Master of Science in Higher Education Administration

Program Leader: Dr. Benjamin Baez                                                                      
E-mail:   baezb@fiu.edu                                                                    
Phone:   305-348-3214                                                                            
Department: Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Program Leader: Dr. Helen  Ellison
E-mail: Helen.Ellison@fiu.edu
Phone: 305-348-2797

Brief Description of the Program:

The Master of Science in Higher Education Administration prepares graduates to serve in a variety of roles at colleges and universities and related institutions. The academic program is run as a partnership with FIU’s Student Affairs division and integrates classwork with assistantships for a total learning experience.  As a majority minority institution, FIU is the prototype for universities of the 21st century. Students in the program will have the opportunity to work and study in one of the most diverse higher education environments in the nation. This program is available at both the University Park Campus in Miami and at the Broward-Pines Center in Pembroke Pines.

Admission Requirements:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution;
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours of upper-division undergraduate coursework;
3. Three letters of recommendation, at least one of which (two are preferred) must be from a person familiar with the applicant’s undergraduate work and able to comment knowledgeably on his or her ability to perform graduate-level work;
4. A personal statement of 1,000 words or less explaining any personal and professional goals you plan to achieve with the accomplishment of the degree. Please list any recognitions of achievement that you have received (e.g. licenses, publications, awards). Provide any additional information that you would like considered in the evaluation of the application;
5. A résumé describing at least the past five years of employment history and significant community, professional, or college extracurricular activities;
6. Work experience in a community college or student affairs area is preferred but not required.

Program Requirements:

1. Total credits: 39
1. Professional Studies credits: 3
2. Required Courses credits: 18
3. Suggested Elective Track credits: 9-12
4. Advisor Approved Electives credits: 9-12

Program of Study:

Elective Tracks

The elective tracks are designed to allow students to choose a path of study that reflects their immediate career goals, while maintaining program coherence.  Advisors will work with students to decide on an elective track, and students must complete those prescribed courses.  There are opportunities for additional electives at the student’s discretion.

 Practicum Experience

A professional degree in university administration should allow for some guided practical experience. The practicum sections allow students the opportunity to earn credit while gaining valuable hands-on experience in a variety of administrative areas.  Practicum sections will include an academic component designed by the Higher Education faculty and the section supervisor.

1. No more than 6 hours of practicum will count towards the overall degree requirements.
2. No more than 3 hours of practicum will count towards fulfilling the elective track requirement. Any additional hours will fulfill the advisor approved elective requirement.

 Capstone Experience

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