Morril Beardshear Stacked

Quick Facts

  • Modality: Online
  • Degree Offered: Master of Education, M.Ed.
  • Credits: 30
  • Length of Program: 2-3 years
  • Application Deadline:
    • To begin in the Fall, apply by July 1
      To begin in the Spring, apply by November 1
      To begin in the Summer, apply by March 1

Program Overview

The M.Ed. in Higher Education prepares individuals to tackle critical issues in higher education by developing skills and knowledge in student success, leadership, resource management, and campus culture. Iowa State University has a rich tradition of preparing scholars and leaders for careers in higher education institutions, state departments of education, and other education-related organizations. 

The School of Education offers an online M.Ed. with a focus in higher education, featuring sub-concentration areas in: 

  • Community College Leadership 
  • Higher Education Administration 

The M.Ed. in Higher Education is a coursework-only program designed to enhance understanding of theories, practices, and policies shaping various postsecondary contexts. Students take a broad range of courses covering foundational topics and specific classes focused on sub-concentration areas. The program requires 21 credits of core curriculum and 9 credits in a sub-concentration, totaling 30 credits.

The program can be started in any semester. Students starting in the fall and taking two courses per semester (including summer) can complete the program in 5 semesters (20 months). Alternatively, students can take one course per semester over a longer period, following an individualized plan developed with a faculty advisor.

Courses are delivered online with both synchronous and asynchronous opportunities. The coursework can be completed fully asynchronously. Virtual classroom technology allows working professionals to pursue a high-quality graduate degree in higher education.

Courses are delivered in half-term formats. Students taking two courses per semester will take one first-half-term course and one second-half-term course, ensuring no overlap.

Many employing colleges and universities offer education tuition benefits. We encourage you to check with your employer’s Human Resources Department about any available benefits if you currently work at a higher education institution.

With an advanced understanding of higher education, program alumni have secured entry and mid-level administrative positions across various institutional contexts, including roles as program coordinators, directors, and deans in student and academic affairs. Graduates also have secured positions within student and academic services within athletic departments, state departments of education, and national educational organizations and non-profits. Program alumni have gone on to earn Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education degrees.

Curriculum

 The School of Education offers a fully online Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Higher Education. This program provides two sub-concentration areas to cater to diverse career goals: Higher Education Administration and Community College Leadership.  

The program features a comprehensive curriculum covering a wide range of topics essential for higher education professionals, including student success, leadership, resource management, and campus culture. Designed for working professionals, the online format allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Students will learn from experienced faculty members who are thought leaders in the field of higher education. The interactive learning environment includes both synchronous and asynchronous online learning experiences, fostering collaboration and networking with peers and instructors. 

The Higher Education Administration sub-concentration focuses on the management and operation of four-year higher education institutions, preparing students for roles such as academic advisors, admissions officers, and program directors. The Community College Leadership sub-concentration prepares students for leadership roles within community colleges, emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities in the two-year college sector. 

  • HGED 5440: Foundations of Leadership and Learning (3 credits)
  • HGED 5520: Introduction to Higher Education in the United States (3 credits)
  • HGED 5720: Resource Management in Higher Education (3 credits)
  • HGED 5730: Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion in Student Affairs (3 credits)
  • HGED 5830: Governance and Oversight of Higher Education (3 credits) (HG ED 575 prior to fall 2023)
  • HGED 5780: Students in U.S. Higher Education (3 credits) (HG ED 576 prior to fall 2024)
  • RESEV 5500: Introduction to Educational Research (3 credits)

  • HGED 5040: History of Higher Education in the United States (3 credits)
  • HGED 5770: Campus Environments and Cultures (3 credits)
  • HGED 5930: Workshop [Current topics in higher education administration] (3 credits)

  • HGED 5810: Community and College Partnerships (3 credits)
  • HGED 5800: Current Topics in Community Colleges (3 credits)
  • HGED 5820: The Comprehensive Community College (3 credits)

Course descriptions can be accessed via the Iowa State course catalog. 

Affiliated Faculty

Doug Smith

Associate Professor

Department: School of Education

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Zoe Thornton

Associate Professor of Practice

Department: School of Education

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Joseph Romero-Reyes

Assistant Professor

Department: School of Education

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Janice Friedel

Professor

Department: School of Education

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Application Information

This program has the following application deadlines:   

  • To begin in the Fall, apply by July 1 
  • To begin in the Spring, apply by November 1 
  • To begin in the Summer, apply by March 1 

Complete the online graduate application. Applications require:   

  • Statement of Purpose  
  • Resume/CV  
  • Two reference who will provide letters of support  
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended  

For more information, visit our Graduate Application Information and Frequently Asked Questions page.