M.Ed. Higher Education Administration Concentration

“As a current higher education professional, the educational leadership program has assisted me in building upon the experience I have developed from working in student affairs and event services. The new higher education administration concentration will further connect current and new higher education professionals and create real experiences that usher strong educators practicing and learning at VCU.”

- Tyler Jarrett, M.Ed. ’22

 
The higher education administration concentration of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program is a 30-credit-hour program designed to prepare leaders in postsecondary settings. Students will learn to lead in areas such as academic advising, athletics, support and enrollment services. The curriculum includes content related to crisis leadership, funding, under-prepared and/or under-resourced students, and the growing need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion of all stakeholders. Students will review historical and current trends impacting higher education and college environments. Students will learn to address diversity and multicultural issues on college campuses, as well as explore traditional and non-traditional environments. Students will also examine state and federal legislation, policy, and financial issues related to higher education.

Designed for full-time students and working professionals, this program can be completed in as little as 16 months. Higher education is a dynamic field with a wide diversity of institutions internationally. This program will prepare you for the future of higher education institutional leadership needs.

This program offers:

  • Professional learning designed to prepare you as a transformative leader able to make a difference in higher education settings
  • Research relevant learning outcomes will prepare students for a diversity of higher education settings and challenge current issues in the field
  • From community colleges to urban institutions, learn about the institutions that build one of the largest industries in the United States
  • Access to experienced faculty and instructor practitioners
  • Online and face-to-face options

Online and in-person cohorts are determined by accepted student preference in late spring. The online application includes a program modality question that aids in our ability to identify interest and need in the different learning modalities.

Our online classes involve a combination of synchronous and asynchronous work. When registering, you can find specific details about the dates and times for synchronous sessions in the course description section. Your synchronous sessions for each class will be scheduled on either Tuesdays or Thursdays within the hours of 4-8 p.m., following an every other week schedule for about an hour to an hour and a half (no more than two hours).

Please keep in mind exact course requirements may vary so consult your adviser or the program coordinator with any questions.

CONCENTRATION/VCU BULLETIN INFO

PROGRAM BASICS

How to apply: Graduate application
Semester of entry: Fall
Application deadline: April 1

Late applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Resources and Checklists

Application Checklist - M.Ed. in Educational Leadership [PDF]

Please note, we suggest you identify the best concentration for your future career and connect with our Enrollment Management team and/or program coordinator if you have questions. Each application requires an individual application fee.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    1. Tell us your interest in pursuing an advanced degree in higher education administration.
    2. Talk about current and past roles in leadership and/or your leadership philosophy.
    3. Describe your involvement in higher education and how this program fits into your career goals.
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from previous academic work
  • Resumé or CV

FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFO

Additional Concentrations

Ready To Get Started?

Brandon Norris, Recruitment And Enrollment Counselor