The M. Ed. In Higher Education is designed for those who currently work in higher education but do not hold a master’s degree; those who plan to transition to working in higher education; and those who currently hold a master’s degree and plan to teach at the college level within their discipline.
The program provides a foundation of the past and present landscapes of higher education. Beyond the Foundations Core, candidates will choose one of 3 concentrations: Student Affairs in Higher Education, Administration in Higher Education, or Teaching in Higher Education*.
Through the degree program, students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. All candidates complete 120 hours of Field Experience and create a professional portfolio.
* Applicants for the Teaching in Higher Education concentration must hold a master’s degree prior to application.
Admission
Please refer to “The Graduate Admissions Process” section for general graduate admission information.
Admission to the Higher Education degree program requires the following:
- Complete and submit the Graduate Application for Admission, accompanied by a non-refundable application fee. The application can be downloaded here.
- Submit an official transcript or transcripts verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Transcripts and all application documents should be sent to Wilmington University Office of Graduate Admissions. With official transcripts, submit a copy of your Immunization Records.
- Submit a current resume.
- Schedule a program planning conference with the Program Chair.
After all the above requirements have been completed, register for MED 6102 (EFolio) along with other course(s) selected.
Program Purpose
Students complete the Foundations Core requirements, then choose a specialization in Student Affairs in Higher Education, Administration in Higher Education, or Teaching in Higher Education (which requires that students already hold a master’s degree in another field).
Program Competencies
Students in the EDD in Higher Education Leadership will also demonstrate the foundational levels of the following ACPA/NASPA competencies:
- Personal & Ethical Foundations
- Values, Philosophy, and History
- Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Law, Policy, and Governance
- Organizational and Human Resource
- Leadership
- Social Justice and Inclusion
- Student Learning and Development
- Technology
- Advising and Supporting
Formats
The program is offered in a hybrid format at Wilmington University’s Brandywine campus. The program is also offered fully online.
Core
The Core Requirements (Foundations) are designed to provide students with an overview of the field and systems of higher education. Candidates will learn about leadership, decision-making, and administrative structures. They will also understand pressing current issues like equity, funding, and the historical events that have led to higher education’s current state. Additionally, the Foundations Core provides candidates with skills in academic writing and oral presentation.
Concentrations
Student Affairs in Higher Education
The Student Affairs in Higher Education concentration is designed for those interested in transitioning to or advancing their careers in student service areas within higher education. This certificate focuses on student development, assessment of student learning, student engagement, and student success.
Administration in Higher Education
The Administration in Higher Education concentration is designed for those interested in transitioning to or advancing their careers in higher education administration. This certificate focuses on law, budgeting, human resource management, and data-driven decision-making.
Teaching in Higher Education
The Teaching in Higher Education concentration is designed for those who currently hold a master's degree and are interested in learning how to teach at the college level within their disciplines. Candidates will learn about best practices in teaching adults; gain knowledge about developing curriculum and assessing student learning; and gain hands-on experience.
Field Experience
As part of each concentration, candidates will participate in a minimum of 120 hours of hands-on work with an institution of higher education.
Capstone
The program culminates MHE 7600, Action Research, in which candidates will complete a capstone project. Students will develop a scholarly paper and presentation focused on solving a specific problem or challenge facing a specific institution of higher education.
Portfolio Requirements
Throughout the program, candidates will develop an academic portfolio and a professional portfolio. The Academic Portfolio will be used to measure students’ course and graduation competencies. The professional portfolio will be a tool that candidates use to showcase work from courses, field experience, and the capstone project.
Required Courses
MED 6102 is required for all candidates. E-Folio is an electronic portfolio system used for documenting and tracking student mastery of program competencies.
Core Requirements
The following core courses (18 credits) are required for all candidates. Candidates must also select ONE of the concentrations below to complete the degree.
Please note that all concentrations are also offered as stand-alone certificates.
| MED 6102 | E-Folio | 0 |
| MHE 7100 | History of American Higher Education | 3 |
| MHE 7001 | Academic Research and Writing | 3 |
| MHE 7101 | Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education | 3 |
| MHE 7102 | Leadership and Ethical Decision Making in Higher Education | 3 |
| MHE 7103 | Current Issues and Financial Trends in Higher Education | 3 |
| MHE 7600 | Action Research Project | 3 |
Concentration: Teacher in Higher Education
| MHE 7400 | Teaching and Learning Theories in Higher Education | 3 |
| MHE 7401 | Teaching Strategies and the Adult Learner | 3 |
| MHE 7402 | Assessment in Evaluation | 3 |
| MHE 7403 | Curriculum Development | 3 |
| MHE 7403 | Field Experience | 3 |
Concentration: Student Affairs in Higher Education
| MHE 7300 | Introduction to Student Affairs | 3 |
| MHE 7301 | Student Development Theory and Contemporary College Students | 3 |
| MHE 7201 | Law and Policy in Higher Education | 3 |
| MHE 7302 | Assessment of Student Learning Outside of the Classroom | 3 |
| MHE 7403 | Field Experience | 3 |
Concentration: Administration in Higher Education
| MHE 7200 | Introduction to Administration in Higher Education | 3 |
| MHE 7201 | Law and Policy in Higher Education | 3 |
| MHR 7800 | Seminar in Human Resource Management | 3 |
| MHE 7202 | Data Driven Strategic Planning | 3 |
| MHE 7403 | Field Experience | 3 |
To qualify for the Master of Education in Higher Education degree, a candidate must complete all course work (33 credits), field experience, and portfolio requirements. Candidates must hold a cumulative 3.0 GPA in order to be eligible for the degree.