Higher Education Administration, M.A.

I. Contact Information

Maryann Demchak, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director 
College of Education
mad@unr.edu
(775) 682-7852

II. Brief Introduction

The core of the Master of Arts program’s curriculum emphasizes history, diversity, retention, and administration in higher education. Students will select one of two tracks in order to cover these emphases. 

Our standard track focuses on general administration in higher education colleges and universities, and includes five core required courses (EL 707 , EL 713 , EL 756 , EL 756 , EDRS 700 ). Students in this track use their electives to specialize in: access, retention, and development of college students; or
policy, finance, and reform in higher education. 

Our second track focuses on the administration of athletics programs in higher education. Students in this track will take a different set of athletics-focused core required courses (EL 750 , EL 771 , EL 772 , EL 774 , EDRS 700 ), and may use their electives to pursue additional courses on athletics administration or electives from the general administration track. 

All students are expected to complete an internship (EL 798 ). Applicants for the Master of Arts degree should indicate which track they intend to pursue in their statement of interest.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

The Master’s graduate program in Higher Education Administration aims to generate graduates who are well-versed in content, theories, research methods, and the application of knowledge to practice. he program of studies is designed to provide skills, knowledge, and understanding for entry level leadership positions.

IV. Admission Requirements

The following are required application components, to be completed and returned to the Graduate School:

1. Completed UNR Application for Admission and current application fee must accompany the application.
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. (If coursework was completed at UNR, Admissions and Records would already have your transcripts available for the Graduate School, and you need not send them.)
3. In addition to the application form required by the Graduate School, applicants must complete an EL application. This includes:
   1. Three letters which speak to the applicant’s potential for success both as a graduate student and as an educational administrator. It is recommended that one letter be from an immediate supervisor and at least one be from a university professor. Appropriate variations are acceptable.
   2. A written sample of academic work; for example, a typed essay of approximately 1,000 words.
   3. A personal statement describing relevant coursework and professional experience that has prepared the applicant for the program, as well as academic and career goals for during and after the program.
   4. Although not required, applicants may submit additional information such as a vita that may provide relevant information for assessing professional promise.
   5. A typed department application must be submitted. This form (available online) lists program requirements and a description of the required personal statement.
   6. A signed College of Education Dispositions form must be submitted for the application to be considered complete.

Admission Criteria - Full Admission Status

Most applicants to the M.A. program surpass the minimum requirements established by the Graduate School (see the “Graduate School ” chapter in this catalog), concerning specific regulations on graduate standing). Full admission is based on the following criteria:

1. academic ability
2. research and writing skills
3. professional promise
4. the collective professional judgment of the EL faculty

Use of these criteria provides both our department and the applicant with an indication of probable success in the program.

V. Program Requirements

VI. Program Total Hours (30 units)

VII. Undergraduate Requirements

Most applicants to the M.A. program surpass the minimum requirements established by the Graduate School (see the “Graduate School ” chapter in the catalog).