Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration

Overview

The Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration, offered by the College of Education and Human Services, benefits those seeking a career or advancement in higher education by preparing them for executive, administrative, and academic support positions or a doctoral degree. Graduates hold positions in business administration, academic affairs, and student life. Using a personalized program of study, students will become familiar with the intricacies of higher education institutions and build particular knowledge and skill sets within a core area of interest.

Admissions Requirements

An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum GPA of a 3.0.

Accreditation

West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. West Virginia University’s Professional Education Preparation Unit is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), which includes undergraduate and graduate preparation programs for licensure of teachers and those in educational support areas. This includes programs not only in College of Education and Human Services but also several outside the College (Agriculture, Art, Health, Music and Physical Education).

Courses Required

Total Credit Hours

Course Formats

Live Online Sessions
Online Courses

Tuition and Financial Aid

Estimated Tuition and Fees

The Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration requires 30 credit hours to complete. Cost per credit hour is $628.

$18,840

Residents and Non-Residents

Estimated Tuition Based on Credit Hours
Credit Hours	Cost
1	$628
3	$1,884
6	$3,768
9	$5,652

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827.

Admissions Process

Admissions

Apply with the online Graduate Application. In advance, prepare the following items for the “Supplemental Materials” section of the online application:
Letter of application describing past work experience and goals for graduate study in higher education administration. (Please upload under “personal statement” section of the supplemental materials page).

Resume (Please upload under “resume/vitae” section of the supplemental materials page.)

Complete contact information and description of professional relationship for three references. (Please upload under “other” section of the supplemental materials page. Do not submit reference contacts under the “recommendations” section of the online application, as letters of recommendation are not required.)

One academic writing sample. Please upload under “other” section of the supplemental materials page.
Pay graduate application fee
Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) and
1. Mail to:
  WVU Office of Graduate Admissions
  One Waterfront Place
  PO Box 6510
  Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
2. or Email to:
  GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu

The Higher Education Administration Program admits students to the Master of Arts program on a rolling basis. The deadline for priority consideration for admission for the fall term is June 30.

Apply Now

Curriculum

The program is 30 credit hours. Students typically complete the program in 2 years, however you have up to 8 years to complete.

Program of Study

Required Foundation Courses (18 Credits)

Common Core (12 credits)

The purpose of this course is to explore critical, contemporary challenges facing American higher education. The course explores issues of access, accountability, academic freedom, financial aid, state and federal government policy, changing legal structures, teaching and learning in a digital age, student issues, diversity, and the influence of business models and values on institutional strategy and practice.

Research Core or Other Approved Courses (6 credits)

Electives and Support Area Examples (9 credits)

HIED Electives (9 credits)

Required Capstone (3 credits)

Capstone consists of placement at internship sites, monthly group discussions of how theory informs practice, weekly journaling, and portfolio development. Requires meeting with instructor in prior semester.

Next Start Date: January 13, 2020 Apply Now

Careers

What can you do with a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration?

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Higher Education Administration M.A. degree may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Education Administrator - Postsecondary

Projected Growth: 10-14% *Bright Outlook

Education Professor

Projected Growth: 10-14% *Bright Outlook

Instructional Coordinator

Projected Growth: 10-14% *Bright Outlook

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