The Higher Education MS program was updated effective Summer 2026. The new program requirements are reflected below. Students admitted prior to Summer 2026 will follow the prior degree requirements outlined in the 2025 Graduate Bulletin page.
The MS in Higher Education is increasingly recognized as an important credential for those seeking entry level and mid-level administrative employment in college and universities - working in student life, residence halls, academic advising, college athletics and so forth. The curriculum is specifically designed to provide students with a strong theoretical and practical base, enabling them to effectively use research and theory in their day-to-day lives as higher education leaders and to prepare students to pursue doctoral education.
Program Requirements - 36 credits:
Core Courses - three courses (9 credits)
- Epl 600 - Introduction to Organizational Leadership (3)
- Epl 601 - Introduction to Social Analysis (3)
- Epl 614 - Quantitative Methods in Educational Leadership (3)
Support Discipline Courses - select two courses (6 credits)
- Epl 500 - United States Educational Governance, Policy & Administration (3)
- Epl 602 - The Economics of Education (3)
- Epl 604 (E Soc 631, A Soc604) - Macrosociology of Education and Educational Leadership (3)
- Epl 606 (E Phl 606) - Ethics and Education (3)
- Epl 608 - Politics of Education (3)
- Epl 611 (E Phl 601) – Philosophy of Education (3)
- Epl 656 - Sociology of Higher Education (3)
- Epl 657 - History of Higher Education (3)
- Epl 658 - Politics of Higher Education (3)
- Epl 661 – Mindfulness in Organizations and Leadership (3)
- Epl 745 – Advanced Seminar in the Politics of Education (3)
- Epl 750 - Higher Education Finance (3)
- Epl 751 - Higher Education Law (3)
- Or other courses as advised
Higher Education Concentration Courses - select 4 courses (12 credits)
- Epl 500 United States Educational Governance, Policy and Administration (3)
- Epl 607 Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining (3)
- Epl 609 - Leadership for Cradle to Career Education Systems (3)
- Epl 612 (Cpy 604) - Career Development (3)
- Epl 643 Introduction to International Education Management (3)
- Epl 644 Educational Entrepreneurship (3)
- Epl 645 Student Services in International Education (3)
- Epl 649 - Administration of Athletics in Higher Education (3)
- Epl 651 - Administration of Institutions of Higher Education (3)
- Epl 652 - College Student Affairs (3)
- Epl 654 - Community Colleges (3)
- Epl 656 Sociology of Higher Education (3)
- Epl 657 History of Higher Education (3)
- Epl 658 Politics of Higher Education (3)
- Epl 659 - Assessment and Accountability in Higher Education (3)
- Epl 661 Mindfulness in Organizations and Leadership (3)
- Epl 670 Analysis for Educational Policy and Leadership (3)
- Epl 674 Educational Leadership in Federal and State Governments (3)
- Epl 750 - Higher Education Finance (3)
- Epl 751 - Higher Education Law (3)
- Epl 752 - Research Colloquium on Higher Education (3)
- Epl 753 - Seminar on College Persistence (3)
- Epl 757 - Seminar in the Administration of the Community College (3)
- Epl 758 Special Topics in International Education Management & Leadership (1 - 3)
- Epl 763 Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (3)
- Or other courses as advised
Elective Courses - select 2 courses (6 credits)
- Students can select any courses within the Support Discipline and Higher Education Concentration courses that have not been taken to fulfill those requirements, or other courses as advised.
Research Capstone Courses - (3 credits)
- Epl 680 - Seminar in Education Policy and Leadership (3)
Please note: This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience in the course listing as an option to fulfill course requirements. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If you have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of your intended academic program.