Higher Education (MEd)
The MEd in higher education prepares individuals to become leading practitioner-scholars, 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.
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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum Core Courses | ||
| RMTD 400 | Introduction to Research Methodology | 3 |
| ELPS 425 | Foundations in Student Affairs | 3 |
| ELPS 427 | Foundations in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 432 | Multiculturalism for Social Justice in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 433 | Student Development in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 431 | Evaluation in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 454 | Budgeting and Finance in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 430 | Curriculum and Pedagogy in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 459 | Organization & Governance in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 527 | Higher Education Capstone | 3 |
| Two (2) Higher Education Electives | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Higher Education Electives
Below is a list of all Higher Education courses. This can be used in reference for electives if not used in other curricular requirements.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ELPS 400 | Inquiry Into Educational Policy | 3 |
| ELPS 405 | Introduction to Educational Policy Analysis | 3 |
| ELPS 413 | Critical Social Theories | 3 |
| ELPS 419 | Leadership in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 425 | Foundations in Student Affairs | 3 |
| ELPS 426 | Student Affairs Administration Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 427 | Foundations in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 428 | The Junior and Community College | 3 |
| ELPS 429 | Selected Topics in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 430 | Curriculum and Pedagogy in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 432 | Multiculturalism for Social Justice in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 434 | American College Student | 3 |
| ELPS 435 | Enrollment Management in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 436 | Women in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 437 | Today's Community College Students | 1 |
| ELPS 438 | Designing Effective Community College Courses | 1 |
| ELPS 439 | Assessing Student Learning in Community Colleges | 1 |
| ELPS 440 | Community College Students as Learners | 1 |
| ELPS 441 | Community College Teaching | 3 |
| ELPS 448 | International Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 453 | Legal Aspects of American Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 454 | Budgeting and Finance in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 455 | Comparative Education | 3 |
| ELPS 458 | International Education | 3 |
| ELPS 459 | Organization & Governance in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 498 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
| ELPS 503 | Critical Perspectives on the Internationalization of Higher Ed | 3 |
| ELPS 506 | Strategic Executive Leadership in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 527 | Higher Education Capstone | 3 |
| ELPS 529 | Seminar in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 530 | Proseminar: Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 550 | Seminar on Globalization and Education | 3 |
| ELPS 565 | International Education Internship | 3 |
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ELPS 425 | Foundations in Student Affairs | 3 |
| ELPS 427 | Foundations in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 432 | Multiculturalism for Social Justice in Higher Education | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| ELPS 430 | Curriculum and Pedagogy in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 433 | Student Development in Higher Education | 3 |
| RMTD 400 | Introduction to Research Methodology | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| ELPS 431 | Evaluation in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 454 | Budgeting and Finance in Higher Education | 3 |
| Higher Education Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| ELPS 459 | Organization & Governance in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 527 | Higher Education Capstone | 3 |
| Higher Education Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
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 Education 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.
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.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supercede school policies.
Learning Outcomes
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.