HGHRED-MED - Higher Education

Program Website

The M.Ed. in Higher Education prepares students for leadership positions in colleges and universities by providing the foundation and resources necessary to understand how universities and colleges work and effectively consume, conduct, and communicate qualitative and quantitative research as they work to move the field of higher education forward. Graduates of the program are prepared to take on roles in a wide range of higher education settings and assume key roles in activities such as admissions, advising, student activities, administration, and policy analysis.

The higher education program offers full-time and part-time options. The full-time track is ideal for students who hold graduate assistantships on SMU’s campus, while the part-time track is designed for working professionals and must be completed in no more than five years.

Program Structure. This 33-hour degree program is designed to be completed in 2 years on a full-time schedule or 3-5 years on a part-time schedule. All courses are delivered in 3-credit semester-long courses.

Students are also required to complete a culminating experience via the EPL 6347 Capstone.

While applicants may request consideration for transfer of up to six hours of relevant graduate credit, be advised that applicants should not expect to receive more than six hours of transfer credit from other institutions. Requests for transfer credit are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Students need to submit a transfer request as soon as they are accepted into the program in order to be considered. Only courses with a grade of B or above can be transferred. Generally, no credit will be allowed toward the Master’s degree for courses taken more than six years before acceptance into the program. Any exceptions to the requirements and policies stated above must have the approval of the academic adviser and department chair.