M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.S. in Higher Education Administration
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Higher Education Administration through its Silverfield College of Education and Human Services. This 36-credit hour program is designed as a practitioner-oriented degree, specifically preparing students for careers in colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions. It also serves to enhance the careers of those already working in the field. The program's core philosophy emphasizes practical instruction and a solutions-based approach to the challenges faced by aspiring higher education leaders. UNF's program is unique in its flexibility, offering five distinct concentration tracks, and even allowing students to choose more than one, enabling them to customize their degree to their precise career goals within higher education. These concentrations include General Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, International Higher Education, Collegiate Athletics, and Non-Profit Management.
Curriculum: The 36-credit hour curriculum for the M.S. in Higher Education Administration at UNF is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of post-secondary education. While the specific course list isn't fully detailed in public overviews, the program emphasizes practical instruction directly applicable to professional practice. Courses cover a wide range of topics essential for higher education leaders, including organizational management, student development, leadership, finance, policy, and assessment in a higher education context. The program's flexibility is a key feature, allowing students to choose from five concentration tracks—General Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, International Higher Education, Collegiate Athletics, and Non-Profit Management—and even pursue multiple concentrations. This tailored approach ensures that students gain specialized knowledge aligned with their career aspirations. The program also offers opportunities for field-based practicums, integrating hands-on experience with theoretical learning.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Higher Education Administration at UNF primarily operates on a practitioner-oriented model, focusing on a "solutions-based approach for aspiring higher education leaders." While it is not a traditional academic research degree intended for producing Ph.D. candidates or career researchers, it is research-informed. This means that the curriculum and assignments emphasize utilizing existing research and data to solve real-world challenges in higher education practice. Students are trained to critically analyze educational policies, institutional effectiveness, and student outcomes based on evidence. The program aims to prepare students for leadership roles that require data-informed decision-making and the ability to evaluate programs and initiatives. While direct research output like a thesis may not be mandatory for all tracks, the program instills a mindset of inquiry and evidence-based practice.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Higher Education Administration at UNF demonstrates robust industry engagement, which is central to its practitioner-oriented design. The program's faculty often includes experienced current practitioners in higher education, bringing real-world insights directly into the classroom. A significant aspect of industry engagement comes through the opportunity for field-based practicums, which provide students with valuable hands-on experience in various departments within colleges and universities. These practicums serve as a direct bridge between academic learning and professional practice, allowing students to apply their knowledge in actual higher education settings and build vital professional networks. The program also has a strong record of successful graduates working in higher education and related fields locally, nationally, and internationally, indicating strong connections within the industry.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Higher Education Administration at UNF significantly incorporates a global perspective, particularly through its International Higher Education concentration. This specialization explicitly addresses the growing internationalization of higher education, preparing students to navigate global trends, diverse student populations, and cross-cultural collaborations within colleges and universities. Even beyond this specific concentration, the broader program emphasizes preparing leaders who can respond to diverse student populations and operate effectively in an increasingly interconnected world. Discussions within the curriculum often touch upon global benchmarks in education, international student support, global partnerships, and the impact of globalization on higher education institutions, equipping graduates to work in institutions with a global reach or with diverse international student bodies.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
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 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Florida (UNF) is a 36-credit hour, practitioner-oriented program within the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services. This program is specifically designed to prepare individuals for leadership and management roles within colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions, while also offering career advancement for current professionals.
Academic Advisor: Guides students through their academic journey, helping them choose majors, select courses, understand degree requirements, and connect with university resources to ensure their academic success and timely graduation.
Director of Student Affairs/Student Life: Oversees and develops programs and services that enhance the student experience outside the classroom, including student activities, leadership development, residence life, and campus wellness initiatives.
Admissions Counselor/Director: Recruits prospective students, evaluates applications, and manages the admissions process, playing a crucial role in shaping the incoming class and meeting institutional enrollment goals.
Financial Aid Administrator/Director: Manages the financial aid office, overseeing the distribution of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs to students, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
Registrar/Associate Registrar: Manages student academic records, course registration, scheduling, transcript requests, and graduation processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with academic policies.
Career Services Director/Advisor: Helps students and alumni with career development, job search strategies, resume writing, interview skills, and connects them with internship and employment opportunities.
Director of Alumni Relations/Development: Builds and maintains relationships with university alumni, organizes events, and leads fundraising efforts to secure financial support for the institution's programs and initiatives.
Coordinator of International Student Services: Specifically for those with the International Higher Education concentration, this role supports international students with immigration matters, cultural adjustment, academic advising, and social programming.
Athletic Administrator/Associate Athletic Director: For those with the Collegiate Athletics concentration, this position involves managing various aspects of university athletic programs, including compliance, student-athlete welfare, budgeting, and facility management.
Program Manager/Coordinator (Academic Departments or Special Programs): Oversees the administrative and operational aspects of specific academic programs, research centers, or special initiatives within a university, ensuring smooth functioning and achievement of program objectives.
