Higher Education Administration (M.S.E.) Program Curriculum & Admission Requirements
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Coursework
Assistantship
Comprehensive examination
Internship
Program Curriculum
The program consists of 36 credit hours of integrated courses and hands-on experiences - all of which can be completed in two years. Students are able to select content electives in areas such as: higher education law, diversity in higher education, and others that might complement specific professional interests. A for-credit internship experience is also an option.
Course Requirements
Courses
Please note: This is only a potential plan of study. Consult with your academic advisor before enrolling.
KU Higher Education Administration Core Learning Domains
Foundational competencies to demonstrate an understanding of:
- The organization, culture and diversity of higher education institutions
- The history of higher education and how that history informs current events and issues
- The primary student development theories
- The theory and relevant research on how collect affects students
- The profession of higher education administration, its history and related ethical principles
- A greater commitment to cultural competence
Academic and professional development competencies to demonstrate:
- An ability to state a position and provide relevant evidence to support the stated position both verbally and in writing
- Proficient writing skills and an understanding of APA format
- An ability to use the literatures to link theory and practice
- An ability to relate relevant assistantship experiences to classroom learning experiences
- The capacity to apply skills to promote student outcomes
Personal growth and development competencies to demonstrate an ability to:
- Work effectively in a group
- Solve problems, manage conflict and effectively communicate with peers and colleagues.
Fundamental Research and Assessment Skills to:
- Demonstrates an understanding of program evaluation and assessment.
- Apply theory to practice for the purposes of understanding college student learning, development and success.
Graduate Admission
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements. International applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the application process well in advance of the application deadlines in order to ensure adequate time for processing of visa-related paperwork. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program.
Application Deadlines (full-time, domestic & international applicants)
Application Deadlines (part-time, domestic applicants)
*The priority deadline is to participate in the assistantship process for full-time applicants. We are unable to guarantee availability of assistantships for students who submit for the final deadline. Individuals participating in the Oshkosh Placement Exchange (OPE) are not required to submit an academic application prior to OPE. See the Employment graduate staff page for more information. Part-time and international applicants are not required to hold an assistantship.
Application Checklist
M.S.E. in Higher Education Administration
Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:
List
Online application
Complete through the KU Office of Graduate Admissions
Transcripts
One official copy of academic transcripts from each college or university attended
English translation of transcripts
Official transcripts from an international university must include an English translation
Resume or CV
Statement of purpose
1-2 page statement indicating how the program relates to future career goals
Letters of recommendation
Three names and email addresses of persons to be asked to complete letters of recommendation: one should be from the applicant’s immediate supervisor and at least one of the others should be from a professor
Proof of English proficiency
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency
Application fee
$65 for U.S. residents; $85 for international applicants.
Admission & Curriculum Resources
The online application is designed to give applicants the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.
Program Faculty

Tammara Durham

Susan Klusmeier

Gene T. Parker III

Trina Ramirez

Katie Treadwell