Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education Administration
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education Administration
I use sociological perspectives and qualitative approaches to understand a central paradox in higher education—how our system of education (P-20) functions to reproduce the very social inequalities it seeks to reduce.
UGA’s M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration offered by the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education, is committed to advancing higher education policy, management, and leadership through research, graduate education, and outreach. It does so at the campus, state, national, and international levels.
In pursuing the vision and mission, the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education:
Promotes diversity and equity through teaching, research, and service.
Supports evidence-based decision-making in postsecondary education.
Believes broad participation in postsecondary education benefits individuals and society.
Values the perspectives of all in postsecondary education.
Fosters a global community of postsecondary leaders and researchers.
Frequently asked questions about the Program
What will I learn?
The Master of Education in Higher Education Administration program covers numerous areas of study in higher education. Through coursework and experiences designed to examine critical issues in the field – such as student access, equity, and success – and to develop the skills aimed at addressing them.
Completion of the degree requires 36 credit hours which consists of 9 classes offered in 8-week blocks and a collaboratively designed, three-semester practicum to build your experience and apply what you learn.
Does this program require a thesis?
The M.Ed. program does not require a thesis, but you will complete a capstone project that helps you further develop, reflect upon, and apply your knowledge in higher education.
What type of careers does this program prepare me for?
Recent graduates of our in-person M.Ed. program work in areas such as student affairs, service learning, college admissions, university financial affairs, disability services, and recreation sports, as well as completing doctoral programs in higher education. We anticipate similar outcomes for graduates of our online program.
This program will prepare you for entry- and mid-level administrative roles in colleges and universities, as well as, analyst positions in a variety of governmental and nonprofit organizations.
What sort of experience should I have going into this program?
This degree has wide appeal for those looking to begin or advance a career in higher education administration or policy.
Not unlike our in-person program, we anticipate applicants will come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The Institute faculty encourages applications from those with experience or an expressed interest in working in higher education, research, or public policy.
Who teaches in this program?
The online M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration is primarily taught by MIHE core faculty in collaboration with multi-disciplinary content experts from varied fields and is designed to expose you to perspectives from the many areas of higher education administration.
The Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education is noted for its multidisciplinary approach to graduate education and research, with areas of specialization in federal and state policy, governance and administration, institutional and system finance, faculty careers and development, institutional research and assessment, and knowledge development and exchange.
Can I enroll in this program while also working?
Yes! The online M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration is designed for working professionals. The asynchronous courses in this program can be completed as your busy schedule permits on a full- or part-time basis.
Accreditations
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Admissions
All applications to the M.Ed. program are reviewed holistically to ensure that the program is a good fit for each applicant’s academic and professional interests and abilities. The most competitive applicants demonstrate how their previous experiences, current interests, and future professional plans align with graduate study in the McBee Institute. The M.Ed. program is designed for both full-time and part-time students. Criteria and standards for admission are the same for full-time and part-time students.
Online Master of Education in Higher Education Administration
Select Intended Program – MED, Higher Education (Institute of Higher Education) [MED_EDHI_HIO]
Select Intended Term – Fall or Spring
Résumé or curriculum vita – Submit online to the Graduate School.
Statement of Purpose – Submit a one-, to two-page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify your relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program.
Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
Letters of Recommendation – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate your scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program
Application Deadlines
Domestic Applicants
Fall Priority Deadline: April 1, 2025 (first cohort is Fall of 2025)
Fall: July 1
Spring Priority Deadline: October 15, 2025 (first cohort is Fall of 2025)
Spring: November 15
International Applicants
Fall: April 15
Spring: October 15 (first cohort is Fall of 2025)
Cost
Tuition rates and student fees can change each year.
Currently, this program is awaiting rate approval for 2025. If you register your interest in this program, you will be notified as soon as this rate is published.
Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. The total for those fees in the fall semester of 2024 was $411 for students enrolled in exclusively online courses.
Additional costs may include:
Textbooks
Maintaining personal technology including equipment and software
Specific software purchase decisions will be mentored by instructors, and could consist of products from Adobe.
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
Military Assistance
Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section).
Note: TAP enrollment is limited due to space availability.
Curriculum
Students in this fully online M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration program will take a minimum of 36 credit hours to earn the degree, which includes the completion of 27 credit hours of coursework and 9 credit hours of field experience over two years.
Administrative Practicum in Higher Education (3 hours, taken for 3 semesters)
9 hours
Example Program Sequence for Higher Education Administration Masters
Year 1 – Fall Term
Course
Title
Credit Hours
EDHI 6990E
Application of Research in Higher Education
3 hours
EDHI 9070E
College Choice, Access, and Success
3 hours
Year 1 – Spring Term
Course
Title
Credit Hours
EDHI 8010E
Higher Education in the United States
3 hours
EDHI 9050E
Organization and Governance in Higher Education
3 hours
Year 1 – Summer Term
Course
Title
Credit Hours
EDHI 8400E
Finance of Higher Education
3 hours
EDHI 8500E
Outreach and Public Service in the University
3 hours
Year 2 – Fall Term
Course
Title
Credit Hours
EDHI Elective
(various)
3 hours
EDHI 6700E
Administrative Practicum in Higher Education
3 hours
Year 2 – Spring Term
Course
Title
Credit Hours
EDHI Elective
(Various)
3 hours
EDHI 6700E
Administrative Practicum in Higher Education
3 hours
Year 2 – Summer Term
Course
Title
Credit Hours
EDHI Elective
(Various)
3 hours
EDHI 6700E
Administrative Practicum in Higher Education
3 hours
Testimonials
MIHE prepared me for my professional career by educating me on the bureaucracy and governance of higher education as well as the policy context we are operating within. As someone who discovered a passion for higher education by working with students, it was incredibly important for me to look outside of student development theory and learn about the larger higher education ecosystem. This knowledge has made me a more intentional, informed, and innovative higher education leader.
Brionna Johnson, Associate Director of Employer Relations at the University of Georgia Career Center
As a full time higher education professional enrolled in a part time Master’s program, I wanted to build a stronger foundational knowledge of how higher education systems work and what they mean to society. Developing a deeper understanding of the why behind my every day work allows me to think more critically about my profession and the goals we are trying to achieve in the world of higher education philanthropy.
Sarah Sonenberg, M.Ed. Director, Operations and Strategy, Philanthropic Partnerships, MIT Resource Development
The MEd program provided a strong and healthy foundation to understanding the intricacies and complexity of higher education. Not only did I learn from incredible peers who added to my growth through their student and work experiences, but I also felt challenged by faculty to become a critical thinker, a robust scholar, and a transformative practitioner. This graduate program not only unlocked my career trajectory through a degree, but it also equipped me with the tools to provide value, credibility, and expertise to my previous and current roles.
Dr. Narke Norton, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, UGA College of Veterinary Medicine’s Academic Affairs Office
If you have any questions please email us atonline@uga.edu.
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