Our vision is you! Let your passion for higher education improve the lives of others. At A&M-Commerce, we offer one of the nation’s largest higher education programs, giving you excellence in education and endless opportunities. Our flexible degree prepares you for a wide-range of careers in academic counseling, college teaching, educational policymaking or nonprofit organizations. You’ll examine a broad curriculum that explores how American colleges function in the 21st century. Experience higher education firsthand through internships and field teaching experiences. Learn at one of the leading institutions in Texas. Start your journey at A&M-Commerce!
Where It Is Offered
Commerce, Downtown Dallas, Mesquite, Online
SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A master’s DEGREE IN higher education
Career Readiness
Participate in excellence-driven programs that prepare you for careers in institutional advancement, policymaking, and non-profit organizations. The career choices are endless in higher education.
Accomplished Faculty
Enjoy the opportunity of learning from home with our web-enhanced technology. Our faculty are ready to give you the tools to grow and excel, wherever you may be.
Education Success
Our program in Higher Education is one of the largest in the country. Join the ranks of our graduates who have become university faculty members and administrators.
Hands-on Training
Whether it’s a full year in the classroom, residency or internships, you’ll engage in real-world learning experiences that build confidence and skills.
Guidance You Need
Located in the Frank Young Education North Building, our Mentor Center provides the information and support you need to reach your career goals.
The Department of Higher Education offers two different tracks towards earning your master’s degree. Discover what option works best for your lifestyle.
Administration Emphasis (Non-Thesis)
Get ready to create meaningful direction in your career. Our Administration Emphasis introduces you to the field and profession of higher education. Explore the history of higher education and how it benefits communities and societies. Learn how colleges and universities work and lead their students to success. Our program will prepare you for rewarding entry and mid-level administrative careers (financial aid, registrar, housing, academic counseling, budgeting, student affairs, alumni relations and admissions). The program is completely online. Total Credit Hours: 30
Our College Teaching Emphasis focuses on teaching strategies and ways to enhance learning and development among college students. You will understand the philosophy and applications of teaching and learning in the college classroom environment. Total Credit Hours: 36
Jobs in higher education extend far beyond teaching. From admissions and enrollment to student affairs and alumni relations, universities need leaders who are passionate about educational success. Discover what career path interests you.
Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries
Postsecondary Teachers
$78,470
Postsecondary Education Administrators
$94,340
Education, Guidance and Career Counselors
$61,000
US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018
Master of Science in Higher Education :: FEATURED COURSES
Featured Courses
Introduction to Higher EducationHIED 615
Provides a foundation for understanding how institutions of higher education in America function. Includes a study of systematic philosophies of education and their influence on instruction and administration in higher education.
Organization and Governance in Higher EducationHIED 657
Examines organizational theories, models, policies and cultures; external and internal governance and management processes; leadership theories and practices; and critical roles and responsibilities affecting a variety of college and university administrative and instructional units.
The Adult LearnerHIED 620
Examines the unique nature of the adult learner in higher education in contrast with young learners in K-12 classrooms. Emphasis will be placed upon theories of andragogy and practices in adult learning.
Master of Science in Higher Education :: Course Delivery and Resources
Course Delivery and Resources
Our master’s degree program in Higher Education is designed for those interested in working in colleges and universities or related agencies. Offered exclusively online, our goal is to meet the innovative needs of current college instructors and working administrators. You’ll interact personally with renowned faculty and experts that are committed to helping you reach your educational and career goals.
Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”
Select “Higher Education, MS” as your “Major.”
Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Step 2. Submit Documents
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].
We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
Postal Alternative
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
Texas A&M University-Commerce Attn: Graduate School PO Box 3011 Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Personal Statement
Describe your preparation for graduate work, your academic interests and goals in no more than 500 words.
Resume or CV
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Test Scores (if required)
You do not need to submit GRE scores if you have:
a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a 3.00 GPA overall or higher
a completed master’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a 3.00 GPA overall or higher
If you do not meet the GPA exemption criteria, request that your GRE® scores be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce (6188) when you register for the test. If you have already taken the GRE®, you can order additional score reports.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
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