I chose to pursue Higher Education because I enjoy the college atmosphere, I have a passion for helping students, and I am interested in leadership positions. After doing extensive research, I determined that UofL's program offered a comprehensive education for those seeking future employment in the higher education sector. Thus far, my professors have been wonderful. They truly seek to enhance their students' educational experiences in all ways possible.

Nikki Glenos
Higher Education Administration Student

The program, which includes online options, is designed for students who wish to qualify for college administrative positions, and for students who work full-time in a university setting and take classes part-time. Although, students may take classes full-time.

Graduates from the program:

• Know about the historical, philosophical, and organizational foundations of American higher education
• Understand and can apply administrative skills such as planning, human resource management, and finance and budgeting
• Know about the responsibilities and roles of college and university faculty
• Use contemporary methods to conduct and use research relevant to postsecondary administration
• Understand issues of cultural diversity and know about the global context of postsecondary administration

Related

• Interested in visiting campus? Find out how!
• Department of Leadership, Foundations & Human Resource Education
• Leadership, Foundations & Human Resource Degrees
• UofL Course Catalog
• Program sheet (including degree requirements) [PDF]

Distance Learning

The MA in Higher Education Administration is one of two graduate level programs offered within the College of Education and Human Development that can be completed entirely online.

The on-line format of the MA in Higher Education is designed for distance learners who do not have access to an on-campus program. Students in the metro Louisville area are encouraged to take most, if not all, of their courses on campus because on-line course offerings are limited each semester. A limited number of electives are available on-line. These classes are offered online through Blackboard. Blackboard is the course management system used by U of L to facilitate online learning. Among other things, students use Blackboard to...

• Read the course syllabus or handouts
• Submit papers and assignments
• Take tests
• View grades
• Send email to other students or the instructor
• Participate in an online chat
• Discuss case studies with classmates on a discussion board

The biggest benefit of online learning is that you can work to earn your degree from your own home while raising your family, working full time, or experiencing particular life circumstances that make commuting to campus difficult or impossible. At U of L, you are taught by the same world class faculty as our on campus students. You read the same textbooks, do many of the same assignments and earn the same degrees. The biggest difference is that you are able to do it in a way that best fits your lifestyle.

Be prepared for online learning. Online learning is learning that is facilitated in an online environment. Rather than attend class in a traditional classroom setting, online learning allows you to "go to class" when it's convenient for you whether that's 5am or 11pm.

Will you be a successful online learner?

Online learning is not for everyone. Successful online students...

• Have a desire to learn online
• Are motivated
• Have strong time management and organizational skills
• Can work independently
• Have college level reading and writing skills
• Are not afraid to speak up when problems arise

For more information, view http://louisville.edu/online.

For details about program curriculum, visit the Graduate Catalog.

Below are course descriptions:

ELFH 600 Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics - Emphasis given to historical, empirical, and experimental methods of research; to techniques of research design and statistical analysis; and to skills in writing reviews and critiques of research literature.

ELFH 605 Leading, Training and Performance - Study of the modern theories of leadership, organization, management and administration of workforce training and performance improvement, with relationship to organizational management functions.

ELFH 607 Principles of Educational Leadership for Higher Education - Examines concepts, analytical tools, case material, and organizational theories from the public, business, and educational administration sectors.

ELFH 606 Program Evaluation - Examines the theories, techniques, methods, and program evaluation models currently used in assessing the effectiveness of learning programs and products in educational and other organizational settings.

ELFH 659 Strategic Planning - Focuses on the development of planning, implementation, and leadership skills needed to direct strategic decision-making.

ELFH 678 The American College and University - Examination of historical development of the American college, community college, and university, including major ideas and concepts underlying these developments and major problems affecting present institutions of higher learning.

ELFH 682 Organization and Administration of Higher Education Institutions - Exploration of organizational and administrative theory as related to colleges and universities and assessment of the roles of major administrative units of the institution.

ELFH 684 Educational Resource Management in Postsecondary Education - Study of resources, practices and procedures of finance and economics as related to postsecondary education. Provides investigation of specific and current educational finance issues affecting educational institutions.

ELFH 690 Internship in Postsecondary Education - Provides on-the-job learning and professional development for current and future postsecondary administrative personnel. Pass/Fail grading – all students must complete an internship.

Other Electives

Available through the Two Year College, Higher Education and Diversity, Principles and Practices of Academic Advising, College Student Personnel Program (on campus only) or the Human Resource Education Program.

Note: Meeting GRE score and GPA minimums do not guarantee a student will be accepted to the program.

I have had a positive experience in the program and have been able to relate my courses to my work environment, which has allowed me to gain a better understanding of my position with the university.

Kaitlyn Bechtol
Higher Education Administration Student

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must submit an online application for admission to the University of Louisville School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies.

• As part of the application process, students are required to submit all official transcripts. The minimum requirement for admission is the baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Each applicant is required to submit at least two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant's academic and/or professional capabilities and potential.
• For GRE scores prior to August 1, 2011, a minimum combined (verbal and quantitative) score of an 800 is required for unconditional admission. For GRE scores taken August 1, 2011 and after, please refer to the concordance table from ETS (Educational Testing Services) [PDF] for revised score equivalencies. Need help preparing for the GRE? Sign up for a GRE Information Session.
• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all foreign students from countries in which English is not the native language. Students holding a baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited institution in the United States are exempt from this requirement.
• Each applicant must submit a resume and a one page professional goals statement.
• For unconditional admission, students are required to have a 2.75 cumulative grade point average, or 2.75 grade point average for the senior college years.

Contact

Learn more about our program faculty.

Dr. Bridgette Pregliasco
502-852-6204
343A College of Education & Human Development

Jacob Gross
502-852-8795
338A College of Education and Human Development

Department of Leadership, Foundations & Human Resource Education
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292

Program Faculty

• Amy Hirschy
• Bridgette Pregliasco

Why Choose a Career in Higher Education?

1. UNLIMITED CHOICE AND FLEXIBILITY
   Work in a variety of different positions on campus.
2. MAKING A DIFFERENCE
   Assist students during very important and critical time in their lives.
3. INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
   Gain valuable experience and insight into higher education.
4. EXCITING WORK ENVIRONMENT
   A campus environment continually offers new challenges.
5. TERRIFIC BENEFITS
   Competitive wages, benefits, discounted tuition.
6. A CAREER YOU ENJOY
   A career that's always new and exciting with constant change!

Financial Aid

Full time students may be eligible for a limited number of graduate assistantships available in the CEHD and the Division of Student Affairs at UofL. It is the responsibility of the students to secure these positions. In addition to the financial aid opportunities offered by the University, the College of Education & Human Development also has information about other forms of financial aid.

Other financial aid opportunities available include graduate assistantships and other employment opportunities.

I have some credit hours from another program/university. Can the credit be transferred?

Once you are admitted to the program, you may request to transfer up to 6 credit hours if your UofL advisor approves the request. Transfer requests are then submitted to the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies.

What is the difference between the Higher Education program and the College Student Personnel program?

The MA in Higher Educatoin program focuses on the study of universities and colleges as organizations and prepares practitioners to work in a variety of postsecondary offices.

The College Student Personnel program focuses on the study of students in collegiate settings and prepares practitioners to work primarily in offices that provide direct student services and programs.

Are GRE scores required for admission?

Yes, they are required of all applicants, even those who already hold a master's degree in another area. GMAT scores can be converted to GRE equivalencies.

Can I be admitted provisionally, until I take the GRE?

No, we will not review applications until all materials are received.

I applied and was admitted to another program in the College of Education and Human Development but have changed my mind and want to apply for the MA in Higher Education. Do I have to complete a new application packet?

Yes.

Can I complete the degree completely on-line?

Yes, you can but the sequencing of on-line courses may result in your taking longer to complete the degree. Students within commuting distance of the University are strongly encouraged to take most, if not all, of their courses on campus.

I have a Bachelor's degree in another content area and want to teach that area in a university or college. Will this degree give me the credential to do so?

No. This degree prepares people who want to work in university administration and does not satisfy any P-12 or postsecondary teaching certification requirement.

Tell me about the internship requirement

The internship provides you with the opportunity to work in a different setting related to higher education. You will complete, under the supervision of the course instructor and a site supervisor, a significant project or projects that allow you to apply what you learned from your program of study. The internship activities cannot include projects within your current scope of responsibilities. It is taken within the last 9 hours of the program and requires a minimum of 105 contact hours. You should contact your advisor one semester before you plan to take the internship course to discuss what you are considering.