Master of Education with a Major in Higher Education Administration
University of West Georgia’s Master of Education in Higher Education Administration provides a comprehensive education to those wishing to understand the complexities present in higher education and develop skills to advance in the field. Students will gain knowledge from esteemed scholars and practitioners across various disciplines, such as law, finance, and governance, in addition to the foundational areas, such as social theory and higher education administration. The program will introduce students to multiple disciplines allowing them to make positive contributions in the field. Upon completing the degree, students will be an effective practitioner and equipped to pursue a wide range of roles within higher education.
The program is offered fully online.
For more information, please see the Academic Catalog. A program sheet, which provides a required coursework sequence, is available for download in the Courses tab below.
The Higher Education Administration program at the University of West Georgia is unique due to the benefits we provide to students as well as the relationships you're able to gain attending our program.
From a curricular standpoint, our program is based on the competencies recommended by the ACPA/NASPA professional competencies. Our program includes courses on student development theory and higher education administration to prepare students to be successful practitioners in higher education.
For more information regarding assistantships, plan of study, and other requirements, please visit https://www.westga.edu/csa
Program Location
Carrollton Campus
Method of Delivery
100% online, asynchronous
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required: 30
Graduate students may be able to reduce their cost through prior learning, previous degrees earned at UWG, or transfer credits. We have created a tool to help students estimate their tuition costs.
This program is offered entirely online. Though a student may choose to sign-up for a face-to-face elective or core course, one can earn this degree completely online.
Save money
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited university of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen. In addition, online courses and programs can mean a huge cost-savings in many non-evident ways: No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Regardless of state residency, out-of-state non-resident students are not charged non-resident tuition for online course credit hours.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-Face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, they will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For the cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
Coursework
Program is 100% online, asynchronous
Downloads
General
Note. Internships are not a degree requirement for the online Master of Education in Higher Education Administration program; however, we encourage candidates who do not have significant work experience in higher education to pursue a graduate internship during their course of study. The University of West Georgia offers internship placement in many of its executive offices (e.g., Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Office of the President). Students interested in internship opportunities should contact their program advisor once admitted.
This course offers a holistic exploration of the dynamic field of student affairs, emphasizing its pivotal role within the intricate landscape of American higher education. Through a nuanced examination of philosophical, historical, and theoretical foundations, students will gain profound insights into the multifaceted dimensions of the profession. This course seeks to cultivate a comprehensive understanding that prepares students for meaningful engagement in the field by delving into the cultural and organizational contexts of student affairs work.
Social Theory in Higher Education delves into the intricate intersections of social, cultural, economic, and political factors, unveiling their profound influence on the dynamics of higher education institutions. Through an exploration of various social theories, this course equips students with analytical tools to critically examine and contribute to the evolving landscape of higher education.
Embark on a transformative journey in higher education administration with this innovative course. Designed for aspiring leaders, HEDA 6174 blends strategic thinking, technological integration, and global perspectives to equip you with the skills needed in today's dynamic academic landscape.
Explore the economic principles and financial practices shaping American colleges and universities in HEDA 6175. This course offers a thorough examination of the financial landscape within higher education. Students gain insights into the economic forces driving the higher education sector by blending theory with practical applications. This course equips students with a comprehensive understanding of higher education's economic and financial intricacies. This objective guides learners in exploring theoretical foundations and practical applications, fostering skills and insights crucial for effective decision-making and leadership in the dynamic landscape of higher education.
This advanced-level course offers a comprehensive examination of pivotal laws, court rulings, and regulations that profoundly impact both public and private colleges and universities. Encompassing an exploration of student and faculty contractual and constitutional rights, federal financial aid and civil rights legislation, privacy statutes, and tort law, the course provides a nuanced understanding of the legal landscape within higher education.
Tailored for aspiring higher education professionals, HEDA 6177 equips students with the knowledge and skills to conduct meaningful research and evaluation in diverse higher education settings. This course offers a comprehensive platform for master's students to delve into the intricacies of research and analysis in higher education. Through a blend of theoretical understanding and practical application, students will emerge equipped to contribute meaningfully to evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement within diverse higher education settings.
This graduate-level course comprehensively explores the experiences, challenges, and diversity within student populations in American higher education. Aligned with ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies, it equips students with essential knowledge and skills for understanding and actively supporting student success in the dynamic landscape of American higher education. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse experiences and needs of student populations, empowering them to actively support student success in American higher education.
During the capstone course, students will be working on a project to illustrate mastery on a topic they have identified to investigate further within the field of higher education. Students will apply the knowledge and skills they have gained through coursework and their internship to present their work at the end of the program.
HEDA 7145 empowers students with actionable insights and skills in diversity leadership within the higher education environment. This course strategically blends theory and practice, guiding learners to develop a nuanced understanding of their leadership potential and cultivate advocacy proficiency in the dynamic landscape of higher education. HEDA 7145 focuses on personal leadership development and the cultivation of values, knowledge, and skills essential for effective advocacy and collaboration in higher education, and places special emphasis on honing skills in planning, organizing, coordinating, and delivering programs that drive systematic change. Students engage in using data to identify needs, dismantle barriers, and mobilize resources, ultimately aiming to instigate transformative change within higher education.
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate fabric that defines and guides institutions of higher learning. This course aims to provide students with actionable insights and practical skills, fostering a nuanced understanding of organizational theories, governance structures, and leadership dynamics. By the course's end, participants will be equipped to navigate and contribute effectively within the complex landscape of American higher education.
Jesse Brock
Assistant Professor
Ryan Bronkema, Ph.D.
Interim Chair
Tommy Jackson, JD, Ph.D., MBA, MPA
Assistant Department Chair and Assistant Professor
Guidelines for Admittance
- All graduate applicants must complete the online Grad Application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
- Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process.
- International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students.
- Official transcripts from all regionally or nationally accredited institutions attended are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Graduate Admissions Office.
Program Specific Admittance Guidelines
- Official university transcripts from all schools attended
- An undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 (3.0 GPA recommended)
- Personal Statement: A letter of intent articulating professional goals
- Two letters of recommendation (electronic links available in the application)
- Resume
Application Deadlines
Specific program deadlines are available via the Deadlines page.
Admission Process Checklist
The Graduate Studies Application Process checklist is available here.
Contact
Program Information or Questions:
Dr. Tommy Jackson
tjackson@westga.edu
Application Questions or Status:
Graduate Admissions
graduate@westga.edu
(678) 839-1394
The College Student Affairs priority deadline is February 1st. However, we continue to review applications until all assistantship positions are filled.
Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School
- Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of the major historical and philosophical foundations of higher education that inform practice.
- Candidates will demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the impact of student characteristics and collegiate environment on student learning and learning opportunities.
- Candidates will demonstrate an ability to apply social theories essential to the higher education setting.
- Candidates will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of an effective and ethical higher education leader.
- Candidates will demonstrate the ability to apply leadership, organizational, and management practices that assist institutions in accomplishing their mission
- Candidates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of higher education governance and finance expected of an entry level practitioner.
- Candidates will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions related to law and ethics.
- Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program evaluation.