M.S. in Kinesiology - Sport Administration concentration
The M.S. in Kinesiology with a Sport Administration concentration at Montclair State Un...
M.A. in Higher Education
Montclair, New Jersey
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The M.A. in Higher Education at Montclair State University is a 36-credit-hour hybrid graduate program, typically completed over two years. It is structured to equip students with both foundational knowledge and practitioner-based skills to navigate and problem-solve within higher education through an equity and social justice lens. The program's design focuses broadly on administration and leadership within higher education organizations, rather than solely on student services, taking an organizational and social science level approach. It offers flexibility with various course modalities, including in-person, online, and hybrid options, to accommodate working professionals. Students with at least two years of full-time professional experience in higher education may be able to reduce the credit requirement to 33 credits.
AACSB-Accredited: No, the M.A. in Higher Education program at Montclair State University is not AACSB-accredited. AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation is exclusively for business programs and business schools. While Montclair State University's Feliciano School of Business is AACSB accredited, this accreditation does not extend to the higher education programs within the College of Education and Engaged Learning. The program's content is based on professional competencies and program standards developed by relevant higher education associations such as the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), American College Personnel Association (ACPA), and National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.A. in Higher Education is designed to provide a robust theoretical and practical understanding of the complex landscape of higher education. Core courses often include "Foundations of Higher Education and the Academic Environment," "Organizational Development and Administration in Higher Education," "Diversity and Equity in Higher Education," "Higher Education Law," "Leadership, Management, and Supervision in Higher Education," "Research, Assessment, and Evaluation in Higher Education," and "Higher Education Economics and Finance." Students also take a course in "Theories of College Student Development." The program culminates with a "Practicum in Higher Education" and a "Capstone in Higher Education," providing practical application and synthesis of learning. Elective courses, such as "Globalization and Higher Education," allow for further specialization.
Research Focus: The research focus within the M.A. in Higher Education program is applied and practitioner-oriented, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based decision-making and incorporating issues of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students are trained to gather and utilize data to support programmatic and individual goals. While not a traditional research-intensive Ph.D. program, the curriculum includes courses like "Research, Assessment, and Evaluation in Higher Education," which equip students with the skills to critically analyze information and contribute to scholarship. Faculty are committed to teaching students how to apply higher education theories to their practice, fostering a reflective and research-informed approach to leadership and administration.
Industry Engagement: Montclair State University's M.A. in Higher Education program demonstrates significant industry engagement by directly aligning its curriculum with professional competencies and standards developed by leading higher education associations (ASHE, ACPA, NASPA). The program explicitly aims to equip current and future college and university leaders with "relevant knowledge and practitioner-based skill." The required practicum provides invaluable hands-on experience within higher education organizations. Faculty members often have extensive practical experience in higher education administration, bringing real-world insights into the classroom. The program's focus on preparing graduates for leadership and administrative positions across various types of higher education institutions underscores its strong connections to the needs and demands of the sector.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Higher Education program at Montclair State University explicitly integrates a global perspective into its curriculum. Faculty are committed to "providing attention to issues of higher education globally" to prepare graduates to enter institutions of higher education internationally. An elective course, "Globalization and Higher Education," further allows students to delve into global trends and challenges facing postsecondary education worldwide. This focus ensures that graduates develop a comprehensive understanding of the international landscape of higher education, enabling them to address the complexities of a globally interconnected academic environment and to consider diverse models of educational leadership and administration beyond national borders.
Location
Montclair, New Jersey
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19916
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 83 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Montclair State University offers a range of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Presidential Scholarships: The university’s prestigious Presidential Scholarships are awarded to top-performing international students demonstrating exceptional academic records and leadership skills. These scholarships provide substantial financial support and are highly competitive.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: Graduate international students have access to departmental scholarships and graduate assistantships. Assistantships may include tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities, offering both financial aid and valuable professional experience.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Higher Education from Montclair State University is designed to prepare graduates for impactful leadership and administrative roles within diverse postsecondary institutions. This program equips individuals with a critical understanding of higher education contexts, emphasizing social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, which are crucial for creating equitable and effective learning environments.
Student Affairs Administrator/Director: Overseeing and managing various student services, such as residence life, student activities, counseling, career services, or multicultural affairs. This role focuses on supporting students' holistic development and well-being outside the classroom.
Academic Advisor: Guiding university students through their academic journey, assisting with course selection, degree requirements, major/minor exploration, and connecting them with academic resources to ensure their success and timely graduation.
Admissions Counselor/Director: Recruiting and evaluating prospective students, managing the application process, conducting informational sessions, and developing strategies to attract a diverse and qualified student body to the institution.
Registrar/Associate Registrar: Managing student academic records, course registration, transfer credit evaluation, degree auditing, and ensuring compliance with academic policies and regulations.
Financial Aid Administrator/Director: Overseeing the distribution of financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans), advising students on financial planning, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
Program Coordinator/Manager (Academic Department): Providing administrative and operational support for specific academic programs, managing budgets, assisting with curriculum development, coordinating events, and supporting faculty within a university department.
Institutional Research Analyst: Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to institutional effectiveness, enrollment trends, student success, and other key metrics to inform strategic planning and decision-making within a university.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer (Higher Education): Developing and implementing initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus, addressing issues of bias, fostering an inclusive climate, and ensuring equitable access and opportunities for all members of the university community.
Alumni Relations Officer/Director: Cultivating relationships with university alumni, organizing events, managing fundraising campaigns, and developing programs that foster lifelong engagement and support for the institution.
Career Services Professional: Assisting students and alumni with career exploration, job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation, and connecting them with internship and employment opportunities. This often involves developing workshops and resources.
