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Influence the Future of Higher Education

Prepare to meet the challenges facing American institutions of higher education. Our flexible program is designed to aide you in meeting your professional goals.

Our vision is you! Let your passion for higher education improve the lives of others. At A&M-Commerce, we offer one of the nation's largest higher education programs, giving you excellence in education and endless opportunities. Our flexible degree prepares you for a wide-range of careers in academic counseling, college teaching, educational policymaking or nonprofit organizations. You'll examine a broad curriculum that explores how American colleges function in the 21st century. Experience higher education firsthand through internships and field teaching experiences. Learn at one of the leading institutions in Texas.

Where It Is Offered Dallas, Mesquite, Online
Duration 2 years
Foreign Language No foreign language credits required
Delivery Face-To-Face, Fully Online
Total Credit Hours 30 hours
Thesis Requirements No thesis required
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SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A master’s DEGREE IN higher education

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Career Readiness

Participate in excellence-driven programs that prepare you for careers in institutional advancement, policymaking, and non-profit organizations. The career choices are endless in higher education.

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Accomplished Faculty

Enjoy the opportunity of learning from home with our web-enhanced technology. Our faculty are ready to give you the tools to grow and excel, wherever you may be.

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Education Success

Our program in Higher Education is one of the largest in the country. Join the ranks of our graduates who have become university faculty members and administrators.

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Hands-on Training

Whether it's a full year in the classroom, residency or internships, you’ll engage in real-world learning experiences that build confidence and skills.

Frank Young Education North Building.
Guidance You Need

Located in the Frank Young Education North Building, our Mentor Center provides the information and support you need to reach your career goals.

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Focus Your Passion

Earn your master’s degree with an emphasis in higher education administration.

Administration Emphasis (Non-Thesis)

Get ready to create meaningful direction in your career. Our Administration Emphasis introduces you to the field and profession of higher education. Explore the history of higher education and how it benefits communities and societies. Learn how colleges and universities work and lead their students to success. Our program will prepare you for rewarding entry and mid-level administrative careers (financial aid, registrar, housing, academic counseling, budgeting, student affairs, alumni relations and admissions). The program is completely online. Total Credit Hours: 30

View Full Curriculum

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Alumni Spotlight

Admissions recruiter Carlos Ruiz.

Carlos Ruiz, M.S.

I am currently working with the Dallas County Promise Scholarship to help students with tuition assistance, success coaching and advising. We help the promise students in earning their credentials in the form of a career certification, associate or bachelor's degree.
More About Carlos
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Bethany Ferrall, MS

I am motivated by seeing our students succeed in their lives and making sure that my family always feels cared for, supported and loved.
More About Bethany

Jess Gamez

I enjoy the diversity of the student body. I like that we have students from so many different walks of life and belief systems.
More About Jess

Shelby Miller, Ph.D.

I cannot even count how many times Dr. Attardo rooted for me, supported me, encouraged me, and, when needed, had the ‘tough’ talks with me to get me in gear. He was and continues to be a pillar in my professional and personal endeavors.
More About Shelby
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what you will learn

A master’s degree in Higher Education will offer you the opportunity to:

  • Learn advanced strategies for educational development at the post-secondary level
  • Understand the challenges students and faculty face to manage the inner workings of colleges and universities
  • Gain knowledge and experience in effective administrative and teaching approaches
  • Receive additional courses in the teaching field to prepare you for the college classroom
  • Discover the fundamentals of organizational theory, leadership, adult education, student affairs and instructional effectiveness
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Careers

Jobs in higher education extend far beyond teaching. From admissions and enrollment to student affairs and alumni relations, universities need leaders who are passionate about educational success. Discover what career path interests you.

Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries

Postsecondary Teachers
$78,470
Postsecondary Education Administrators
$94,340
Education, Guidance and Career Counselors
$61,000

US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018

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Faculty Spotlight

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If you are looking for a place where you can learn and grow while receiving quality instruction and personalized care and attention, A&M-Commerce is the place for you.
JoHyun Kim, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
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Featured Courses

Introduction to Higher Education HIED 615

Provides a foundation for understanding how institutions of higher education in America function. Includes a study of systematic philosophies of education and their influence on instruction and administration in higher education.

Organization and Governance in Higher Education HIED 657

Examines organizational theories, models, policies and cultures; external and internal governance and management processes; leadership theories and practices; and critical roles and responsibilities affecting a variety of college and university administrative and instructional units.

The Adult Learner HIED 620

Examines the unique nature of the adult learner in higher education in contrast with young learners in K-12 classrooms. Emphasis will be placed upon theories of andragogy and practices in adult learning.

View Full Curriculum In The University Catalog
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Course Delivery and Resources

Our master's degree program in Higher Education is designed for those interested in working in colleges and universities or related agencies. Offered exclusively online, our goal is to meet the innovative needs of current college instructors and working administrators. You'll interact personally with renowned faculty and experts that are committed to helping you reach your educational and career goals.

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Graduate Program Cost

PROGRAM COSTS

Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents.

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Financial Aid
Scholarships
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ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS International/Domestic Tabs

Admission

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Master of Science in Higher Education :: Program Admission Requirements

Deadlines

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Your Path to Becoming a Lion

Step 1. Submit Application

Submit your application at tamuc.edu/apply.

  • Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
  • Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”

  • Select “Higher Education, MS” as your “Major.”
  • Pay the $50 application fee.

Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.

  • After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.

Step 2. Submit Documents

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Official Transcripts

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].

  • We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.

All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.

We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.

  • If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
  • If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.

Postal Alternative

If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

Personal Statement

Describe your preparation for graduate work and your academic interests and goals in no more than 500 words.

Resume or CV

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.

Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status

  • Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
Dayla Burgin Graduate Student Services Coordinator

Step 3. Apply for Financial Assistance

  • Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
  • Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
  • Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.

Step 4. Register for Classes

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist is here to help you complete registration.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

Audrey Weiss Graduate Enrollment Specialist
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Master of Science in Higher Education :: Program Admission Requirements, International

The courses for this program are available only online (no face-to-face courses). This program is not available to international students. 

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we are here to help!

Audrey Weiss Graduate Enrollment Specialist
Dayla Burgin Graduate Student Services Coordinator
JoHyun Kim, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Dimitra J. Smith, Ph.D. Department Head and Professor of Higher Education
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START YOUR JOURNEY!

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