Oct 10, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog [Not Current Academic Year. Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

Higher Education, MEd


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Education  > Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies  > Higher Education, MEd

The Higher Education Program at University of Houston is grounded in a philosophical belief in the transformational nature of higher education as an institution of social change. We believe our nation’s future depends on our ability to make effective use of the enormous talent and resources represented by the diversity of our people and our ideas.

The Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education prepares those who aspire to leadership positions in student affairs and other key administrative areas within a college or university. The Higher Education Program is grounded in a philosophical belief in the transformational nature of higher education as an institution of social change.

The M.Ed. in Higher Education is offered in both face-to-face and online formats. Both delivery methods use a cohort model that enables students to earn their master’s degree in two years. The coursework addresses critical issues impacting college students and post-secondary institutions, and emphasizes the connection between theory and practice. Reflecting our strong commitment to experiential learning, our program provides a wide array of Graduate Assistantship, internship, and professional development opportunities. 

Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city, is bustling with culture and energy and has recently gained recognition as America’s next great global city. Our students come to study with us from all over the United States and internationally, and represent a diverse array of backgrounds and experiences. Students learn and study alongside a distinguished higher education faculty that includes current or former university chancellors and presidents, provosts, deans of students, and internationally renowned researchers. The Higher Education faculty and students are committed to solving critical issues related to college access, equity, affordability, student engagement and learning, and degree completion.

For further information, please see http://www.uh.edu/education/degree-programs/higher-ed-m/.

Admission Requirements


The College of Education takes into consideration a number of criteria when determining admission, including prior college or university performance, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores and statement of intent. All applicants must abide by the minimum qualifications for admissions to a masters or doctoral program. All graduate applicants (regardless of citizenship status) must demonstrate proficiency in English to obtain admission to the University. For more information, visit http://www.uh.edu/graduate-school/admissions/international-students/english-proficiency/.

An applicant is responsible for ensuring that all required materials for the evaluation of admissions are received by the College before the program’s deadline. If the application is not complete by the program’s deadline, it will not be evaluated for the admissions. Full details of the online application process can be found at www.uh.edu/graduate-school/admissions/how-to-apply.

Applicant checklist:

  • Complete online graduate application including statement of interest, resume/c.v., letters of recommendation, and application fee payment.
  • Official transcripts from all previous college/university work sent to the UH Graduate School.
  • Official reporting of GRE scores taken in the last five years
  • International students have additional documentation requirements which can be found at www.uh.edu/graduate-school/admissions/international-students/

GRE Waiver Option

The GRE requirement is waived for applicants to the M.Ed. in Higher Education who have at least one of the following from an institution accredited by one of the six regional accrediting associations as specified in the UH Minimum Qualifications for Admission to Masters and Doctoral Programs :

  • an overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 or higher (on a 4‐point scale), or
  • a master’s or terminal degree.

Grade Point Average Requirements

Admission requirements for the College of Education require a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.6 for undergraduate coursework or over the last 60 credit hours of coursework. The College requires a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 for graduate coursework. The College’s admission committees evaluate all credentials submitted by applicants to determine a student’s ability and potential to succeed in graduate study. In addition, the committee is interested in the applicant’s potential to contribute to his/her program of study and the University community as a whole.

Degree Requirements


Credit hours required for this degree: 36.0

Our 36 credit hour M.Ed. curriculum adheres to recommendations for higher education graduate programs as outlined by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) and the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE).

Each student completes a semester-long internship, and this experience is attached to a three credit hour course (ELCS 6393).

Required Courses (33 hours):

Academic Policies


College Academic Policies  

University of Houston Academic Policies   

Internships in Higher Education

Students in the M.Ed. in Higher Education program complete a term-long internship that is connected to a three credit hour course (ELCS 6393: Internship in Educational Leadership ). Internships engage students in educationally-related work and learning experiences that integrate knowledge and theory learned from their coursework with practical application in a professional setting. The internship is an essential component of the M.Ed. experience, as it affords students the opportunity to gain exposure to new administrative areas in higher education and clarify their career goals.

With guidance from their faculty advisor and the ELCS 6393 instructor, M.Ed. students are allowed to select an internship that supports their professional interests and career aspirations. While many of our students seek out their own internship experience, there are also established internship opportunities at UH offered through the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services.

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