Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Administration

Masters of Science in Education in Higher Education Administration

The Master's degree in Higher Education Administration at KU is primarily designed for individuals preparing for administrative careers in higher education. The program consists of 36 credit hours of integrated courses and hands-on experiences - all of which can be completed in two years.

The graduate program allows students to extend and apply their knowledge of colleges and universities, and to gain relevant experience in higher education administration. Graduate students will learn from expert scholars and practitioners, as well as fellow classmates, who bring diverse leadership experiences to the higher education administration program at KU.

Graduate students enrolled in the program, can expect to complete coursework and gain experiences that meet specific learning objectives, such as:

• Gain knowledge of organization, culture, diversity & history of higher education Institutions
• Understand relevant research on student development theories and its impact on students
• Incorporate a professional expression of cultural competence
• Use literature to link higher education administration theory with practice
• Relate relevant assistantship experiences to classroom learning
• Consider hands-on internship experiences for graduate course credit
• Demonstrate proficient writing skills and mastery of APA format

Students admitted to the Master’s degree program are required to obtain a graduate assistantship at KU (or another local higher education institution). Students typically work between 20-30 hours per week, and receive in-state tuition, health insurance, and a stipend as a part of their assistantship at KU.

The number and type of available assistantships will vary slightly from year to year, though assistantship positions are typically available in the following offices:

• KU Student Housing
• Office of Admissions
• Office of First Year Experience (FYE)
• Undergraduate Advising Center (UAC)
• Student Involvement & Leadership Center (SILC)
• Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA)
• Financial Aid & Scholarships

Graduate Admission to the School of Education

Graduate programs in education are open to students with acceptable baccalaureate and graduate degrees whose academic records indicate that they can do successful work at the graduate level. Regular admission requires a grade-point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in prior degrees. Individual departments may require additional information and may have more stringent admission requirements.

Some departments may offer special provisional admission categories to students who may not qualify under regular admission criteria. Departments that offer provisional admission require a grade-point average of at least 2.5.  Applicants must provide evidence of ability to work successfully at the graduate level, including experience in and commitment to the profession. Exceptions to established policies must be sought individually by petition to the Graduate Division of the School of Education.

See Admission in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog for more information.

Each department in the School of Education sets its own application deadlines.  Prospective graduate students should contact their departments for more information.

Graduate Admission

Individual programs may have additional requirements and request additional materials.  Please check the departmental website for additional requirements.

Applicants for all programs must submit the following materials:

1. Graduate application.
2. 1 official transcript from each degree-granting collegiate institution attended.
3. Original Graduate Record Examination general test scores for Ph.D. applicants and for Ed.D. in educational administration applicants. The GRE is not required for Ed.D applicants in higher education or for master’s applicants in educational administration, higher education, social and cultural studies in education, or educational technology.
4. Statement of purpose/relevance of degree to career aspirations.
5. 3 letters of recommendation evaluating the applicant’s capacity for rigorous graduate study and qualifications for leadership positions in education and related fields.
6. A vita or resume.

Individual program concentrations may require additional application materials. Please consult the appropriate program advisor. The following application deadlines apply:

Educational Administration

Graduate Admission Deadlines

Semester	Applicants	Deadline
Summer	Master’s and doctoral applicants	April 1

Higher Education

Graduate Admission Deadlines

Semester	Applicants	Deadline
Fall	Master’s applicants who intend to enroll full-time and seek graduate assistantships	January 10
Fall	Master’s applicants who intend to enroll full time and seek graduate assistantships in housing only	March 5
Fall	Master's applicants who are working professionals	June 1
Spring	Master's applicants who are working professionals	October 1
Summer	Master's applicants who are working professionals	March 1
Fall	Ph.D. applicants	July 1
Spring	Ph.D. applicants	November 1
Summer	Ph.D. and Ed.D applicants	March 1

Social and Cultural Studies in Education

Graduate Admission Deadlines

Semester	Applicants	Deadline
Fall	Master’s and doctoral applicants	July 1
Spring	Master’s and doctoral applicants	November 1
Summer	Master’s and doctoral applicants	April 1

Educational Technology

Graduate Admission Deadlines

Semester	Applicants	Deadline
Fall	Master’s and doctoral applicants	June 1
Spring	Master’s and doctoral applicants	November 1
Summer	Master’s and doctoral applicants	April 1

Policy Studies

Graduate Admission Deadlines

Semester	Applicants	Deadline
Fall	Doctoral applicants	July 1
Spring	Doctoral applicants	November 1
Summer	Doctoral applicants	April 1

Submit your graduate application online. Supporting materials, such as the résumé, statement of purpose, writing sample, and letters of reference may be uploaded to the application. Original transcripts from degree-granting institutions and official test scores should be sent directly to the department:

The University of Kansas
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Joseph R. Pearson Hall
1122 W. Campus Road, Room 421
Lawrence, KS 66045-3101