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MA in Higher Education

Learning Mode:

  • On-Campus

Gain the knowledge you need for leadership roles in higher education. Go beyond the operational skills of admissions and advising to become a dynamic leader who brings change to diverse student populations.

30Credit Hours
24Months to Complete
2Program Tracks
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Transform Your Future with the MA in Higher Education

The Master of Arts in Higher Education will prepare you for a variety of student affairs positions in postsecondary institutions. Our uniquely designed degree program emphasizes social justice and service to diverse student populations at various types of institutions.

Recommended Student Schedules

The following pages outline two recommended course sequences for completing the redesigned Master’s in Higher Education & Student Affairs (HESA) program at Morgan State University

  • The first plan is designed for students enrolling in three courses per semester, which constitutes a full-time course load. Students pursuing the full-time sequence can typically complete the program in 1.5 years

  • The second plan is intended for students taking fewer than three courses per semester, following a part-time path. Part-time students generally complete the program in 2.5 years

Why Morgan?

  • us-news-for-news-2025
  • 20%

    We take pride in our diversity and international-friendly community. Over 20% of Morgan students identify as nonblack, coming from the United States or places like Africa, China, Saudi Arabia, and more.

  • 1st

    In the state, we rank first for master’s and doctoral degrees awarded to African Americans, ranging from bioinformatics to engineering and social work.

  • 55K

    Over 55,000 Morgan alumni make up a passionate network that spans the United States and beyond. Our graduates become leaders in their communities, their careers, and the world.

  • morgan-hbcu-24-25
  • 1st

    Morgan is first among all HBCUs for Fulbright Scholars. Our students excel in their fields, pursuing higher levels of research and achievement.

Recommended Full Time Student Schedule

YEAR 1

Fall

  • RDHE 725: Contemporary College Student

  • RDHE 745: Student Development Theory

  • RDHE 755: Issues and Problems at Urban and Special Mission Institutions

Spring

  • RDHE 702: Historical Foundations of Higher Education

  • RDHE 735: Student Affairs Administration

  • RDHE 765: Counseling and Student Affairs

Summer

  • Elective OR RDHE 785: Supervised Practicum/Internship

  • Portfolio preparation (not a course)

YEAR 2

Fall

  • RDHE 733: Assessment and Evaluation Methods in Student Affairs

  • RDHE 727: Legal Issues of Higher Education

  • Elective OR RDHE 785: Supervised Practicum/Internship

  • Portfolio Due

Graduate: December

Recommended Part Time Student Schedule

YEAR 1

Fall

  • RDHE 725: Contemporary College Student

  • RDHE 745: Student Development Theory

Spring

  • RDHE 735: Student Affairs Administration

  • RDHE 765: Counseling and Student Affairs

Summer

  • Elective OR RDHE 785: Supervised Practicum/Internship

YEAR 2

Fall

  • RDHE 733: Assessment and Evaluation Methods in Student Affairs

  • RDHE 727: Legal Issues of Higher Education

Spring

  • RDHE 702: Historical Foundations of Higher Education

  • Elective OR RDHE 785: Supervised Practicum/Internship

Summer

  • Portfolio preparation (not a course)

YEAR 3

Fall

  • RDHE 755: Issues and Problems at Urban and Special Mission Institutions

  • Portfolio Due

Graduate: December

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Learn In-Demand Skills

Enhance your foundation in higher education with a master's degree program that combines study and hands-on experiences. Refine these in-demand skills to become a leader who affects transformation in education for diverse student populations. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Understand and articulate the role of student affairs in the context of postsecondary education as well as the inherent values of the profession.

  • Understand the complexities of diversity, multiculturalism, equity, access, and inclusion as they affect higher education and student affairs.

  • Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate theory (e.g., student development, organizational, learning, leadership, etc.) and data-based decision making to assist institutions in accomplishing their missions.

  • Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and awareness of resources necessary to design and evaluate effective educational interventions and/or programs for individuals and groups.

  • Critique a study or evaluation and be able to design, conduct, and report on a sound research study, assessment study, or program evaluation, all grounded in the appropriate literature, as well as use assessment results to inform and improve professional practice and student learning.

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Secure Your Ideal Career

Once you graduate, you will have the knowledge and skills you need to bring about important changes needed in higher education. With an MA in Higher Education, you will find career opportunities and job titles, like those below, that align with your unique interests.

  • Admissions Director or Administrator

  • Leadership Program Administrator

  • Financial Aid Director

  • Student Services Director

  • Student Engagement

  • Outreach Specialist

Pursue Hands-On Research

Find the competitive edge you have been seeking. Maximize your potential with real-world experiences outside the classroom, including career-oriented internships, advanced research or thesis projects, and networking events in the Baltimore-Washington metropolis. Make connections in the community. Collaborate with our award-winning faculty. Or get involved with the Morgan Community Mile, a university-community partnership that improves the area’s quality of life and economic prosperity. Here, you have every opportunity you need to thrive.

Focus on Social Justice in Urban Schools

Our Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policy department in the School of Education and Urban Studies is dedicated to research that informs policy and practice in urban educational systems.

Contribute to Our Legacy of Excellence

At Morgan, student success is our top priority. Our goal is to provide an exceptional learning environment in which your academic, intellectual, and personal growth excel far beyond your expectations and long after graduation. Known for our achievements in the humanities and social sciences, we have a strong history of guiding students toward success no matter what the challenge. Just like our distinguished alumni before you, you can accomplish the unimaginable.  We are confident you will become part of our legacy of excellence. 

Financial Support Makes Things Possible

Choosing the right degree program is a big decision—and we are here to help you navigate the options available for funding your education. Whether you are an in-state, out-of-state, or international student, you may be eligible for Graduate Funding. We also offer two types of Graduate Assistantships: Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs). Both provide special learning opportunities in exchange for a stipend/salary and Tuition Award. In addition, by simply filing your FAFSA each year, you will be able to participate in Federal Plus Loans and Federal Direct Loan Programs. With proper planning, going back to graduate school is more than possible. We are committed to breaking barriers and opening doors for all future students. Contact us to learn more about affordability at Morgan’s School of Graduate Studies.

  • Graduate Fellowships and federal Title III Graduate Fellowships provide a stipend and Tuition Award

  • Teaching Assistantships offer you the chance to teach and assist with undergraduate courses

  • Research Assistantships give you research experience with faculty-led or external projects

  • Federal Direct Loan Programs include the Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans

  • Additional Grants and Scholarships from external sources award free money—so apply early

Request More Information

Discover the MA in Higher Education

Find meaningful success—both personally and professionally—with the On-Campus MA in Higher Education. If you are ready to learn valuable skills for a more rewarding career, why wait? Request more information today and we will reach out to you with all the details.

1700 East Cold Spring Lane Baltimore, Maryland 21251
(443) 885-3185