Mercer University

Program Information

Degree Offered

Master of Education with option to study 4-year institutions or 2-year institutions, Optional Academic Advising certificate (5 classes)

Format: Campus, Online

Program Description:

Offered in a hybrid classroom and online format in Atlanta and Macon, the M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership provides students a broad-based, scholarly foundation in higher education organization, structure, administration, and governance. The program’s purpose is to develop transformational leaders who possess a strong understanding, grounded in leadership theory, of higher education institutions. Graduates will be prepared to assume entry- or mid-level leadership responsibilities in a variety of professional areas including: admissions, student affairs, student services, advising, diversity, alumni relations and development, finance, human resources, facilities, athletics, and enrollment management.

The program is designed for:

1. professional adults currently employed by a 2-year or 4-year institution of higher learning who seek to improve and enhance job performance, assume greater leadership responsibility, and/or become eligible for consideration for positions for which an advanced degree is required,
2. current and recent undergraduates, who plan to pursue higher education leadership as a career, and,
3. working adults who are not employed in higher education leadership, but who seek to make a career change to that field.

Program Advantages:

- Generally once a week classes
- Flexible course scheduling (nights, weekends) and delivery methods (hybrid in-class and online) to allow students to pursue the degree without leaving the workforce
- 36-hour degree that can be completed within 18 months
- Professionally accomplished and highly credentialed faculty
- Open to students with little or no previous experience in higher education
- Offered at Mercer’s Macon and Atlanta campuses


Summary of Curriculum:

The degree program requires 36 semester hours (24 Core Professional Studies hours, 12 Leadership Track hours) of coursework, which includes an internship experience and a research project. Students will select one of two higher education tracks: 4-year institutions or 2-year institutions.

Core Professional Studies (24 hours)

EDEL601 Introduction to Higher Education
EDEL675 Foundations of Leadership
EDEL610 Legal Issues in 4-year vs. 2-year Institutions
EDEL608 Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment
EDEL612 Leadership in Intercollegiate Athletics
COUN613 Cultural Perspectives in Counseling
EDEL607 Internship
EDEL695 Educational Research for Higher Education Leaders

4-year Institution Leadership Track (12 hours)

EDEL602F Contemporary College Student in 4-year institutions
EDEL604F Organization and Governance of 4-year Institutions
EDEL611F Human Resource Management in 4-year Institutions
EDEL614F Finance for Higher Education Leaders in 4-year Institutions

2-year Institution Leadership Track (12 hours)

EDEL602T Contemporary College Student in 2-year institutions
EDEL604T Organization and Governance of 2-year Institutions
EDEL611T Human Resource Management in 2-year Institutions
EDEL614T Finance for Higher Education Leaders in 2-year Institutions

OPTIONAL ACADEMIC ADVISING CERTIFICATE FOR DEGREE CANDIDATES

A degree candidate may opt to add-on the Academic Advising Certificate to his or her degree in either program track by completing a 5-course curriculum that complies with the academic coursework for certification established by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). 4-year and 2-year tracks shown below:

4-year Institution Leadership Track with AAC add-on:

EDEL606 Foundations of Academic Advising (in lieu of EDEL611F)
COUN601 Career/Vocational Counseling (in lieu of EDEL608)
COUN614 Lifespan Development (in lieu of EDEL612)
EDEL602F Contemporary College Student in 4-year institutions
COUN613 Cultural Perspectives in Counseling

2-year Institution Leadership Track with AAC add-on:

EDEL606 Foundations of Academic Advising (in lieu of EDEL611T)
COUN601 Career/Vocational Counseling (in lieu of EDEL608)
COUN614 Lifespan Development (in lieu of EDEL612)
EDEL602T Contemporary College Student in 4-year institutions
COUN613 Cultural Perspectives in Counseling

Accreditation:

NCATE SACS

Eligibility Requirements:

- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;
- minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale;
- An official GRE score report (target score of 800 or better on the combined quantitative and verbal and 4.0 on the analytic section). Test scores must be less than five years old at the time of application: the institution code is 4369;
- Two official transcripts of all college work attempted;
- Narrative of career and academic goals;
- A current vita or resume;
- Two professional letters of reference (from former and /or current supervisors or instructors);
- A completed, online application or printed, signed Application for Admission;
- A $35 application fee (waived for alumni of Mercer University).

# of Credits Required:

36

International Student Requirements:

- $50 application fee, -official sealed credential evaluation of non-US college work from an accredited credential evaluator done course-by-course with gpa, -an official TOEFL score of 550 computer or 80 internet or higher, and -a copy of passport and visa.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

470 USD

Tuition In-State Full Time:

4255 USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities I

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Small City

Size & Settings: 5,000 - 9,999