Master’s in higher education

The M.Ed. in higher education prepares students for leadership positions in colleges and universities by providing the foundation and resources necessary to understand how universities and colleges work and effectively consume, conduct, and communicate qualitative and quantitative research as they work to move the field of higher education forward.

Graduates of SMU’s higher ed program are prepared to take on roles in a wide range of higher education settings and assume key roles in activities such as admissions, advising, student activities, administration and policy analysis.

The higher education program offers full-time and part-time options. The full-time track is ideal for students who hold graduate assistantships on SMU’s campus, while the part-time track is designed for working professionals and must be completed in no more than five years.

This 33-hour degree program is designed to be completed in two years on a full-time schedule or three to five years on a part-time schedule. All courses are delivered in three-credit semester-long courses.

No. Our master’s degree in higher education provides students with a holistic understanding of how universities and colleges function. Students will examine theory and engage in practical experiences that will provide them with the skills necessary to lead within varied organizational structures and to serve diverse communities.

The majority of our full-time students currently hold graduate assistant positions, which provide students with real-world experience in a higher education setting. Students get the chance to work with professionals, on or off campus, in order to incorporate what they learn in the classroom into their work and put theory to practice.

Assistantships (typically 20-25 hours per week) allow students to explore different career pathways within higher education and give them the experience to become competitive in the job market upon graduation. Graduate assistantships also help students support themselves financially throughout their time in school.

Current graduate assistant opportunities include positions in student affairs, academic affairs, administration, educational policy, local non-profits and research with faculty members.

Graduate students and alumni participate in professional development programs coordinated by the Higher Education Student Association (HESA) and SMU’s Division of Student Affairs. Students bond with their classmates and support each other both during their time in the program and beyond graduation.

With over 20 public and private colleges in the Dallas area, the opportunities to intern, network, and eventually work at one of these institutions are abundant.

No, the program is offered in person only. However, we have flexible options for the length of time it takes to complete. You can choose between full-time and part-time tracks to earn your master’s in higher education. The full-time track includes graduate assistantship opportunities, while the part-time track accommodates working professionals.

The higher education master’s degree program is a 33-hour program designed to be completed in two years of full-time enrollment or three to five years of part-time enrollment.