Higher Education Administration, M.A.

Minimum Totals for Graduation: 36 hours

The Higher Education Administration program may be completed face-to-face in Mount Pleasant, MI or entirely remotely via HyFlex technology. The program is designed for those seeking leadership positions in colleges and universities and accepts both full-time and part-time students. 

Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards

Admission Requirement Snapshot

GPA: 3.0

Entrance Exam: N/A

Priority Application Deadline: January 1 (Fall) (rolling admission thereafter)

International Application Deadline: January 1 (Fall)

See Admission Requirement Details Below

1. Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to Graduate Studies.
2. Regular admission in the program requires an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4-point scale).
3. Applicants must provide evidence of promise as an administrator by preparing and submitting an admission portfolio online at https://fireup.cmich.edu/apply/. The following items must be included in the contents of the portfolio:
   1. A current résumé identifying skills, experiences, positions held, and professional accomplishments;
   2. 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;
   3. A 2-3 page (single-spaced) statement detailing reasons for pursuing a master's degree in higher education administration at Central Michigan University, professional goals, and what problems or challenges in higher education the applicant feels passionately about addressing.
4. 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 the application is being made. The applicant's statement must show evidence of thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and congruence with the degree program.

It is advantageous for the applicant to submit the completed admission portfolio as early as possible. Applicants must submit a complete admission portfolio, and it must be approved before a student is granted regular admission.

Program Requirements

Core Courses (24 hours)

Higher Education Administration

HED 512	Assessment in Higher Education	3(3-0)
HED 516	Leadership for Social Justice	3(3-0)
HED 636	Higher Education Law	3(3-0)
HED 677	Contemporary College Students	3(3-0)
HED 757	Student Development Theory	3(3-0)
HED 764	Financing of Higher Education	3(3-0)
HED 776	Administration of Higher Education	3(3-0)
HED 777	Student Affairs Administration	3(3-0)

Electives (6 hours)

Select in consultation with an advisor.

Plan B: 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.

HED 696	Higher Education Practicum	1-9(Spec)
HED 698	Master's Colloquium	3(3-0)

Total: 36 semester hours