FAU M.Ed. Program in Educational Leadership: Higher Education

A M.Ed. cohort in Educational Leadership is forming for community college, state college, college, and university faculty and staff.

Cohorts begin Spring 2024 and Fall 2024

Many courses will be available for Summer 2024 enrollment.

Florida Atlantic University is forming a new M.Ed. cohort in Educational Leadership: Higher Education. This M.Ed. program serves individuals who want to prepare for entry-level and mid-level leadership and management positions in community colleges, state colleges, colleges, and universities.

The curriculum advances the breadth and scope of higher education leadership theories, concepts, and practical skills with an emphasis on three domains: historical, philosophical, and social context; institutional mission; leadership and management.

Information Sessions (noon, 12 PM) will be held in person or via Zoom* as follows:

• Friday, October 6 at noon via Zoom*
• Wednesday, October 11 at noon via Zoom*
• Tuesday, October 24 at noon via Zoom*
• Thursday, October 26 at noon via Zoom*
• Wednesday, November 1 at noon via Zoom*

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

To register for one of the information sessions, complete this form.
*A Zoom link to the informational session will be shared with registered participants.

Overview of the M.Ed. Program

Admissions Requirements

Admission requirements for the M.Ed. program include the following:

• undergraduate GPA of 2.5 from a regionally accredited college or university,
• two letters of recommendation,
• a personal objective essay, and
• resume.

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

Applications deadlines

Term	Deadline
Spring 2024	November 17, 2023
Summer 2024:	Early admits beginning February 15, 2024. The deadline to submit all application materials is March 15, 2024.
Fall 2024:	Early admits beginning July 1, 2024. The deadline to submit all application materials is August 1, 2024.

Ideal Candidates for the M.Ed. Program

The 36-credit M.Ed. 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 educational leadership, and/or
• recent graduates of other areas of study seeking to make a career change in the higher education field.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the M.Ed. includes courses in the study of community college, state college, and university leadership. Additional areas of emphasis are in student affairs leadership, academic and administrative leadership and foundations of higher education. The program of study is organized around three domains: historical, philosophical, and social context; institutional mission; and leadership and management.

Required courses taken as a non-degree student (or transferred in) may be brought into the M.Ed. degree program after admission.

Program Delivery

The M.Ed. program is available online, with courses offered in a synchronous format via Zoom on weekends and evenings.

Our Faculty

Courses will be taught by full-time, graduate, and affiliate faculty. Learn more about our faculty.

Important Links

• M.Ed. Admissions information is available here.
• The M.Ed. in Higher Education degree requirements .

View highlights of some of our M.Ed. in Higher Education alumni.

Frequently Asked Questions about the M.Ed. Program in Higher Education

1. Where and when is the program offered?

The cohort will begin Spring 2024. Classes will be available in Zoom synchronous formats. Classes with live lectures and discussions will be offered on a planned rotation during weekday evenings and Saturdays (executive fast-track). Some classes may be offered in a fully online format without synchronous meetings. Summer classes are offered. A Fall 2024 cohort will begin August, 2024.

2. How will I know what courses to take?

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

View the The M.Ed. in Higher Education degree 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, visit FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and add FAU’s school code (001481).

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 1st, priority deadline, or by March 1st, the 2nd priority deadline).

Additionally, graduate students may be eligible for tuition waivers, federal work study, scholarships, and fellowships. View information about financial aid.

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

4. How do I apply?

Applications will be accepted through November 17, 2023, for the Spring 2024 cohort. Early applications are encouraged as faculty will review completed applications. Please allow several weeks to ensure you have the completed application and documentation, including official transcripts, a personal objective essay, a resume, and two letters of recommendation. No GRE scores are required.

Complete information and instructions can be found on the Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology website. Click here. Next, click on the Student Resources tab located in the horizontal menu at the top, then click on Application and Admission Requirements. Click on the M.ED. in Higher Education link. Please note that some materials go to Graduate Admissions and some to the Department. 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 M.Ed. 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 FAU website provides information about dates for non-degree registration, course schedules, class locations, and start dates. In addition, the department website includes course descriptions (www.leadership.fau.edu).

If you are interested in enrolling before admission, please email Dr. Gianna Ramdin, Visiting Instructor, at gramdin@fau.edu. We recommend you not “self-advise” and seek guidance before enrolling.

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 masters cohort students complete the degree in 2-3 years. You will have up to 10 years to complete your M.Ed.

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.

To apply to the FAU M.Ed. Program in Educational Leadership: Higher Education, go to the Graduate College Admissions.

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. Gianna Ramdin, M.Ed. Coordinator and Advisor. Applications are accepted online through the Graduate College.