Many students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in higher education have demanding work schedules or have other responsibilities that make full-time academic study difficult or impossible. Our online master’s degree in higher education is designed with the busy professional in mind. Our online students already work in higher education or an adjacent field and typically have several years of experience.
Prospective students who have recently completed undergraduate degrees may find the in-person master’s in higher education program to be a better fit.
All 15 credits from the online Higher Education Leadership and Administration 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.
Course of Study
Our program places a strong emphasis on social justice and student success. We cast a wide net in our coursework, examining foundational writing and leading research in higher education, as well as delving into associated work in sociology, psychology, history, and economics. Drawing on this base, our students engage in assessment, evaluation, and research projects on student experiences and higher education organizations that contribute to current thinking in the field. To complete the degree, students develop a case study project in the capstone Integrative Seminar and orally present/defend their resulting work.
Students are required to complete a practicum placement at an institution of their choosing, with advisor approval. This opportunity involves 120 hours of practice in the field along with academic reflections integrating these experiences with scholarly work. Those students with more than five years of professional experience in higher education may opt to waive the practicum requirement in place of another elective.
The online master’s program is compliant with the guidelines created by Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS). Students are not required to complete the CAS compliant version of the program, but they are encouraged to do so if their interests and schedules permit.
Once admitted, students can take as many or as few courses per semester as fits their circumstances. Most students take one or two courses per term and complete the program in seven semesters. The asynchronous nature of the program allows students to “attend” class when it is convenient. All courses run a standard 10-13 week term during the fall, spring, or the full summer term (combined summer 1 & 2 terms).
Sample program of study for students who take two courses a semester and one course in the summer. Please note that we have rolling admissions, so students can start in any term.
| Course 1 | Course 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 - Fall | Master's Seminar I or Foundations of Higher Education | Student Learning & Development |
| Y1 - Spring | Master's Seminar II | Supporting Student Success |
| Y1 - Summer | Management | |
| Y2 - Fall | Student Life Research | Helping Skills |
| Y2 - Spring | Practicum in Higher Education | Elective |
| Y2 - Summer | Elective | |
| Y3 - Fall | Integrative Seminar | Elective |
Sample program of study for a student who applied after completing the five courses for the Higher Education Leadership & Administration graduate certificate. Please note that we have rolling admissions, so students can start in any term.
| Course 1 | Course 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 - Fall | Student Life Research | Student Learning & Development |
| Y1 - Spring | Master's Seminar II | Supporting Student Success |
| Y2 - Fall | Practicum or Elective | Helping Skills |
| Y2 - Spring | Integrative Seminar |
The practicum and helping skills requirements may be waived and replaced with other electives for students who have five or more years of full-time professional experience in a higher education setting. Students should be sure to speak with their advisors about waivers when planning coursework.
Contact
For more information about the online master's program, contact Anna Fox, info-leadership@umass.edu.
