Master of Science (MS)
in Higher Education Administration
Overview
Admission Requirements
Course of Study
Student Advisory Worksheet
Contact
Overview
The Master of Science degree with a specialization in College and University Leadership is designed for experienced educators who seek advanced professional preparation for researching, managing, and administering programs and services in colleges and universities.
This program offers several unique opportunities to engage in a core body of knowledge and process as well as advanced study in aspects of higher education administration. The program builds upon theories and concepts that are based on research and practice. It links the theoretical and conceptual foundations of administration and leadership to management decisions that must be addressed by administrators in colleges and universities. Individuals completing this master's program will have sufficient professional knowledge and skill for entry or advancement in colleges and universities as well as positions with governmental agencies and public service organizations that involve education. For those individuals making a career change, internships and other professional experiences should be integrated into the program of study.
Admission Requirements
The department considers the following factors in determining the admission of an applicant to the program:
- A summary of proposed program goals and future outcomes.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Preferred undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Standardized examination: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) - a score at or above the 45th percentile is preferred on the quantitative and verbal sections of the test.
- Sample of professional and or academic writing.
- Resume.
Course of Study
The M.S. program reflects a minimum requirement of 39 hours of course work including a thesis, effective August, 2002. (Students admitted prior to the 2002-2003 academic year may complete a minimum of 30 hours of coursework, including thesis.) In addition, all graduate students are expected to pass the AHE technology competencies through a testing out procedure. Further information is noted on the department's technology web page.
Any course work taken prior to admission is subject to approval by the student's advisor for inclusion in the program. A suggested course sequence is provided on the student advisory worksheet (see above). Within the 39 minimum hours, the following should be included:
1. Core Courses (18 hours)
*To be taken at the beginning of the program
EAC 540 - Foundations of Student Affairs (3 hrs.) Or
EAC 543 - Student Development Theory (3 hrs.)
EAC 595 - History of the College Student Experience (3 hrs.)
EAC 559 - The Adult Learner (3 hrs.)
EAC 787 - Organizational Concepts and Theories in Higher Education (3 hrs.)
EAC 778 - Law and Higher Education (3 hrs.)
EAC 749 - Finance in Higher Education (3 hrs.)
2. Research Component ( 6 hours minimum)
EAC 551 Research in Adult and Higher Education
A second research course is required and should be chosen in consultation with each student's advisor.
3. Practicum/Internship (3 hours)
EAC 651 Internship in Adult and Higher Education
4. Thesis Component (6 hours)
EAC 695 Masters Thesis Research
5. Electives or Minor (6 hours)
Students are encouraged to take courses outside of AHE
Program Completion: 39 Hours Total (minimum requirement)
For more information
Admissions Process
Key
Steps in the Doctoral Program
General Graduate
Policies
Adult
and Higher Education
Graduate Handbook
Course
Descriptions
Graduate Assistantships & Financial
Assistance
Faculty
Higher Education Administration Graduate Student Association
Contact:
Dr. Joy Gaston Gayles
Associate Professor
Department of Adult and Higher Education
300 Poe Hall, Campus Box 7801
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7801
Phone: 919-513-0924
Fax: 919-515-6305
joy_gayles@ncsu.edu
