Higher Education in the Department of EL

Welcome to the Master of Education in Higher Education Website

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education includes a specialization in Higher Education. This specialization is designed for people who wish to enter or advance in administrative and/or academic support roles in colleges and universities. It provides social, historical, philosophical, developmental, and international perspectives of postsecondary education.

The program supports the Watson College of Education Conceptual Framework of developing highly competent professionals to serve in educational leadership roles. The program has been designed in accordance with the Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators listed by ACPA and NASPA organizations.

Specialization Objectives

  • Upon completion of the M.Ed. in Higher Education program at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, students will be able to:
  • Understand the history and sociology of higher education, and organizational student development theory.
  • Advocate for the inclusion of practices and policies that represent the differences and diversity of postsecondary student, faculty, and staff populations.
  • Think critically as a member of a complex and global society with responsibilities in postsecondary institutions.
  • Effectively use data for assessment for decision-making, including the design and evaluation of effective postsecondary programs.
  • Effectively use marketing, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Effectively use technology and distance learning, along with traditional communication methods.
  • Respond with innovative solutions to contemporary shifts and challenges in the higher education landscape, including social, political and economic changes which directly impact the higher education profession.

About the Department of Education Leadership

The M.Ed. in Higher Education program at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington is housed in the Department of Education Leadership in the Watson College of Education.

Mission

The Department of Educational Leadership in the Watson College of Education is a diverse and dynamic group of educators and scholars committed to improving leadership at all levels of education. Through our teaching, scholarship, and service, we facilitate understanding, research, and implementation of practices that promote social justice, global perspectives, creativity and innovation, and capacity building—practices we believe are essential to educational leadership.