Higher Education (MS)
Prepare to meet the challenges facing American institutions of higher education. Our flexible program is designed to aid you in meeting your professional goals.
Influence the Future of Higher Education
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.
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
US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022
See Yourself Succeed with a Degree In Higher Education
Hands-On Training
Put your skills and knowledge into practice in a classroom setting with guidance from a mentor-teacher during your clinical teaching experience.
Career Readiness
Learn from others in your program as you share your diverse backgrounds and varied professional goals.
Outstanding Faculty
Enjoy the opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty who are respected researchers and leaders in their fields.
Education Success
Join the ranks of our graduates who have gone on to become successful administrators, university professors and leaders.
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
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
College Teaching Emphasis (Non-Thesis)
Our College Teaching Emphasis provides you with the basic requirements for teaching and is designed to prepare you for positions in higher education for which the master's degree is the minimal qualification. The program includes six courses (18 hrs.) in the major (Higher Education) and six courses (18 hrs.) in a teaching field outside the department. You will select this teaching field, with the assistance of their advisers, from the departments on campus that offer graduate coursework in disciplines typically taught in the region’s community colleges. This program is not 100% online. Disciplinary graduate work that you will have to complete is typically offered and delivered in a more traditional format. Total Credit Hours: 36
Faculty Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
Carlos Ruiz, M.S.
Bethany Ferrall, M.S.
Jess Gamez
Shelby Miller, Ph.D.
Course Delivery and Resources
Achieve your educational and career aspirations as you advance your higher education career with our 100% online master's degree program. Whether you are a college instructor or an administrator, you will benefit from our flexible and convenient curriculum that covers the latest innovations and best practices in higher education. You will also have the opportunity to learn from and connect with our distinguished faculty and experts who are committed to your success.
Please check the schedule of classes for locations and times. Locations and times are subject to change.
Student Profiles
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.
Admission
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
Note: This program is currently not available to international students.
- 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.”
Domestic Application Fee 395064
- 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.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Graduate Coordinator DeRene Sutton 395159
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- 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 accept 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.
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
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
Describe your preparation for graduate work and your academic interests and goals in no more than 500 words.
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.
- 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.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist is here to help you complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- View the Schedule of Classes.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
