education. Beyond the Foundations Core, candidates will choose one of three concentrations: Student Affairs in Higher Education, Administration in Higher Education, or Teaching in Higher Education.

Through the degree program, students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. All candidates complete 120 hours of Field Experience and create a professional portfolio.


Program Competencies

Students in the MHE Program will demonstrate the foundational levels of the following :

  • Personal & Ethical Foundations
  • Values, Philosophy, and History
  • Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
  • Law, Policy, and Governance
  • Organizational and Human Resource
  • Leadership
  • Social Justice and Inclusion
  • Student Learning and Development
  • Technology
  • Advising and Supporting

 

 

Formats

The program is offered fully online.

Core

The Core Requirements (Foundations) are designed to provide students with an overview of the field and systems of higher education. Candidates will learn about leadership, decision-making, and administrative structures. They will also understand pressing current issues like equity, funding, and the historical events that have led to higher education’s current state. Additionally, the Foundations Core provides candidates with skills in academic writing and oral presentation.

 

Concentrations

 

Student Affairs in Higher Education

The Student Affairs in Higher Education concentration is designed for those interested in transitioning to or advancing their careers in student service areas within higher education. This concentration focuses on student development, assessment of student learning, student engagement, and student success.

Administration in Higher Education

The Administration in Higher Education concentration is designed for those interested in transitioning to or advancing their careers in higher education administration. This concentration focuses on law, budgeting, human resource management, and data-driven decision-making.

Teaching in Higher Education

The Teaching in Higher Education concentration is designed for those are interested in learning how to teach at the college level within their disciplines. Candidates will learn about best practices in teaching adults, gain knowledge about developing curriculum and assessing student learning, and gain hands-on experience.

 

Field Experience

As part of each concentration, candidates will participate in a minimum of 120 hours of hands-on work with an institution of higher education.  

Capstone

The program culminates with MHE 7600, Action Research, in which candidates will complete a capstone project. Students will develop a scholarly paper and presentation focused on solving a specific problem or challenge facing a specific institution of higher education.

 

Portfolio Requirements

 

Throughout the program, candidates will develop an academic portfolio and a professional portfolio. The Academic Portfolio will be used to measure students’ course and graduation competencies. The professional portfolio will be a tool that candidates use to showcase work from courses, field experience, and the capstone project.

 

 


Required Courses

MED 6102 is required for all candidates. E-Folio is an electronic portfolio system used for documenting and tracking student mastery of program competencies.

Core Requirements

The following core courses (18 credits) are required for all candidates.  Candidates must also select ONE of the concentrations below to complete the degree.    

E-Folio

History of American Higher Education

Academic Research and Writing

Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education

Leadership and Ethical Decision Making in Higher Education

Current Issues and Financial Trends in Higher Education

Action Research Project

Concentration: Student Affairs in Higher Education

Introduction to Student Affairs

Student Development Theory and Contemporary College Students

Law and Policy in Higher Education

Assessment of Student Learning Outside of the Classroom

Field Experience

Concentration: Teacher in Higher Education

Teaching and Learning Theories in Higher Education

Teaching Strategies and the Adult Learner

Assessment and Evaluation

Curriculum Development

Field Experience

Concentration: Administration in Higher Education

Introduction to Administration in Higher Education

Law and Policy in Higher Education

Seminar in Human Resource Management

Data Driven Strategic Planning

Field Experience

 

Please note that all concentrations are also offered as stand-alone graduate certificates. 

Qualifications for the Degree

To qualify for the Master of Education in Higher Education degree, a candidate must complete all course work (33 credits), field experience, and portfolio requirements. Candidates must hold a cumulative 3.0 GPA in order to be eligible for the degree. To encourage timely completion, make regular appointments with your Program Chair. In addition to needing a 3.0 overall GPA, students must earn a “C” or better in each course for it to count towards your degree requirements. Students should carefully monitor their academic progress to ensure their GPA is a 3.0 or better. 


This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2024-2025 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2023 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.