About Higher Education MEd – Online

All 15 credits from the online Higher Education Leadership and Administration (HELA) graduate certificate can apply towards any of our higher education master’s or doctoral degrees if admitted. Students considering the online higher education master’s degree are encouraged to begin their course of study with the graduate certificate, but completion of the certificate is not a necessary prerequisite for admission into the master’s degree program. 

In line with our other certificate and degree programs, what makes the online master’s degree in higher education unique from other programs is a focus on social justice and student success. Our students have a passion for social justice, and they want to make our institutions more equitable for all by building their understanding of how higher education can reinforce existing systems of oppression. Our in-person programs have already gained a reputation nationally for our social justice-oriented curriculum, and we have faculty whose research agendas support this focus.

Joining a learning community of scholar-practitioners is another benefit to our programs whether you are studying in-person or at a distance. All students are paired with a faculty member to assist with course selection and other academic advising needs. Online students will also have opportunities to connect with in-person students, instructors, and alums through cross-cohort social media platforms and professional development webinars. Students in the area are encouraged to attend social and professional development events hosted on campus. 

Do you want to learn more about the program? Sign up here to schedule a virtual information session for a chance to speak with faculty and other prospective students over Zoom. Spring 2025 sessions are scheduled for these dates:

  • Wednesday, March 5 at 4 p.m. E.S.T.
  • Thursday, April 17 at 4 p.m. E.D.T.

Please contact Annie Stephany at info-leadership [at] umass [dot] edu (info-leadership[at]umass[dot]edu) for more information or to schedule an individual Zoom meeting.

Instructions for Enrolling in Classes

Detailed instructions are located at the How to Enroll in Online Classes page. Some specifics on course enrollment and necessary steps:

  • Students who have applied for admission to a program but wish to take classes for academic credit before their official admit term, or non-degree students who wish to take a class or two for academic credit before applying are welcome to do so. (Steps 1, 2 & 3 are needed)
  • If you have been accepted into the online M.Ed. program, you are considered a current student. You will automatically be given a UWW enrollment appointment for the fall and spring semesters. (Step 3)  All students must request a non-degree UWW enrollment appointment for the summer semester. (Step 2 and 3)

To enroll in an independent study, practicum or integrative, please talk to your faculty advisor.

Please visit the University Without Walls website for more information on enrolling in courses, enrollment exceptions, and late add. Specific questions can also go to the program at info-leadership [at] umass [dot] edu (info-leadership[at]umass[dot]edu). 

Questions? 

Review the Enrollment FAQs or contact the UWW Registrar's Office at regoff [at] uww [dot] umass [dot] edu (regoff[at]uww[dot]umass[dot]edu) or call 413-545-3653 or 800-922-8211

Tuition & Fees

University Without Walls (UWW/CPE) at UMass Amherst administers registration and payments for the graduate certificate.  Courses are listed as "University+ (UWW)" courses on SPIRE. Further information about tuition can be found on Online Program Tuition and Fees page or through the Bursar's Office at bursar [at] admin [dot] umass [dot] edu (bursar[at]admin[dot]umass[dot]edu) or call 413-545-0337. 

Contact

For more information about the online master's program, contact Annie Stephany at info-leadership [at] umass [dot] edu (info-leadership[at]umass[dot]edu).