Higher Education Administration
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Why Choose an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with a Concentration in Higher EducationAdministration?
The Higher Education Administration (HEAD) Concentration within the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership is a 36-credit online program designed to equip professionals with the skills to navigate and lead in
postsecondary education. The program develops leadership, strategic thinking, and administrative expertise to foster innovation and institutional success. Candidates are prepared to lead initiatives, manage operations, and drive positive change within colleges, universities, and other educational organizations.
Through high-quality online instruction and engagement with faculty, peers, and professionals; candidates use the latest educational technology to research real-world issues in higher education. The
curriculum aligns with ACPA/NASPA standards for professional practice, focusing on research, strategic planning, legal analysis, and ethical, data-driven decision-making. Graduates are expected to demonstrate competency in areas such as advising, assessment, diversity, ethics, resources, leadership, and governance through a rigorous Practicum experience in an administrative area that best aligns with their long-term professional goals.
Courses are taught by a wide range of highly-qualified faculty with strong and varied backgrounds in research, educational administration, university leadership, strategic planning, program development, and advising and mentorship.
Curriculum/Schedule of Program Completion:
The program consists of 36 graduate credit hours, all offered online: 21 hours of Foundational Core courses and 15 hours of Higher Education Administration (HEAD) courses. Candidates are offered a flexible schedule allowing them to complete the program at their own pace, as well as their choice of professional courses, with most graduates finishing over a four-semester period. With the exception of some summer course offers, all courses are offered on a traditional, full semester schedule (approximately 16 weeks).
HEAD Curriculum Sheet (PDF)
- A bachelor’s degree or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, and,
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 on the final 60 hours of undergraduate coursework attempted, or
- 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours
- Three recommendations submitted via form
The University offers approximately 90-100 Graduate Assistantships. Early applying candidates will have the opportunity to secure an assistantship.
Assistantships provide a tuition waiver and actual work experience (20 hours per week in administrative positions at all levels of the college and university). Graduate Assistants receive a monthly stipend. Candidates are responsible for payment of fees.
The University will quickly process applications for admission. Candidates must apply on line at https://www.nicholls.edu/admissions/apply/ A copy of your transcript must be sent to the University. Nicholls graduates do not need to provide a copy of their transcript. Candidates must send a copy of their GRE scores to the university. Candidates may sign-up to take the GRE at www.ETS.org Test sites are in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Please make sure to list Nicholls State University to receive your test scores.
Questions or Need for Additional Information:
Contact any of the following faculty advisors or administrative assistant:
Dr. Leah Peterson
Program Coordinator
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
leah.peterson@nicholls.edu
985.448.4320
242 Hill Hall
Mrs. Wanda Porche
Administrative Assistant
223 Hill Hall
985-448-4327 or 448-4331
wanda.porche@nicholls.edu
CONTACT INFORMATION
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
220 College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Building
P.O. Box 2053
Thibodaux, LA 70310
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