Higher Education (MS)
Ignite your potential with our master's program in higher education, where dynamic leadership meets flexible learning! Step up as a trailblazer to reshape the future of education one innovative idea at a time.
- Offered 100% Online.
- 2 to 2.5 years
- 30 or 36 credit hours
- No thesis required
- No foreign language credits required
Shape Tomorrow's Education
At East Texas A&M, you can unleash your potential to disrupt the status quo of higher education! Our program is designed to transform aspiring leaders into change-makers, blending innovative strategies with real-world challenges. Join us, and learn how you can turn your vision into reality. The future of education isn't just something you study; it's something you create.
Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
Ignite your future at East Texas A&M with a master's in higher education! Learn to drive innovation, advocate for accessibility and become a leader in transforming education. Your journey to meaningful change starts here!
Careers and Salaries
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
A master's in higher education at East Texas A&M University can empower you, a future leader, with essential skills to transform the higher education landscape. Learn to master the tools to impact academic institutions significantly while emphasizing innovation and togetherness.
What Might I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Educational Policy and Governance
Understand the policies that shape higher education and academic governance structures.
Data Analysis and Assessment
Sharpen your skills in collecting and analyzing data to improve institutional effectiveness and student outcomes.
Strategic Planning
Acquire techniques for long-term planning and resource allocation in higher education settings.
Advocacy and Change Management
Learn how to advocate for meaningful changes within educational institutions.
Taking Classes
Our flexible programs are designed for current educators and working professionals. Learn from and connect with distinguished faculty and experts committed to your success.
Designed for your life
Whether you are a college instructor or an administrator, you can benefit from our flexible and convenient curriculum that covers the latest innovations and best practices in higher education.
Hybrid Online
Pursue your educational and career aspirations as you advance your higher education career. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid course delivery, with most courses offered online and select courses offered face-to-face at the Mesquite Metroplex Center. For an up to date list of course offerings, locations and meeting times, please check the schedule of classes, which is subject to change.
Curriculum
Our curriculum combines theory with practical application. Together, the Master of Science in Higher Education program explores essential leadership and policy skills to help prepare you for impactful roles in the field.
Higher Education Administration
If you dream of holding leadership roles within higher education institutions, consider the 30-semester-hour program. Curriculum focuses on developing expertise in governance, policy and organizational dynamics. Further, the 30-hour program emphasizes cultivating practical skills through internships and applied learning opportunities.
Higher Education Teaching
If you aspire to teach at the collegiate level, the 36-semester-hour program may be for you. Courses in this emphasis explore advanced knowledge in curriculum development, teaching methodologies and educational theory while allowing you to specialize in a teaching discipline to enhance your subject matter expertise.
Both emphases require the successful completion of a comprehensive exam.
Adding Value with Certificates
You can develop leadership and policy skills while enhancing your degree with graduate certificates. Prepare to make a significant impact in academic institutions.
Higher Education Student Affairs Graduate Certificate
This certificate prepares you to work in higher educational institutions with an emphasis on students. When you complete the certificate, careers related to student affairs will be the right place for you.
Higher Education Teaching Graduate Certificate
Prepare for the college classroom with our program designed to provide college instructors with the knowledge and tools for teaching today’s college students.
Instructional Design Graduate Certificate
This certificate program prepares you to create top-notch curricula. Once you complete this certificate, you’ll be eligible to begin your career as an instructional designer, training coach or other related path.
Organization Development Graduate Certificate
If you are passionate about helping organizations thrive, this certificate is for you. With this certificate, you will find a career in organization development, change management and other careers related to organization development.
Talent Development Graduate Certificate
This certificate prepares you to train employees to be leaders in the workplace. With this certificate you will be able to find careers in and related to human resource development.
Focus Your Passion
Get ready to create meaningful direction in your career by earning your master’s degree with one of our emphases.
Administration Emphasis (Non-Thesis)
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 toward success. Our program is carefully crafted to prepare you for rewarding entry- and mid-level administrative careers in offices devoted to financial aid, registrar, housing, academic counseling, budgeting, student affairs, alumni relations and admissions. This program may be completed fully 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. This program includes six courses (18 hrs) in the major (Higher Education) and six courses (18 hrs) in a teaching field outside the department. With the assistance of advisers, you will select this teaching field from the departments on campus that offer graduate coursework in disciplines typically taught in the region’s community colleges.
This program is not eligible for 100% online delivery, as disciplinary graduate coursework is typically offered in a face-to-face format. Total Credit Hours: 36
Finding My Community
We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated mentors who are committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.
Kibum Kwon, Ph.D.
Faculty
Anjum Najmi, Ph.D.
Faculty
Dimitra J. Smith, Ph.D.
FacultyI’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Back to menuOn-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Back to menuCost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Back to menuAdditional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
- GPA minimum 2.5
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Admission Process
Note: This program is currently not available to international students.
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Higher Education, MS” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email 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.
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 accepts 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:
East Texas A&M University
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.
Review the Application Packet for more information.
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 will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- 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.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact the Department
- Department of Higher Education and Learning Technology
- 903.886.5618
- [email protected]
- Young Education North #126
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011