Higher Education

Master's Degree Program

Graduate opportunities

In the higher education master's program, we develop professionals who plan, operate and improve the effectiveness of higher education. This is accomplished by researching the historical, theoretical and philosophical aspects of the field.

We provide course work and practical experience opportunities leading to a Master of Education degree in Higher Education. The degree prepares you for entry-level and mid-level administrative positions in colleges and universities that include, but are not limited to, work in:

• Academic advising
• Alumni affairs
• Career advising
• Diversity programs and services
• Greek life
• Student housing and residence life
• Student unions

Our curriculum focuses on higher education theory and practice. Specializations are available in student affairs administration, community college leadership and general administration.

A unique program feature is the Master's Cohort in College Student Personnel. Each academic year, a cohort of 10 to 12 students is selected to take courses on a full-time basis while working in a graduate assistantship in UNT's Division of Student Affairs. This cohort format, which lasts two years, is offered in addition to our standard master's program.

Outstanding faculty

Our faculty members have published more than two dozen books, monographs and book chapters and more than 100 refereed journal articles. Their research areas include leadership in higher education, higher education policy and finance, access and equity, institutional effectiveness, professoriate, student affairs, and student development. They have also:

• Served as editors or editorial board members for the Journal of College Student Development, Community College Journal of Research and Practice, Journal of College and Character, Journal of American Indian Education, Journal of Student Centered Learning, Journal of Distance Learning Administration, and Journal of the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition
• Presented numerous papers at international and national professional meetings and conferences
• Generated more than $2 million in grants from federal, state and private foundations

Research centers and opportunities

The Bill J. Priest Center for Community College Education supports research in the community college field and prepares students for leadership positions in community colleges. The center also houses the Council for the Study of Community Colleges.

The Higher Education Development Initiative explores the impact of trends and legislation on higher education domestically and internationally. Participants collaborate in research and higher education development in underserved regions and countries with other governmental and private agencies.

Attending UNT

Admission criteria

The program admissions committee uses a holistic review process and considers the following criteria:

• Acceptable undergraduate GPA
• GRE or GMAT scores
• Clarity and fit of the applicant's career objectives
• Strength of the professional/educational references
• Quality of the admission essay

Admission requirements

Admission to the master's program requires applying to the Toulouse Graduate School and sending three recommendation forms to the higher education program office. The graduate school's specific admission requirements are outlined in the catalog or on the graduate school website.

The recommendation forms are available from the program office and, when completed, should be sent to:

UNT Higher Education Program
c/o Master's Admissions Coordinator
1155 Union Circle #310829
Denton, TX 76203-5017

All applicants are automatically considered for the standard program unless otherwise noted on the online application.

International applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency if English isn't your native language. For more information about international admissions, visit UNT-International's website.

Admission deadlines

Deadlines vary by standard or cohort format. Applications for the cohort format are reviewed once a year. The deadlines are:

Cohort

March 1 for fall enrollment

Standard

March 1 for summer enrollment
June 1 for fall enrollment
Nov. 15 for spring enrollment

Degree requirements

Master of Education degree

• 15 credit hours of higher education core courses
• 12 credit hours of higher education specialization courses
• 6 credit hours of an internship or 3 credit hours of a field problem
• 3 credit hours of a statistics course

You must maintain a minimum 3.0 overall GPA to earn the degree. The student affairs track meets the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education's requirements for graduate programs in student affairs.

Financial assistance

Scholarships funded by the department, the College of Education and graduate school are available to help you pursue your graduate education.

There may also be graduate assistant positions available. For more information on scholarships and graduate assistant positions, visit our website. Information about other financial assistance can be found at the graduate school site or the financial aid site.