Degrees Offered
- Master of Arts
- Doctor of Education
Nature of the Program
The Higher Education Administration program is designed to enhance leadership skills and prepare students for executive, administrative (business administration, academic affairs, and student affairs), academic support, and faculty positions.
Master of Arts (Online)
The master's program is designed to enhance leadership skills and prepare students for administration positions within college and university settings.
Features
- Online graduate program
- Part-time or full-time enrollment options
- Courses can be taken from any geographic location
- Flexible program of study
- Synchronous online courses
- Courses taught by full-time faculty and administrators
Career Placement
- Alumni have been placed in executive, administrative (business administration, academic affairs, admissions, enrollment management) and student affairs (student success, residence life, and student engagement) positions as well as nonprofit and policy organizations, and in doctoral programs.
- According to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics, higher education administration jobs are projected to grow 7% between 2018 and 2028, faster than average for all occupations.
- Higher education administrators work at colleges, universities, community colleges, and technical schools.
Doctor of Education
Features
- Hybrid graduate program with options for online and face-to-face courses
- Part-time or full-time enrollment options
- Flexible program of study
- Synchronous online courses
- Courses taught by full-time faculty and professors
- The degree can be completed entirely online
Career Placement
- Executive, senior administrative (business administration, academic affairs, and student affairs) and faculty support placements; administrative advancement
- Higher education administration jobs are expected to grow by 7% between 2018 and 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Faculty Positions
- Policy Positions
- Senior Institutional Leadership Positions
Admissions
Acceptance Policy
Applicants for a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration (HIED) and/or Ed.D. must comply with the WVU requirements for admission to graduate studies, the requirements of the College of Education and Human Services, and those that the HIED program has specified. Admission to all programs is contingent on an assessment of complete official transcripts, including all higher education work attempted, and other evidence the faculty may deem necessary in order to judge students' prospective success within the graduate program.
If applicants meet the minimum requirements, they may be invited to an on-campus or virtual interview. Students will receive official notification of acceptance or rejection within one month of the interview. All students accepted into the program will receive information about their assigned adviser and guidance on the development of a personalized program of study.
Admission Procedure - Master of Arts
Applicants are required to submit an online application, found at http://graduateadmissions.wvu.edu/how-to-apply. The Higher Education Administration Program admits students to the Master of Arts Program on a rolling basis The following must accompany the online application:
- Personal statement, describing past work experience and goals for graduate study in higher education administration: Be sure to include the specific major to which you are applying, interest in assistantships, relevant experience, and program goals. Please include contact information and a description of professional or academic relationship for three references at the end of the personal statement. Note: Students applying to the Student Affairs Area of Emphasis should also include the following in the Personal Statement:
- Indication of intent to apply to the Area of Emphasis
- If interested in applying with a graduate assistantship in student affairs, indication of this intent along with areas of assistantship interest (e.g. housing and residence life, student engagement and leadership, etc.)
- Resume: This should include relevant education and work experiences.
- Transcripts: Applicants should include transcripts from all previous postsecondary coursework, including undergraduate and graduate. This program utilizes the University GPA requirement for entry to the program.
- One Academic Writing Sample: Please include an academic writing sample to showcase your ability to write research or other academic papers in the program. For example, you can include your best paper from your undergraduate program or other graduate program.
Admission Procedure - Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
A committee of HIED faculty reviews applications to the program. The priority deadline for Fall admission is January 15; however, applications will be reviewed throughout the year for admission on a rolling basis, including for the Spring and Summer terms, if space allows. Admissions materials include:
- Personal resume/vita: Applicants must provide a chronological history of their education and experience in a vita. The vita should offer evidence that the applicant has appropriate professional experience that would support the goals and expectations of the program.
- Goals statement (Personal statement): Each applicant must provide a clear statement of professional goals. This statement should clearly indicate how the applicant’s goals fit with the program. Particular consideration will be given to goal statements that clearly demonstrate that the student has researched the program and faculty and knows how program offerings and faculty expertise meet specific interests and needs.
- Writing sample: All Ed.D. applicants must provide an academic writing sample with their application. The writing sample should provide clear evidence of the applicant’s writing ability as well as ability to engage in research.
- Two current letters of reference: All Ed.D. applicants must provide two letters of reference that explicitly address the applicant’s potential as a doctoral student. References should know of the applicant’s academic performance and potential.
- Transcripts: Applicants should submit all undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
- International Applicants: International applicants should consult WVU's International Admissions information for graduate students for the most up-to-date requirements, including English language proficiency scores: https://graduateadmissions.wvu.edu/information-for/international-students
INTERVIEW: The HIED Ed.D. admissions committee may also request an interview to seek additional information in order to judge potential for success in the program.
Admission Requirements 2024-2025
The Admission Requirements above will be the same for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.
MA Major Code: 5516
EdD Major Code: 5514