Higher Education Leadership Master's (M.Ed.) Program at Florida Atlantic University

A master’s cohort in Higher Educational Leadership is forming for community college, state college, college, and university faculty and staff.

Cohorts begin Fall 2026 and Spring 2027

Many courses will be available for Summer 2026 enrollment.

Florida Atlantic University is forming a new master’s cohort in Higher Education Leadership in the Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology. This master’s program is designed for individuals aspiring to or currently holding higher education leadership positions.

The program prepares learners for leadership positions in community colleges, state colleges, universities, agencies, and proprietary colleges and universities.

Information Sessions and Registration Form

Information Sessions will be held in person or via Zoom* as follows:

• Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 12:30 to 1:00 pm (EST)
• Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 12:30 to 1:00 pm (EST)
• Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 12:30 am to 1:00 pm (EST)

Other dates and times may be added. In-person sessions are available on request.

*A Zoom link to the informational session will be shared with registered participants.

Information Session Registration Form

Please complete this form to register for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 information session.

Overview of the Higher Education Leadership Master's (M.Ed.) Program

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for the master’s program include the following:

• Undergraduate GPA of 2.5 from a regionally accredited college or university
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal objective essay
• Resume

Application Deadlines

Term	Deadline
Fall:	July 1
Spring:	October 15
Summer:	March 15

Important Links

• Master’s (M.Ed.) Admissions Requirements
• Master’s (M.Ed.) Program Requirements

Discover Your Higher Education Leadership Path: Who Should Apply?

This 36-credit master’s program is designed for:

• individuals interested in pursuing higher education leadership positions,
• higher education professionals aspiring to advance their careers,
• FAU Leadership Studies Minor graduates wanting to pursue a career in higher education leadership, and/or
• recent graduates of other areas of study seeking to make a career change in the higher education field.

Curriculum

The master’s curriculum includes courses focused on leadership within community colleges, state colleges, and universities. It also offers instruction in the following areas of emphasis: student affairs leadership, instructional leadership, foundations of higher education, and higher education policy.

The program of study is organized around the following domains: leadership and management, higher education foundations, and research methodology.

Program Delivery

The master’s program is offered online. The courses are offered in synchronous and asynchronous formats on evenings and Saturdays.

Our Faculty and Alumni

Courses are taught by full-time, graduate, and affiliate faculty. Click here to learn more about our faculty.

Click here to view highlights of some of our M.Ed. in Higher Education Alumni.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Higher Education Leadership Master’s (M.Ed.) Program

1. Where and when is the program offered?

Synchronous Classes
Classes will be offered via Zoom. Classes with live lectures and discussions will be offered on a planned rotation during weekday evenings and Saturdays (executive fast-track).

Asynchronous Classes
Some classes may be offered in a fully online format without live lectures.

Admissions
The program admits three times per year (Fall, Spring, and Summer terms).

Cohorts
The cohorts are forming for Fall 2025. A Fall 2025 cohort will begin August, 2025.

2. How will I know what courses to take?

Students will receive advisement from their assigned advisor about the courses to take before registering. A degree plan (program of study [POS]) will be prepared with assistance from an advisor.

Click here to view the master’s program requirements: Master’s (M.Ed.) Program Requirements.

3. What is the cost of the program?

Tuition and Fees
Florida resident students pay resident tuition and fees.

Additional expenses may be incurred individually, usually related to conference travel if a student enrolls in a course requiring travel.

Financial Aid Availability
Financial aid may be available. Graduate students are generally eligible for Unsubsidized Direct Loans. For graduate students, Unsubsidized Direct Loans have an annual limit of $20,500.

To apply for financial aid, complete an online Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAU's school code is 001481.

Financial Assistance
Graduate students may also be eligible for the FAU Graduate Grant.

These funds are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to complete your FAFSA early (before our January 1, priority deadline, or by March 1, the 2nd priority deadline).

Additionally, graduate students may be eligible for tuition waivers, federal work study, scholarships, and fellowships. For more information, visit Financial Aid.

Employee Tuition Assistance
Many colleges and universities provide tuition reimbursement or waiver programs for their employees. Check with your college or university’s Human Resource Office regarding the availability of funds for your master’s studies.

4. How do I apply?

To apply to the Higher Education Leadership Master’s (M.Ed.) Program, go to the Graduate College Admissions and submit a complete application.

Please allow several weeks to ensure you completed the application and uploaded the required documentation, including official transcripts and supporting documentation. Supplemental documents, two letters of recommendation, a personal objective essay, and a resume should be uploaded as separate files as part of the online graduate application.

NOTE: You will not be able to submit your application until all the supplemental materials are uploaded

Once your application has been submitted, you can check your application status online to ensure transcripts have been received.

No GRE scores are required.

• Applications will be accepted through July 1, 2025, for Fall 2025.
• Applications will be accepted through September 15, 2025, for Spring 2026.
• Early applications are encouraged.

If you need assistance with this process, contact Kathy DuBois at kdubois4@fau.edu or call 561-297-3550.

Additional admissions and application information is available here.

5. I want to begin taking classes now but have yet to be accepted. Do I have to wait?

You may enroll for classes as a non-degree student before being admitted to the master’s program as long as you meet the university’s requirements for non-degree status.

In addition, appropriate non-degree courses may be brought into your degree program after you are admitted.

The Graduate College provides information about dates for non-degree registration, course schedules, class locations, and start dates. In addition, the Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology includes course descriptions.

We recommend you not “self-advise” and seek guidance before enrolling.

If you are interested in enrolling before admission, please email Dr. Katie Friesen.

6. How long will it take to complete the program if I attend part-time?

It varies widely, depending on how many classes are taken per term. The coursework is usually 12 three-hour classes. We offer three terms per year (Fall, Spring, Summer). Some courses are offered in full term and others in fast-track formats.

Students who take 2 courses a term and complete 6 classes (18 credit hours) a year may complete the program in 2 years. Students who go full time and take 3-4 courses a term may complete the program in a little more than one year.

The average time for completion is around 2 years for part-time students, but it can be less or more depending on the readiness of the student to successfully pursue the M.Ed. course requirements.

Most master’s cohort students complete the degree in 2-3 years. You will have up to 10 years to complete your master’s degree.

Passing Grades
Satisfactory grades for graduate students in Higher Education Leadership must be B or higher. Grades of B- or below are considered unsatisfactory grades for courses at the 6000 and 7000 level.

Higher Education Leadership Master’s (M.Ed.)

Program Admission Requirements

Program Requirements

 

To apply for the program, please contact Kathy DuBois for assistance. Questions about the program should be addressed to Dr. Katie Friesen, M.Ed. Coordinator and Advisor.

Applications are accepted online through the Graduate College.

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