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Education, Higher Education, M.Ed.

Format: Hybrid Credits: 36 for Adult/Higher Ed; 42 for CSAL Individual Course Length: 15 weeks

The Master of Education in higher education prepares educators to become effective practitioners in multiple administrative roles, facilitate student learning, promote student success, and shape inclusive college communities.

Visit the program website for more information.

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FAQ
100%
Of Faculty Have Practitioner Experience

Each faculty member is an experienced education practitioner.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission

GVSU's education program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

100%
Of Faculty Have Doctoral Degrees

Each faculty member holds a doctoral degree in their field.

Source: EMSI, 2021

Program Overview

The program offers an opportunity to enroll in coursework full- or part-time and includes two emphasis areas: Adult and Higher Education and College Student Affairs Leadership (CSAL). Graduates of the higher education program will be equipped with the theoretical basis to serve in student affairs positions such as admissions, orientation, housing, campus recreation, and more.

Admission to the Program

  • Graduate application to admission at GVSU
  • $30 nonrefundable application fee; waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU
  • Official copies of transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Resumé
  • A personal statement, approximately 500 words

Personal statement can include: what experiences have led you to pursue a degree in higher education? What qualities do you have that prepare you to be a successful graduate student in higher education? How will the program help you achieve personal and professional goals?

Deadline for fall semester is July 15; winter deadline is November 15; spring/summer deadline is March 15. Those applications received after the deadline will be considered on an individual basis and program availability.

Why Study Higher Education at Grand Valley?

  • Faculty members are leaders in their fields, melding together the philosophy of education and students' needs as practitioners.
  • Faculty members are committed to creating and maintaining supportive educational environments that challenge students to reach their fullest potential.
  • The curriculum is flexible and offered in a hybrid format for working educators.
  • The curriculum, instructional practices, professional development, experiential, and co-curricular opportunities are shaped by theory to practice, foundation, which enables graduates to make well-informed decisions in a variety of higher education settings.
  • Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

Accreditation

Grand Valley State University's College of Education and Community Innovation is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA). The faculty are leaders in their fields, melding together the philosophy of education and your needs as a practitioner.

Location & Format

Classes for the program are a combination of online and in-seat on both the Allendale and Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids campuses.

Format:

Coursework

The higher education program includes foundation courses, emphasis area courses, concentration courses, and elective courses.

The AHE emphasis requires a minimum of 36 credits and offers the opportunity to take coursework part time.

The CSAL emphasis, requiring a minimum of 42 credits overall which includes 6 credits of practicum/internship experience, offers a cohort experience to students and is designed to be completed in two full-time academic years.

Visit the online catalog for courses and program details.

Career Options

The higher education curriculum prepares graduates to work with college students and higher education professionals in a variety of functional areas such as:

  • Academic advising
  • Career services
  • Housing and residential life
  • Multicultural affairs
  • Admissions
  • Financial aid
  • Recreation and wellness

Admission Requirements

  • The Education programs have rolling admissions deadlines to ensure maximum flexibility for our applicants
  • Up to 9 credit hours can be transferred from other institutions (many institutions only allow up to 6 transfer credits)
  • Enrollment begins in mid-March for the following academic year to give students additional time to plan
  • GVSU allows you up to 8 years to complete your graduate program (more time than most other institutions)
  • You must submit an official transcript from your baccalaureate degree-granting institution

Visit the Education page for criteria and procedures.

Helpful Links

For More Information

College of Education and Community Innovation

gvsu.edu/education/grad
401 Fulton Street West, Building C
(616) 331-6650

Program Director

Laila McCloud, Ph.D.
(616) 331-6293