Higher Education Administration (MA) - Accelerated Online Program
Overview
The Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration program within the Department of Organization and School Leadership at UTRGV will prepare those who aspire to leadership positions in key college or university administrative areas with the required knowledge, skills, and competencies that higher education administrators need to enter such positions. The preparation of students focuses on the comprehensive and social justice-oriented preparation of leaders for entry and advancement in higher education, student affairs, and school-to-university transition. The program will integrate classroom-based and field-based learning. Program graduates can be employed in various post-secondary institutions, including community and technical colleges, research universities, liberal arts colleges, and minority-serving colleges and universities.
The MA in Higher Education Administration comprises 30 credit hours of required coursework, including an approved practicum course that will expose students to the field and its various specializations. The program prepares students for a professional career in a broad range of higher education settings. Program graduates can assume positions or promotions in administrative areas like Student Affairs, Academic Affairs and Advising, Recruitment and Outreach, Admissions and Financial Aid, Housing and Residential Life, Career Services, Student Retention, and Success Programs, as well as Institutional Research, Policy, and Planning.
Through relevant coursework, research opportunities, experiential learning, and professional developmental activities, graduates will:
- Thrive in the diverse, fast-paced, and often uncertain contexts unique to colleges and universities.
- Exhibit leadership qualities grounded in theory and effective practice.
- Positively influence student adjustment to college, academic performance, and ultimately, degree completion.
- Realign campus support services aligned to student needs through meaningful strategic planning and policy analysis.
- Become change agents whose efforts ultimately lead to increased access and success for students, particularly those from less advantaged backgrounds.
The Master of Science in Higher Education Administration program is ideal for higher education practitioners who want to broaden and continue their professional development and are capable of providing leadership to their organizations and communities.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field.
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester credit hours for clear admission.
- Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted directly to UTRGV from the awarding institution).
- Statement detailing professional goals, campus leadership experience, and reasons for pursuing a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration.
- Resume including educational background and work experience.
The application for admission to the university must be submitted online and is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Program Requirements
Required Courses - 30 Hours
| EDHE 6301 | Research Methods in Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 6302 | Organizational Theory and Leadership in Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 6303 | Critical Issues in Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 6304 | College Student Development: Theory & Practice | 3 |
| EDHE 6305 | Organizational Ethics | 3 |
| EDHE 6306 | Student Affairs in Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 6307 | Access and Equity in Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 6308 | Strategic Talent Development in Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 6309 | Budgeting and Finance in Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 6310 | Practicum in Higher Education | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 30