Higher Education Specialization, M.Ed.

Students in this program may explore a variety of career fields in higher education including:

• Academic & Career Advising
• International Programs & Education Abroad
• Transition/Orientation Programs
• Student Leadership Training
• Campus Life/Sorority & Fraternity Life
• Campus Recreation and Entertainment
• Assessment & Planning
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Cultural Centers and Programming

The Master of Education with specialization in Higher Education is designed for people who wish to enter or advance in academic and/or student support roles in colleges and universities. The program has been designed in accordance with the Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators listed by ACPA and NASPA organizations, and the curriculum aligns with the current CAS standards for Master’s preparation programs in Higher Education and Student Affairs.

Some of the required courses include college student development, social justice, law and policy, and research methods. Additionally, students complete an internship through the Certified Internship Program and work closely with a faculty mentor to design and implement a culminating project – both of which serve as spring boards for students’ careers in higher education.

The Higher Education M.Ed. combines the flexibility that students desire with applied learning designed by expert teacher-scholars. Students can participate in the program remotely or in person, mentored throughout by faculty who are active researchers and practitioners, including multiple ACPA Emerging Scholar awardees.

The program maintains a strong partnership with academic and student support offices across campus, creating multiple internship and graduate assistantship opportunities for students. In-state tuition is affordable, and many employees at UNC system institutions can use tuition benefits to reduce program costs. Students in the program are able to simultaneously complete the Community College Leadership certificate without taking additional courses.

All students leave the program with research skills through completion of required coursework in assessment and research methods, as well as completion of a culminating project. The program has an incredible track record of placing students in jobs at colleges and universities within the region and across the country.