The Higher Education M.S.Ed. curriculum provides a broad, foundational knowledge of the enterprise of higher education. Students may choose from other emphasized areas of knowledge, which include but are not limited to:
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- University Administration
- Public Policy
- International Higher Education
- Research, Methods, and Inquiry
- Higher Education Foundations
For more information on courses and requirements, visit the Higher Education M.S.Ed. program in the University Catalog.
Courses typically offered by the Higher Education Division include, among others:
- Diversity in Higher Education
- History of American Higher Education
- University Community Partnerships
- Gender in College
- Understanding MSIs
- Building Inclusive Communities
- Access and Choice
- Administration of Student Life
- Enrollment Management
- Organization & Administration of Intercollegiate Athletics
- Case Studies in Higher Education Administration
- Public Policy in Higher Education
- Advanced Public Policy Seminar
- Law and Higher Education
- Globalization and the University
- Democratizing Higher Education Participation
- Higher Education Policy: What We Can Learn from Other Countries
- Introduction to Inquiry in Educational Research
- Social and Statistical Network Analysis
- Quasi-Experimental Design
- Student Development in College Environments
- College Student Health
- Faculty and Academic Governance
- Ethics and Leadership in Higher Education
- Higher Education Finance
- Economics of Higher Education
- Contemporary Issues in Higher Education
Higher Education Required Courses
Students must complete six Higher Education courses, including “Diversity in Higher Education”.
Distribution Requirement
Candidates for the M.S.Ed. degree must demonstrate knowledge of the field of education beyond the area of specialization. This requirement is met by satisfying the distribution requirement. To meet the distribution requirement students must complete one approved graduate level GSE course outside the Higher Education division.
Elective Courses
Three elective courses may be taken at any school at Penn; however, the majority of Higher Ed students fulfill their electives within the division. Courses must be at the 500 level or above and students must consult their academic advisor before enrolling in any course outside of the Graduate School of Education.
Comprehensive Examination
Higher Education master’s degree candidates must pass a comprehensive exam in order to graduate. The exam requires students to apply their foundational knowledge of higher education. To qualify to take the examination, students must have completed at least six Higher Education course units, or be enrolled in at least the sixth course unit. The exam is given in both the fall and spring terms.
Note: Any substitutions for required courses must be approved by your advisor and/or the Division Chair.