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MEd in Higher Education

Become a leading practitioner-scholar, promoting access, equity, and social justice within postsecondary contexts

Loyola's master's degree in higher education is a rare combination, offering content around student affairs and higher education administration rather than specializing in one or the other. Combining these two areas means you'll be better able to serve and support college students.

Our Commitment to You

Upon graduation with an M.Ed. in higher education from Loyola University Chicago, you will possess knowledge, skills, and professional values necessary to work in various higher education contexts – e.g., student affairs, enrollment management, academic affairs, equity, diversity and inclusion - or lead community based-organizations that support access, persistence, and completion.

Knowledge

You will explore foundations of higher education and student affairs and understand the fundamental importance of curriculum, identity, organizational development, advocacy, and activism in higher education.

Skills

You will be well-versed in topics applicable to creating policies and practices that advance student life and experience in higher education including –  social justice and education, critical theory and pedagogy, contexts of activism in education, identity formation, student development, agency, experiences of racially minoritized students, undocumented student experiences, academic labor, international higher education, democracy and education, and community college issues.

Professional Values

Graduates of Loyola's higher education program are committed to advancing social justice through education. You'll become a scholar-practitioner who is an agent of change on your campus.

Program Faculty

Our dedicated Higher Education Faculty are experts in their fields who will support students throughout each stage of the program.

Curriculum

Completion of the MEd in higher education requires 36 semester hours, an internship, and a final capstone project. The degree is structured in a supportive cohort model, and classes take place on campus at Loyola's downtown Water Tower Campus.

Program Length

Full-time students can complete the program in two years, while part-time students can finish their degree in three - four years dependent on the number of courses taken each term.

Summer courses are optional, and students have the opportunity to take courses during a two-week summer study abroad program in Rome, Italy.

Continuous Enrollments
Master's students in Higher Educaiton are required to maintain the status of continuous enrollment during their program of studies. This means that during each semester of each academic year (excluding Summer Sessions), each student must enroll in at least one course. A formal leave of absence may be granted upon request and the approval of the School of Education’s Assistant Dean of Student Academic Services.

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Core Courses

  • RMTD 400: Research Methods
  • ELPS 425: Student Affairs Profession (Foundations of Student Affairs)
  • ELPS 427: American Higher Education
  • ELPS 432: Multiculturalism for Social Justice
  • ELPS 433: Student Development Theory
  • ELPS 431: Evaluation in Higher Education
  • ELPS 454: Budget & Finance in Higher Education
  • ELPS 430: Curriculum & Pedagogy in Higher Education
  • ELPS 459: Organization and Governance
  • ELPS 527: Higher Education Capstone

Certificate Opportunities

In addition to their program curricula, students are encouraged to explore opportunities to gain enhanced credentials through our Curriculum and Pedagogy in Higher Education Online Certificate. This interdisciplinary certificate has stackable credit opportunities in conjunction with the MEd in Higher Education program. By earning this certificate, student will be able to get ahead of the curve and meet the constantly evolving field of education.

Admission Requirements

Interested in applying? Check out the MEd Higher Education application requirements.

Contact

Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships

The School of Education and Loyola's Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their education at Loyola affordable. You can learn more on the Financial Assistance page.

Curriculum

Completion of the MEd in higher education requires 36 semester hours, an internship, and a final capstone project. The degree is structured in a supportive cohort model, and classes take place on campus at Loyola's downtown Water Tower Campus.

Certificate Opportunities

In addition to their program curricula, students are encouraged to explore opportunities to gain enhanced credentials through our Curriculum and Pedagogy in Higher Education Online Certificate. This interdisciplinary certificate has stackable credit opportunities in conjunction with the MEd in Higher Education program. By earning this certificate, student will be able to get ahead of the curve and meet the constantly evolving field of education.

Admission Requirements

Interested in applying? Check out the MEd Higher Education application requirements.

Contact

Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships

The School of Education and Loyola's Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their education at Loyola affordable. You can learn more on the Financial Assistance page.