College of Education

Graduate Studies

Higher education administration

Department of Educational Leadership & Counseling Psychology

Specialization in higher education administration or student affairs

(M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ph.D.)

The graduate degree program in Higher Education Administration includes preparation at the master’s and doctoral levels for students who plan to achieve positions of leadership in higher education administration and related fields or who wish to become faculty members. The Ph.D. in education offers specializations in higher education administration or student affairs.

The Higher Education Administration Program offers five graduate degrees:

As a graduate student, the College of Education’s undergraduate leadership studies minor (with 100 to 150 undergraduate students) provides you with both research and teaching opportunities. In addition, other partnerships with university student affairs units provide further opportunities tied to the students’ educational pursuits.

Cleveland Hall is home to the George B. Brain Education Library, providing you with access to their main collection of education-related materials, a separate children's literature section, a media center, and a workroom.

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Specializing in higher education administration

This two-year program is offered at the Pullman campus.

If you plan to continue work at the doctoral level, the M.A. in higher education administration is recommended for you. Through coursework in leadership development and organizational theory within a multicultural context, you will examine legal, social, and ethical issues that impact administration within colleges and universities. This program includes 31 semester-hours of approved graduate credit, and includes a thesis designed to meet your career goals and professional aspirations.

Master of Education (Ed.M.)

Specializing in higher education administration

This two-year program is offered at the Pullman campus.

The Master of Education (Ed.M.) degree in higher education administration prepares you for entry-level administrative positions in colleges and universities in areas such as development, residence life, advising, and new student services. The program stresses a core of knowledge in general higher education, administration, research methods, multiculturalism, and leadership development. This program requires a minimum of 35 semester credit hours, including a final written examination.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Specializing in community college leadership

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is a professional degree typically taken by those who will occupy positions of leadership and applied specialties in public or private educational organizations or related fields. The Ed.D. in community college leadership is designed to appeal to students who currently work in community colleges, or are interested in moving into administrative positions of increasing leadership and responsibility in that sector of higher education administration.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Specializing in higher education administration

This program is offered at the Pullman campus.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Higher Education Administration is a professional degree, typically earned by those who will occupy positions of leadership and applied specialties in public or private educational organizations or related fields. This program consists of a minimum of 45 graded hours, including 20 hours of required research and dissertation study. Minor area options include a 9 credit hour minimum and may consist of an area within the College of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Counseling Psychology, or outside the College in areas including Anthropology, Political Science, Business, Economics, Public Administration, Psychology, or Sociology.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Specializing in higher education administration

This program is offered at the Pullman campus.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Higher Education Administration provides comprehensive and in-depth study in the field of higher education administration that prepares you for advancement in leadership and teaching positions at colleges and universities. Programs of study offer you a core of knowledge in higher education administration, leadership, diversity, research methods, and interest areas particular to you. The program, which generally requires three years of graduate work, requires a minimum of 54 graded credit hours and 20 hours of research credits and dissertation study. Minor area options include a 12 credit hour minimum and may consist of an area within the College of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Sport Management, Counseling Psychology, or outside the College in areas including Anthropology, Political Science, Business, Economics, Public Administration, Psychology, or Sociology.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Specializing in student affairs

This program is offered at the Pullman campus.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Higher Education Administration with specialization in Student Affairs offers opportunities for in-depth study of issues surrounding college student development, student affairs administration, and leadership. This program requires a minimum of 57 graded credit hours along with 20 hours of required research and dissertation study. Minor area options include a 9 credit hour minimum and may consist of an area within the College of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Sport Management, Counseling Psychology, or outside the College in areas including Anthropology, Political Science, Business, Economics, Public Administration, Psychology, or Sociology.

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College of Education, Cleveland Hall, PO Box 642114, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-2114, 509-335-1738, Contact Us