Master of Arts Higher Education Administration Concentration
The Higher Education Administration concentration is meticulously crafted for professionals aspiring to become visionary administrative leaders in the dynamic landscape of colleges and universities.
This concentration is your gateway to a comprehensive understanding of higher education administration, covering key areas such as admissions, financial aid, Greek affairs, alumni relations, and more. We recognize the multifaceted nature of higher education, and our curriculum is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities and conflicts that institutions face nationwide.
Throughout the 36-credit-hour program, you'll immerse yourself in courses such as Student Development Theory, Finance in Higher Education, and Higher Education and the Law—topics directly relevant to your future career in higher education. Our goal is not only to impart theoretical knowledge but also to provide practical insights that you can apply in real-world scenarios.
As part of your academic journey, you'll develop strong leadership and management skills, gaining a deep understanding of how the higher education industry operates. The program culminates in a written comprehensive final exam, a testament to your mastery of the subject matter.
The Higher Education Administration program is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about developing the skills, insights, and network necessary to lead and innovate in the rapidly evolving world of education.
Join us on this journey of exploration and discovery. Become a leader who not only understands the complexities of higher education but also has the vision and expertise to drive positive change. Your path to a meaningful education career begins here.
What Will I Learn?
Students who graduate with a master’s degree with a concentration in higher education administration will be well-prepared to enter the complex higher education field and become leaders in their schools.
Topics covered in this degree program include the following:
- Instructing teachers and administrators to become intelligent consumers of research
- Basic concepts and issues in the college student affairs field
- Introduction to basic communication skills and counseling techniques
- Historical and socio-political perspectives on the higher education experiences of women, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, and Hispanics, focusing primarily on the period from the 1960s to the present
- Organization and administration of postsecondary education in the United States and abroad
- Analysis of leadership issues and theory relating to postsecondary education, including the college presidency and academic governance
- Legal issues concerning higher education, including tenure, academic freedom, campus crime, sexual harassment, laws against discrimination, student discipline and liability for accidents and injuries
About the Program
Our 36-hour, 12 course program takes a holistic approach, recognizing the diverse stakeholders involved in higher education. At LSU, we ensure that our graduates leave with a deep appreciation for and understanding of the challenges faced by students, faculty members, alumni, and others. The coursework is robust and covers a wide array of higher education topics, ranging from enrollment management and admissions to development, fundraising, marketing, educational technology, student affairs, academic affairs, diversity and inclusion management, corporate partnerships, and more.
Beyond the classroom, our program facilitates valuable connections. Students have the opportunity to build professional relationships with current LSU professors and administrators who bring real-world insights to the table. Additionally, you can tap into the extensive LSU alumni network, opening doors to a plethora of career opportunities.
The Master of Arts with a Concentration in Higher Education Administration program is offered through on-campus and online formats. For more information on the 100%, fully online program, visit Online Master of Arts with a Concentration in Higher Education Administration
ELRC 4249 - Understanding and Applying Research in Education (3 credit hours) Instructing teachers and administrators to become intelligent consumers of research.
ELRC 4364 - Student Affairs in Higher Education (3 credit hours) Basic concepts and issues in the college student affairs field.
ELRC 7601 - Foundations of Higher Education (3 credit hours) History of the sociological and philosophical foundations for higher education in the United States.
ELRC 7608 - Internship in Higher Education Administration (3 credit hours) Practicum placement in a postsecondary setting in addition to seminar related to professional development, job placement, leadership, ethics, and supervision.
ELRC 4365 - Basic Course in Interpersonal Communication (3 credit hours) Introduction to basic communication skills and counseling techniques.
ELRC 7600 - Issues of Race and Gender in Higher Education (3 credit hours) Historical and socio-political perspectives on the higher education experiences of women, African-Americans, Asian-Americans and Hispanics, focusing primarily on the period from the 1960s to the present.
ELRC 7602 - Organization and Administration of Higher Education (3 credit hours) Organization and administration of postsecondary education in the United States and abroad; organizational theory; organization and governance structure of American higher education; patterns of institutional administration.
ELRC 7603 - Leadership in Higher Education (3 credit hours) Analysis of leadership issues and theory relating to postsecondary education, including the college presidency and academic governance; institutional culture; student diversity, curricular change and new providers of higher education.
ELRC 7604 - Politics and Policy of Higher Education (3 credit hours) Political and policy issues surrounding higher education; issues of race and gender, politics and policy of student loans; policies toward unprepared college students; collective bargaining; the accreditation process.
ELRC 7605 - Higher Education and the Law (3 credit hours) Legal issues concerning higher education, including tenure, academic freedom, campus crime, sexual harassment, laws against discrimination, student discipline and liability for accidents and injuries.
ELRC 7606 - Curriculum and College Teaching (3 credit hours) Critical analysis of college curriculum and approaches to teaching; historical development of curricular models; introduction to teaching and learning theories.
ELRC 7609 - Strategic Planning in Higher Education (3 credit hours) Strategic plans for institutions of higher education; processes by which those plans are developed; higher education strategy within the context of the cultural and competitive environment; emphasis on current topics in organizational strategy.
ELRC 7610 - Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education (3 credit hours) Analysis of assessment and evaluation practices in higher education; role of assessment in policy development and strategic planning.
ELRC 7611 - College Students in the United States (3 credit hours) Critical analysis of issues related to college students in the United States, including access, choice, climate, student organizations and development and identity.
ELRC 7612 - Student Development Theory (3 credit hours) Explores the development of students in the higher education environment, including theories and research related to intellectual, moral, ego, psychosocial, career and spiritual development.
ELRC 7613 - The Community College (3 credit hours) An overview of two-year, post-secondary institutions in the United States examining historical foundations and critiquing current issues, trends, and challenges.
ELRC 7890 - Seminar: Educational Administration (3 credit hours) Advanced topics in educational administration.
Three graduate-level courses from Higher Education (above list) or an advisor- approved cognate area.
Fall (1st Semester)
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| ELRC 4249 Understanding and Applying Resea6rch in Education | 3 |
| ELRC 4364 Student Affairs in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELRC 7601 Foundations of Higher Education | 3 |
| Total | 9 |
Spring (2nd Semester)
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| ELRC 7612 Student Development Theory | 3 |
| Higher Education Elective | 3 |
| Higher Education Elective | 3 |
| Total | 9 |
Fall (3rd Semester)
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| ELRC 7404 Practicum | 3 |
| ELRC 7611 College Students in the U.S. | 3 |
| Higher Education Elective | 3 |
| Total | 9 |
Spring (4th Semester)
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Higher Education Elective | 3 |
| Higher Education Elective | 3 |
| Higher Education Elective | 3 |
| Total | 9 |
Career Opportunities
Post Secondary Teachers
Post Secondary Education Administrators
School and Career Counselors and Advisors
Administrative Services and Facilities Managers
Administrative Leader
Admissions Director
Director of Alumni Relations
Vice President of Enrollment Management
Dean of Admissions
Director of Student Financial Aid
Director of Academic Advising
Education Consultant
Residential Life Coordinator
Admission Criteria
Statement of Purpose
Resume or CV with a complete and accurate chronological outline of all previous college-level education and full-time professional work experience
Three letters of recommendation
Undergraduate transcripts
Post-baccalaureate transcripts
Graduate transcripts
TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores for international students whose native language is not English
Regular Admission
An applicant is eligible for regular admission if the applicant meets one of the following Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements:
The applicant’s cumulative undergraduate GPA or last 60 credit hours from earned bachelor’s
degree is at least 3.0.
The applicant’s cumulative undergraduate GPA or last 60 credit hours from earned bachelor’s
degree is between 2.75 to 2.99 and the applicant has earned a 3.0 or higher in at
least nine hours of graduate-level coursework.
Probationary Admission
An applicant is considered for probationary admission, if their cumulative undergraduate GPA or last 60 credit hours from earned bachelor’s degree is 2.75 to 2.99.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is highly recommended, but not mandatory, for applicants.
Applications are due by the below dates for the corresponding semesters:
- Fall semester - April 15
- Priority Deadline for students applying for Graduate Assistantships - January 15
- Spring semester - November 15
- Summer semester - April 15
Please note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not ensure acceptance into the program.
All applicants must adhere to the application procedures and deadlines established by the LSU Graduate School and the School of Education.
Contact Us
Ashley Clayton, PhD
202C Peabody Hall
225-578-1792
aclayton@lsu.edu