Overview
Our MA program is designed for students seeking to enter or advance in a range of professional careers in higher education and student affairs. Students gain the academic preparation necessary for entry-level leadership positions. They work closely with faculty and a network of professionals in the field to understand the challenges and skills inherent to a career in higher education. Coursework emphasizes student development, student affairs, organizational behavior, multiculturalism, and research methods. The MA curriculum prepares students to work as professionals in a complex and ever-changing environment. Our graduates are equipped to translate academic knowledge and research into effective practice, and communicate with multiple audiences.
Program Coordinator: Dr. Nathaniel Bray
Admission Requirements
Prospective students should apply to both the UA Graduate School as well as the department. For information about applying to the Graduate School and to submit your Graduate School Admissions Application online, visit the Graduate School Online Application Center. When applying to the Graduate School, select the desired degree program as well as the campus location/mode of delivery.
The following materials need to be sent to the Graduate School.
- Graduate School Application (can be submitted online or printed from the Graduate School Online Application Center)
- Transcripts. You should submit all transcripts from postsecondary institutions attended. Prospective students should have maintained an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or a 3.0 average for the last 60 semester hours in a degree program.
Apply to the Department
The following departmental requirements should be submitted to Graduate School’s Managing Supporting Documents portal.
- HEA Application
- 3 letters of recommendation
- A one-page statement of purpose for pursing the degree (you can use the same for the graduate school application)
- Vita or resume
- Writing Sample: A five-page writing sample describing a problem that faces higher education today (nationally), analyzing salient points of the issue, and evaluating potential solutions. The sample should demonstrate formal writing and should include appropriate citations. Applicants may submit an academic paper in lieu of the five-page essay, preferably on a recent topic related to higher education.
Questions concerning the application process should be directed to Latara Turner (205.348.6871).
Admission Deadline
- January 15
Qualified students interested in graduate assistantships should have all application materials by the application deadline.
Program Requirements
One plan is offered for the master’s degree. Candidates for the master’s degree must earn a minimum of 36 semester hours of credit. The Capstone Seminar in Higher Education (AHE 593) is the required culminating experience for the program, and is detailed in the Higher Education Administration Program Handbook. The 36-hour degree program is designed for students seeking to enter a range of professional careers in postsecondary education. The program includes courses in foundational studies, professional studies, supervised practice, and research methods. As a rule, all master’s students are required to complete an internship and a capstone seminar.
Unless substitutions are approved by the student’s Faculty Advisor, all of the following courses are required for the award of the M.A. in Higher Education Administration.
| Course Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AHE 500 | Perspect High Educ Admin | 3 |
| AHE 507 | Student Development Theory I | 3 |
| AHE 520 | Student In Higher Eductn | 3 |
| AHE 521 | Student Affairs | 3 |
| AHE 540 | Org and Governance | 3 |
| AHE 592 | Internship in Higher Education | 3 |
| AHE 593 | Student Affairs Capstone Sem | 3 |
| AHE 645 | Higher Ed/SA Assessment | 3 |
| AHE 680 | Readings in HE | 3 |
| AHE 685 | Div Issues Higher Ed Pract | 3 |
| BER 540 | Statistical Methods In Educ | 3 |
| Advisor approved elective | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 36 |