The M.S. in Higher Education Administration program serves the purpose of preparing students for innovative and socially responsible leadership roles within higher education. Students will gain the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to meet the growing challenges of working with and supporting a culturally diverse student population consisting of first-generation students, underrepresented minorities, international students, and/or students who face the hardship of economic challenges.
Students pursuing an M.S. in Higher Education Administration may choose between three concentrations, thesis, non-thesis, and an Academic Advising option. Coursework for all options is offered entirely online.
Concentrations We Offer Students
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HEA General Track
The general Higher Education Administration track consists of two options: Thesis - the thesis option consists of 39 credit hours. This path is for those seeking upward mobility within the field of higher education in either student or academic affairs, as well as those seeking to further their academic research skills in preparation for doctoral study. Students who choose this path are required to take a minimum of 6 credit hours of thesis research. The thesis option will require successful completion of the thesis defense. Non-Thesis - The non-thesis option consists of 36 credit hours and successful completion of a practicum and comprehensive exam. This path is designed to give students a foundation in education research, while also focusing on content relevant to those who wish to work or are currently working in academic or student affairs. This general option gives students the ability to elect to complete a practicum course and submit an experiential project to complete degree requirements. All practicum students may select from the following options:
- Select an administrative practicum in an area of interest
- Select an experiential practicum focused on preparation for a national or regional conference
- Select a written practicum focused on publication
- Select a personalized practicum with your faculty advisor
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Academic Advising Track
The Academic Advising track for the MS in Higher Education Administration is a non-thesis option consisting of 36 credit hours, successful completion of a practicum, and comprehensive exam. This path is designed to give students a foundation in academic advising competencies required for the administration of academic advising within higher education. Students will gain valuable knowledge on the advancement of academic advising practices, create their own personalized advising philosophy, develop assessment skills, as well as applicable knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and how to create a sense of belonging to support all students. Special attention will be given to work related to supporting students who identify within marginalized and minoritized populations. This track option gives students the ability to complete a practicum course and submit an experiential project to complete degree requirements. All practicum students may select from the following options:
- Select an administrative practicum in an area of interest
- Select an experiential practicum focused on preparation for a national or regional conference
- Select a written practicum focused on publication
- Select a personalized practicum with your faculty advisor
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NEW: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Advocacy Track
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Advocacy (DEIA) track within the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration degree program is a non-thesis option consisting of 36 credit hours, successful completion of a practicum, and comprehensive exam. The DEIA track will fulfill a much-needed gap in preparing future DEI professionals both within higher education and within the corporate world. It is designed to provide learners with opportunities to gain knowledge, skills, and competencies associated with advancing personal, social, and cultural initiatives to combat interpersonal and systemic inequities as well as foster cultures of inclusion and justice. Learners will display their knowledge of and ability to apply desirable competencies within, yet not limited to post-secondary education institutions, civic engagement, nonprofit, and politically minded organizations, health care providers, as well as the business and industry sectors.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements for admission to the M.S. in Higher Education Administration:
- Completed undergraduate degree (any major)
- An official copy of all transcripts
- GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Resume/CV
- Statement of purpose
- Three professional recommendations
- Interview
- No GRE score is required
Register for an information session
For More Information
- Dr. Mary Ann Bodine Al-Sharif, Program Coordinator
- Follow @HEA.UAB on Facebook
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