The MEd in Higher Education program prepares scholar-practitioners to make a meaningful impact in promoting access, equity, and social justice in post-secondary contexts and offers a rigorous curriculum rooted in social justice and critical thinking.
Through a comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning opportunities, students will gain a deep understanding of curriculum, identity, organizational development, advocacy, and activism in higher education to serve and support students as a leading scholar-practitioner at the forefront of positive change.
The MEd in Higher Education program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the field of higher education through a combination of course content in student affairs and higher education administration. The program explores areas that include student development, pedagogy, critical theory, policy, research within the field, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
Whether you're looking to lead institutional change, advocate for marginalized communities, or engage in critical scholarship, our program will help you develop the tools to make a lasting impact.
Related Programs
Curriculum
Completion of the MEd in higher education requires 36 semester hours, an internship, and a final capstone project. The degree is structured in a supportive cohort model, and all classes are offered online. Students also have the opportunity to complete a summer elective on Loyola's Rome, Italy campus during SOE@JFRC.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ELPS 425 | Foundations in Student Affairs | 3 |
| ELPS 427 | Foundations in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 430 | Curriculum and Pedagogy in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 431 | Evaluation in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 432 | Multiculturalism for Social Justice in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 433 | Student Development in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 454 | Budgeting and Finance in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 459 | Organization & Governance in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 527 | Higher Education Capstone | 3 |
| RMTD 400 | Introduction to Research Methodology | 3 |
| 6 |
| Total Hours | 36 |
Higher Education Electives
Below is a list of all Higher Education courses. This can be used in reference for electives if not used in other curricular requirements.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ELPS 400 | Inquiry Into Educational Policy | 3 |
| ELPS 405 | Introduction to Educational Policy Analysis | 3 |
| ELPS 413 | Critical Social Theories | 3 |
| ELPS 419 | Leadership in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 425 | Foundations in Student Affairs | 3 |
| ELPS 426 | Student Affairs Administration Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 427 | Foundations in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 428 | The Junior and Community College | 3 |
| ELPS 429 | Selected Topics in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 430 | Curriculum and Pedagogy in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 432 | Multiculturalism for Social Justice in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 434 | American College Student | 3 |
| ELPS 435 | Enrollment Management in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 436 | Women in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 437 | Today's Community College Students | 1 |
| ELPS 438 | Designing Effective Community College Courses | 1 |
| ELPS 439 | Assessing Student Learning in Community Colleges | 1 |
| ELPS 440 | Community College Students as Learners | 1 |
| ELPS 441 | Community College Teaching | 3 |
| ELPS 448 | International Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 453 | Legal Aspects of American Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 454 | Budgeting and Finance in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 455 | Comparative Education | 3 |
| ELPS 458 | International Education | 3 |
| ELPS 459 | Organization & Governance in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 498 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
| ELPS 503 | Critical Perspectives on the Internationalization of Higher Ed | 3 |
| ELPS 506 | Strategic Executive Leadership in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 527 | Higher Education Capstone | 3 |
| ELPS 529 | Seminar in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 530 | Proseminar: Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 550 | Seminar on Globalization and Education | 3 |
| ELPS 565 | International Education Internship | 3 |
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
Plan of Study Grid
| Year One |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ELPS 425 |
Foundations in Student Affairs |
3 |
| ELPS 427 |
Foundations in Higher Education |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ELPS 430 |
Curriculum and Pedagogy in Higher Education |
3 |
| ELPS 433 |
Student Development in Higher Education |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Summer I |
|---|
| RMTD 400 |
Introduction to Research Methodology |
3 |
| | Hours | 3 |
| Summer II |
|---|
| ELPS 432 |
Multiculturalism for Social Justice in Higher Education 1 |
3 |
| | Hours | 3 |
| Year Two |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ELPS 431 |
Evaluation in Higher Education |
3 |
| ELPS 454 |
Budgeting and Finance in Higher Education |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ELPS 459 |
Organization & Governance in Higher Education |
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Summer I |
|---|
| ELPS 527 |
Higher Education Capstone |
3 |
| | Hours | 3 |
| Summer II |
|---|
|
3 |
| | Hours | 3 |
| | Total Hours | 36 |
Program Length
This part-time program can be completed in two years, including summers. Students have the opportunity to take the summer courses during a two-week summer study abroad program in Rome, Italy.
Certificate Opportunities
In addition to their program curricula, students are encouraged to explore opportunities to gain enhanced credentials through our Curriculum and Pedagogy in Higher Education Online Certificate. This interdisciplinary certificate has stackable credit opportunities in conjunction with the MEd in Higher Education program. By earning this certificate, students will be able to get ahead of the curve and meet the constantly evolving field of education.
Continuous Enrollments
Master's students in Higher Education are required to maintain the status of continuous enrollment during their program of studies. This means that during each semester of each academic year (excluding Summer Sessions), each student must enroll in at least one course. A formal leave of absence may be granted upon request and the approval of the School of Education’s Assistant Dean of Student Academic Services.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the MEd in Higher Education program, students will have the ability to:
- Apply scholarly knowledge and research skills to address complex problems of practice
- Lead constructive conversations that shape equity-minded policies across multiple levels of an organization
- Integrate theoretical and conceptual understandings with practice-based solutions
