Start your journey
Leading the future of global and domestic higher education
Higher education professionals are interdisciplinary by nature, synthesizing research from the humanities, social sciences, and business to create accessible and pioneering learning environments. Our program is designed for those who see beyond the day-to-day of campus administration to the systemic forces shaping the future of learning. Our department provides opportunities to explore specializations in administration, policy, student affairs, and equity-oriented change.
Why choose Minnesota?
- Dual completion pathways: Tailor your degree to your career goals. Choose Plan A for original thesis research or Plan B for a practitioner-led project that solves real-world institutional challenges.
- Commitment to equity: Our social justice-oriented curriculum ensures you graduate with the tools to dismantle barriers and create inclusive environments for all students.
- Expertise in the public mission: Benefit from a curriculum that centers on the public purpose of higher education, including specialized training in public engagement and community-engaged scholarship.
Careers
Graduates of the MA program are prepared for high-impact roles across the landscape of postsecondary education, leveraging expertise in policy, organizational strategy, and social justice.
- 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.
Additional career paths include: diversity and inclusion specialist, higher education consultant, institutional researcher, international student advisor, policy analyst in higher education, program coordinator, residence life coordinator, and student conduct officer.
How to apply
Application deadlines
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.
Degree: Bachelor's degree
GPA: 3.0 undergraduate
GRE: Do not submit GRE scores, as they will not be considered in the review process.
Teaching experience is not required for admission to this program.
TOEFL/IELTS Scores (Not required for U.S. students):
- TOEFL: Internet based = 79 or above (21 writing/19 reading)
- IELTS = 6.5
- Refer to this page for all English language proficiency requirements.
Required Fields
- Personal Information
- Application Information
- Educational Background
- Languages
- Employment/Residence Information
- Applicant Statements #1 & #2
- Recommendations Letters (limit 2)
- Resume or CV
Optional fields: All other fields or application materials are optional but will be taken into consideration if submitted.
Application Fee
U.S. citizen/permanent resident: $75.00; International: $95.00. Click here for more information about application fees.
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. The University will request official copies of this material if you are admitted. Click here for more information about transcripts and credentials.
GRE Scores
Do not submit GRE scores, as they will not be considered in the review process.
Applicant Statements
Complete Statements #1 & #2; Statement #3 is optional.
Statement #1: Personal Statement
Please provide a statement—do not exceed two pages—outlining why you are interested in this program and your immediate educational and long-range career objectives in relation to your chosen field. You may wish to include:
- How you expect this program will contribute to your professional development and career goals.
- How you anticipate applying the knowledge and skills you will gain from the program to your current or future working challenges and needs.
- How your professional experience can contribute to the collective learning of your fellow students in the program
Statement #2: Diversity
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. [Please do not exceed one page.]
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required. Acceptable recommendations will come from current or former supervisors, work peers, clients, or professors who can assess your academic and professional capabilities.
When you apply, the online application includes a section for you to list the contact information of the individual recommending you. They will receive an email from the application system with instructions on how to submit their letter. Please ask your recommendation providers to check spam/junk mail folders if they don't receive the message.
Request letters of recommendation early in the application process to allow enough time for your letter writers. Unsubmitted letters of recommendation are one of the most common delays during the application review process.
You may finish and submit your application before the recommenders submit your letters.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
International students who will have completed 16 semester credits (within the past 24 months) in residence as a full-time student at a recognized institution of higher learning in the United States before entering the University of Minnesota are exempt from the testing requirement but may be asked to take locally administered English tests after arrival on campus. Click here for more information about English language proficiency requirements.
Contact
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact our graduate admissions staff at olpd@umn.edu.
Tuition and funding
Tuition
Visit the University of Minnesota's One Stop tuition page for information on tuition. This program follows the guidelines listed under the "Graduate and professional" sub-heading. The general graduate tuition rate includes a 6-14 credit band for full-time registration. Each credit above or below the plateau is assessed on a per-credit basis.
Review the Cost of Attendance page as well as information about student fees assessed by the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).
CEHD Fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, and grants for graduate students
As a graduate student in CEHD, you may be eligible for fellowships, grants, and scholarships from the University of Minnesota, from our college, and from your academic department. Get more information on funding opportunities!
University funding opportunities
Refer to the University of Minnesota Graduate School's funding page, specifically the page on fellowships for prospective / incoming students. Questions about University funding opportunities should be directed to the Graduate School —612.625.7579, or gsfellow@umn.edu.
CEHD funding opportunities
Refer to CEHD funding opportunities. Questions about college and department-level funding for this program should be directed to OLPD graduate admissions staff at olpd@umn.edu.
Financial aid
Financial aid for your graduate program works a little differently than financial aid at the undergraduate level. It’s important to know the differences and explore your options. Check out this One Stop link for more information on eligibility, required steps, and timelines.
Request information
If you simply have a question and would like someone to reach back out with information, please complete our request information form. Your information will not be shared outside our department.
What our students say
Coursework
This program offers two curriculum options: Plan A includes 34 credits, with a master's thesis; Plan B includes 30 credits without a thesis, but with additional coursework. For a full list of requirements, visit the University of Minnesota program catalog and select "Higher Education" under "Requirements" > "Program Sub-Plan Requirements."
To match your specific goals, the program offers two tailored tracks: Plan A is ideal for those eyeing future doctoral research and includes a 10-credit thesis, while Plan B is geared for professionals focusing on additional coursework and a culminating project or internship.
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Choose Plan A if: You are interested in contributing to the scholarly literature of higher education and seek a direct path to doctoral-level research.
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Choose Plan B if: You want to maximize your applied administrative toolkit by taking more elective credits in specialized areas and completing a high-impact professional project.
With our Plan A option, we offer a unique pathway for students who want a professional degree but want to keep the door open for a PhD—a flexibility many programs lack.
Program core (9 credits minimum)
Selected from the following course offerings with advisor consultation and approval. Other courses offered by higher education 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)
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)
Research design and methods (3 credits minimum)
3 credits minimum. Select courses from the following in consultation with your advisor.
- 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)
- 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)
Related fields (6 credits)
The master’s degree requires 6 semester credits taken outside the higher education 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 credits (10 credits)
Take 10 or more credits of the following:
- OLPD 8777—Thesis Credits: Master's (10 cr)
Our plan B option is designed for students who seek the academic depth of a research-based degree while focusing on scholarly application rather than a full thesis—providing a rigorous alternative for those aiming for advanced leadership or specialized research roles.
Program core (9 credits minimum)
Selected from the following course offerings with advisor consultation and approval. Other courses offered by higher education 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)
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)
Research design and methods (3 credits minimum)
3 credits minimum. Select courses from the following in consultation with your advisor.
- 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)
- 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)
Related fields (6 credits)
The master’s degree requires 6 semester credits taken outside the higher education 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 (3 credits)
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)
- OLPD 5795—Plan B Research Design (3 cr)
Faculty
Our faculty are accomplished scholars and practitioners who offer deep expertise and personalized mentorship across the field of higher education. You will collaborate with researchers like Rashné R. Jehangir and Michael Stebleton on first-generation student success and equity, Michael Goh on diversity and inclusion, David Weerts on community engagement and public higher education, and Roberto Orozco and Gresham Collom on student identity and institutional equity. Our program also draws on the expertise of practitioner-scholars Cori Bazemore-James on Indigenous student affairs and Calvin Phillips on student affairs leadership. In our MA program, you are not just a student; you are a junior colleague developing the scholarly voice and professional network to shape the future of higher education.
Contact
We’re here to help. Simply complete this form and a member of our department will be in touch. Your information will not be shared outside of our department.