Education - Higher Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Graduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 36 for Adult/Higher Ed; 42 for CSAL Credits
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.
Overview
Grand Valley State University's Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education program prepares educators for administrative roles in higher education. It offers two emphasis areas: Adult and Higher Education (AHE) and College Student Affairs Leadership (CSAL), with flexible enrollment options and a hybrid format.
The curriculum includes foundation courses, emphasis area courses, concentration courses, and electives. Students study topics such as academic advising, career services, housing, admissions, financial aid, and multicultural affairs. The CSAL track includes a practicum/internship experience and can be completed in two full-time academic years.
Grand Valley's education faculty are leaders in their fields, blending educational philosophy with practical needs. The curriculum is flexible and offered in a hybrid format, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments. The program emphasizes professional development and experiential learning, enabling graduates to make well-informed decisions in various higher education settings.
College of Education and Community Innovation
401 Fulton Street West, Building C
(616) 331-6650
[email protected]
Program Director
Dr. Paul Bylsma
[email protected]
Application Deadline
Deadline for fall semester is July 15; winter deadline is November 15; spring/summer deadline is March 15. International prospective students must apply by May 1. International students must apply to the full-time (CSAL) track for fall admission.
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly
85%
GVSU Students Receive Offers Before Graduation
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
Career Options
The program prepares graduates to work with college students and higher education professionals in areas such as:
- Academic advising
- Career services
- Housing and residential life
- Admissions
- Financial aid
- Multicultural affairs
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.
Applying to the Program
A complete application file will include the following:
- Graduate application to admission at GVSU and $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. Students must have a 3.0 GPA to be eligible for a graduate assistantship;
- One letter of recommendation;
- A resume; and
- A personal statement of 500-750 words answering the following: a.) Tell us why you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in higher education and student affairs; b.) Tell us what you believe to be the most important issue facing higher education and student affairs in the United States and/or globally and why.
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