Higher education MA
in Organizational Leadership, Policy and DevelopmentHigher education professionals are interdisciplinary by nature. They synthesize research findings from the humanities, the social sciences, and the business sector in order to create and sustain education that is accessible, beneficial, and pioneering. This Higher Education (HE) track program prepares you with the professional experience and the theoretical knowledge for a career in working in and with higher education institutions and systems.
Our department’s specializations include administration and organization, policy, student affairs, equity-oriented change, and research integrity.
- Specialized Knowledge: An MA in Higher Education provides specialized knowledge and skills related to the unique challenges and opportunities within higher education. This includes understanding the organizational structure of universities, student development theories, building equity and inclusion, and the various functions within student affairs.
- Career Advancement: Many positions within higher education and student affairs require or prefer candidates with advanced degrees. Holding an MA in this field can enhance your competitiveness for administrative and leadership roles in colleges and universities.
- Professional Development: The program typically includes practical experiences, internships, and opportunities for networking within the field. This can help you build a strong professional network and gain practical skills that are directly applicable to your future career.
- Impact on Student Success: Professionals in higher education and student affairs play a crucial role in supporting student success and well-being. With an MA in this field, you can contribute to the development and implementation of programs and services that positively impact students' academic, personal, and social experiences.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Our program emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This education equips you with the knowledge and skills to create inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and support all students.
- Advising and Helping Skills: The program often includes training in advising and helping techniques, preparing you to work with students facing academic, personal, or career-related challenges. This skill set is valuable in roles such as academic advising or student services.
- Understanding Higher Education Trends: An MA program in this field typically covers current trends, issues, and challenges in higher education. This knowledge is valuable for professionals who want to contribute to shaping the future of higher education institutions.
- Research Opportunities: Our large university system offers opportunities for research, allowing you to contribute to the scholarship and literature in higher education and student affairs. Engaging in research can enhance your critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Fulfillment of Personal and Professional Goals: If you have a passion for working in education and helping students succeed, pursuing an MA in Higher Education can be personally fulfilling. It allows you to align your career with your values and interests.
An MA in the fields of higher education and student affairs offers a wide range of opportunities. The specific roles available to you will depend on your interests, skills, and the focus of your program. Networking, internships, and staying informed about trends in higher education can also enhance your job prospects in this field. Here are a few examples of positions held by alumni of our MA program:
- Student Affairs Administrator: Work in various administrative roles within student affairs departments, such as Dean of Students, Director of Student Life, or Coordinator of Student Activities. These roles involve overseeing and coordinating programs and services that enhance the student experience.
- Career Services Advisor: Assist students with career exploration, job searches, resume writing, and interview preparation. This role may be within a university career services office or in collaboration with specific academic departments.
- Admissions Counselor/Recruiter: Help recruit and admit students to the institution by participating in outreach activities, reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and providing information to prospective students.
- Academic Advisor: Guide students in selecting appropriate courses, majors, and career paths. Academic advisors also provide support and resources to help students navigate their academic journey successfully.
- Residence Life Coordinator: Oversee the residential life experience on campus, including managing residence halls, addressing student concerns, and creating a positive living and learning environment.
- Diversity and Inclusion Specialist: Focus on creating inclusive campus environments, developing diversity programs, and working to enhance the overall diversity and cultural competence of the campus community.
- Student Conduct Officer: Manage and address student conduct issues, ensuring a safe and respectful campus environment. This role involves implementing and enforcing campus policies and codes of conduct.
- Institutional Researcher: Collect and analyze data related to student outcomes, institutional effectiveness, and other areas to inform decision-making and assessment processes within the university.
- International Student Advisor: Provide support and guidance to international students, helping them navigate academic, cultural, and immigration-related challenges.
- Program Coordinator: Plan and implement various student programs and initiatives, ranging from leadership development programs to community service projects.
- Higher Education Consultant: Work as an independent consultant or with consulting firms, providing expertise to colleges and universities in areas such as strategic planning, accreditation, and program assessment.
- Policy Analyst in Higher Education: Analyze and research policy issues affecting higher education institutions, working with government agencies, advocacy groups, or within the institutions themselves.
Quote from James Cooper
My greatest learning moments have stemmed from class discussions and open dialogues with faculty, staff, and fellow classmates. As a student in the Higher Education MA program, I have been able to surround myself with individuals who challenge me to exceed my self-assumed potential.
Coursework
This program offers two curriculum options: "Plan A" includes 34 credits (with master's thesis); "Plan B" includes 30 credits (without a thesis, but with additional coursework). Both are completed in 2 years for for full-time students.
Program area
9 credits minimum
Selected from the following course offerings with advisor consultation and approval. Other courses as offered by HE program track faculty may also meet this requirement.
- OLPD 5001—Formal Organizations in Education (3 cr)
- OLPD 5080—Special Topics: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (1-3 cr)
- OLPD 5704—College Students Today (3 cr)
- OLPD 5721—Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education (3 cr)
- OLPD 5724—Leadership and Administration of Student Affairs (2-3 cr)
- OLPD 5732—The Law and Postsecondary Institutions (3 cr)
- OLPD 5734—Institutional Research in Postsecondary Education (2-3 cr)
- OLPD 5736—Public Engagement and Higher Education (3 cr)
- OLPD 8702—Administration and Leadership in Higher Education (3 cr)
- OLPD 8703—Public Policy in Higher Education (3 cr)
Research design and methods
3 credits minimum. Select courses from the following in consultation with your advisor.
- CI 5116—Action Research Methods to Improve College Teaching and Learning (3 cr)
- CI 8148—Conducting Qualitative Studies in Educational Contexts (3 cr)
- EPSY 5244—Survey Design, Sampling, and Implementation (3 cr)
- EPSY 5247—Qualitative Methods in Educational Psychology (3 cr)
- EPSY 5261—Introductory Statistical Methods (3 cr)
- EPSY 5262—Intermediate Statistical Methods (3 cr)
- EPSY 8261—Statistical Methods in Education I (3 cr)
- OLPD 5056—Case Studies for Policy Research (3 cr)
- OLPD 5061—Ethnographic Research Methods (3 cr)
- OLPD 5501—Principles and Methods of Evaluation (3 cr)
- OLPD 8812—Quantitative Research in Education (3 cr)
Required
9 credits.
- OLPD 5701—U.S. Higher Education (3 cr)
- OLPD 5709—Critical Issues in Higher Education (3 cr)
- OLPD 5712—College Student Development Theory and Practice (3c
Related fields
6 credits outside the Higher Education track.
The master’s degree requires 6 semester credits taken outside the HE program track that directly relate to the student’s area of study. These credits should be selected in consultation with the advisor and should constitute a solid coursework foundation for the student’s thesis (Plan A) or colloquium paper (Plan B). These courses may include additional methods courses taught outside the department.
Thesis—Plan A
10 credits:
- OLPD 8777—Thesis Credits: Master's (10 cr)
Program area
9 credits minimum.
Selected from the following course offerings with advisor consultation and approval. Other courses as offered by HE program track faculty may also meet this requirement.
- OLPD 5001—Formal Organizations in Education (3 cr)
- OLPD 5080—Special Topics: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (1-3 cr)
- OLPD 5704—College Students Today (3 cr)
- OLPD 5721—Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education (3 cr)
- OLPD 5724—Leadership and Administration of Student Affairs (2-3 cr)
- OLPD 5732—The Law and Postsecondary Institutions (3 cr)
- OLPD 5734—Institutional Research in Postsecondary Education (2-3 cr)
- OLPD 5736—Public Engagement and Higher Education (3 cr)
- OLPD 8702—Administration and Leadership in Higher Education (3 cr)
- OLPD 8703—Public Policy in Higher Education (3 cr)
Research design and methods
3 credits minimum. Select courses from the following in consultation with your advisor.
- CI 5116—Action Research Methods to Improve College Teaching and Learning (3 cr)
- CI 8148—Conducting Qualitative Studies in Educational Contexts (3 cr)
- EPSY 5244—Survey Design, Sampling, and Implementation (3 cr)
- EPSY 5247—Qualitative Methods in Educational Psychology (3 cr)
- EPSY 5261—Introductory Statistical Methods (3 cr)
- EPSY 5262—Intermediate Statistical Methods (3 cr)
- EPSY 8261—Statistical Methods in Education I (3 cr)
- OLPD 5056—Case Studies for Policy Research (3 cr)
- OLPD 5061—Ethnographic Research Methods (3 cr)
- OLPD 5501—Principles and Methods of Evaluation (3 cr)
- OLPD 8812—Quantitative Research in Education (3 cr)
Required
9 credits.
- OLPD 5701—U.S. Higher Education (3 cr)
- OLPD 5709—Critical Issues in Higher Education (3 cr)
- OLPD 5712—College Student Development Theory and Practice (3 cr)
Related fields
6 credits outside the Higher Education track.
The master’s degree requires 6 semester credits taken outside the HE program track that directly relate to the student’s area of study. These credits should be selected in consultation with the advisor and should constitute a solid coursework foundation for the student’s thesis (Plan A) or colloquium paper (Plan B). These courses may include additional methods courses taught outside the department.
Colloquium paper—Plan B
The final Plan B paper is prepared under the guidance of advisor and committee and must represent no fewer than 120 hours of work. Choose from the following:
- OLPD 5087—MA Research Seminar (3 cr)
OR OLPD 5795-Plan B Research Design (3 cr)
How to apply
Admission Deadline
Applications are due by February 1 for a Fall semester start.
Fall semester start only.
Applicants may only apply to one OLPD track.
Applications are not complete until ALL required materials and fees have been received. If anything is missing, your application may not be considered until the next review date the following year. It is strongly recommended to apply at least two weeks before any submission deadlines.
Applications are processed by the Graduate School. A decision for admission notice will be emailed to you once your application is carefully reviewed by the department's admission committee and your transcripts and any credentials (test reports, diploma copies, etc.) are authenticated by Graduate School officials.
Admission Requirements
Degree: Bachelor's degree
GPA: Undergraduate 3.0
GRE: Applicants should not submit GRE scores, as they will not be considered in the review process.
TOEFL/IELTS Scores (Not required for U.S. students):
TOEFL: Internet based = 79 or above (21 writing/19 reading)
IELTS = 6.5
Readmission
If a graduate student in an OLPD program has become inactive they must follow the readmission procedures.
Whether you seek reactivation after accidentally being discontinued this term or want to return after a long absence these are the steps needed to re-apply.
- Complete the proper online readmission application.
If you have been away from the program less than five years use the Express Readmission Application and email it to olpd@umn.edu. All others must submit the Online Application for Readmission
- Once received, the department will forward your application to the appropriate admissions committee. Readmission decisions are normally determined by the program’s admissions committee, not any one individual faculty member.
Readmission is never guaranteed. Decisions for readmission are based on a review of previous progress toward degree completion, the proposed timeline for completion, the availability of faculty resources, and/or any additional application materials they may request from you. Individual programs/tracks reserve the right to readmit students under the current graduate program requirements, rules, and guidelines. They may also request an applicant to provide additional information prior to making a decision.
- Once the committee makes their recommendation, the department’s DGS will sign off on the decision and forward the result to the central Graduate Admissions Office for processing. Once processed, you will be notified of the decision.
Individual department programs and tracks reserve the right to require readmitted students to retake coursework if they deem it appropriate. Readmitted students are also required to abide by current time-to-degree policies as determined by the University, which may differ from the policy in place when they first started the degree program.
Individuals seeking readmission to the Ph.D., Ed.D., and M.A. program tracks in the former EDPA, WHRE, and WCFE majors can only reapply to the appropriate program track under the Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD) major name.
Detailed application instructions
Click here to access the online application for admission.
Required fields in the application for admission are: Personal Information, Application Information, Educational Background, Languages, Awards & Activities, Employment/Residence Information, Financial Support, Applicant Statements #1 & #2, Recommendation Letters (limit 2), and Resume or CV. All other fields or application materials are optional, but will be taken into consideration if submitted.
Fees:
Review information about application fees here. The University of Minnesota Graduate School does not offer application fee waivers, reductions, or refunds.
Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to the online application. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts, there is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review. If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material. Click here for more information about transcripts and credentials.
GRE scores are not only not required, they are not considered for applications to this program.
Statement #1, Personal Statement (required): Please provide a statement outlining your immediate educational and long-range career objectives in relation to your chosen field. If there is a particular faculty member with whom you wish to study, please give that person’s name and explain why you want to study with that person. You may also wish to include other information, such as any undergraduate research experience, internships, or other experiences you may have had to document your preparation for advanced study in your chosen field. If you are applying for the Ph.D.—CIDE/Leadership for
Intercultural and International Education (LIIE) or the Ph.D—EPL/Executive cohort programs, indicate this in your statement as well. [Please do not exceed two pages.]
Statement #2, Diversity Statement (required): Enrolling and graduating a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota’s mission. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive qualities, characteristics, and life experiences you would contribute to your graduate program and to the education of fellow students at the University of Minnesota. You may wish to include examples that address your contribution to the diversity of the student body and illustrate your motivation to succeed by setting high standards for accomplishing intellectual and other goals, overcoming obstacles to achievement, and/or helping others to gain access to the resources necessary for success. [Please do not exceed one page.]
Statement #3: Extenuating Circumstances (optional): If your grades and/or test scores are not strong, and you would like to provide an explanation, please do so. [Limit 1200 characters.]
Two letters of recommendation (required). The strongest recommendations typically come from current or former professors who can assess your potential for graduate work. Other recommenders, such as employers, are also acceptable.
English Language Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) Click here for more information about TOEFL Scores.
Common Ground Consortium Fellowship: If you wish to be considered for a Common Ground Consortium fellowship for African-American students indicate this by uploading your statement in the "Program Supplementary Information -Upload #1" section. The statement should briefly address the following: Given that the UMN is a public land grant institution, it is imperative that CGC scholars can both benefit personally from their membership in the program as well as further the university’s founding mission to contribute to scholarship that benefits the local and greater communities. Please describe how your participation as a CGC scholar would do the following: (a) enhance your graduate student experience, (b) prepare you for your chosen career, and (c) benefit the public.
Questions?
We’re here to help. Simply complete this form and a member of our department will be in touch.