Chicago Higher Education Graduate Campus Programs & Schools
Searching for higher education graduate on-campus programs? Learn amongst other teaching professionals. Find education administration schools in a specific city, state or country.
What are Higher Education Graduate Programs?
Higher education graduate programs are Masters and Doctorate degrees in educational leadership. Many on-campus programs prepare students to research, analyze or manage issues in post-secondary education. You might explore specific areas of educational administration such as student affairs administration. Or, develop the skills to pursue a variety of potential careers depending your goals. Choose a degree path towards extra licensure to pursue a career as a director of a special education school or high school principal. Or prepare to pursue potential careers in educational policy research, postsecondary educator or student services.
DID YOU KNOW? Per Data USA, in the year 2014, 2,728 Masters degrees and 521 research Doctorate degrees in higher education and administration were awarded.i
Why Study Higher Education Administration on-Campus?
Earning a higher education graduate degree on-campus may be personally and professionally rewarding. In-person learning may offer unique features distinct from distance-education. Learn through live lectures. Participate in research at your university
Cohort model
Some higher education graduate programs use the cohort model. Students who enter their program at the same time take courses and do field work together. This may foster collaborative approaches to: learning, decision-making and problem-solving.
Interaction
Extend your learning beyond the classroom. Perhaps foster mentorships or expand your networks. Join alumni networks or campus associations and activities.
Diversity
Study with classmates from your university's local community, other states and possibly, from foreign countries. Get other perspectives.
Field Experiences
Many of the higher education administration graduate programs require students to complete a field placement or internship. They might work within a local school setting and this is usually under the guidance or a mentoring principal or administrator. Searching for a graduate school with interesting opportunities might help you make an informed decision about where to go.
Stay Motivated
In-person learning tends to work for personalities that need the motivation. Or the discipline of showing up on time. Having regular contact with a professor in an actual classroom might be a valuable incentive for you to get your work done. And finish your degree!
What Should I Look for in Higher Education Graduate Programs?
Graduate degree earning programs in educational administration are varied. If you are just starting your search, clarify the type of higher education graduate degree program you want to find. You might do this by identifying your interests and your degree level.
Identify Your Interests
Two main themes run through-out higher education graduate programs. Those that are modeled on research and academia on one hand. And, those that are modeled around professional practice. Your goal may be to potentially move up the corporate ladder in a college administrative setting. Or you may be interested in global education incentives or understanding student diversity. Consider these needs because many graduate schools offer one or the other track.
Higher Education Administration: Potential Curriculum
A higher education administration graduate program may cover topics that span business, marketing, strategy and teaching. Evaluate a school is by looking at its courses and concentration areas within individual programs. Each university has a unique faculty, special research projects and/or curriculum. Graduate courses in higher education administration might include areas such as:ii
- Organization and leadership within colleges, community colleges, and universities;
- Public policy;
- Teaching methods;
- Community engagement;
- Learning and assessment methods;
- College student development;
- Faculty management;
- University finances;
- Registration statistics
Identify Your Degree Level
Do you have undergraduate degree in Education? Or, are you a 'career changer'? Perhaps someone with a finance background who wants to understand university budgeting. Or a marketing professional seeking expertise in boosting college enrollment. Are you considering a Master of Education? Or are you choosing between a PhD and EdD in higher education administration? The answers to your questions are important. Look for a campus program that aligns with your goals.
Campus-Based Masters in Higher Education Programs
There are several options for on-campus Masters in higher education programs. Master of Education (MEd) in higher education degree programs are geared to the scholar-practitioner. Students who are either early career professionals or aspire to pursue a potential career in student academic affairs or management. Master of Science (MS) in higher education degree programs may offer more analytical perspectives with fewer electives. Students might be interested in focusing on a specific topic in administrative leadership, such as curriculum design or financial aid. Master of Arts (MA) in higher education degree programs may be more academic and research focused.
Campus-Based Higher Education Doctoral Programs
Campus-based higher education doctoral programs usually cover aspects of organization, leadership or teaching. Typically, the Doctor of Education (EdD) is geared to candidates who want to apply research and theory. This could mean finding a solution for problems within urban higher education. Or, combining policy with practices to foster organizational change. The PhD in higher education is another option. This path is generally chosen by candidates who want to contribute new knowledge to the field of higher education through their own research.
Find Accredited On-Campus Higher Education Graduate Programs
Accreditation is another thing to consider about prospective graduate schools. Accreditation occurs at two different levels. The first is for the whole institution. The second, not always a factor, is program specific.
Institutional Accreditation
A university must meet standards set forth by an external agency to be accredited initially. It then commits to re-evaluation to maintain its status. Most higher education graduate programs are offered at regionally accredited institutions.
Program Accreditation
These already accredited institutions may have professional programs that are accredited by specific agencies. These agencies are approved by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation is the accreditor of departments, schools. And colleges that prepare teachers and other educators.
Take the Next Step
Refine your search for a degree in higher education and student affairs by location. Use any preferences for city, state or country. Scroll through sponsored listings then submit a form to request more info. Start reviewing your options today!
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Sponsored Listings
- Loyola University Chicago Chicago, ILChicago, IL
Loyola University Chicago
Higher Education - Ph.D.
Loyola University Chicago's School of Education serves more than 1,000 graduate students enrolled in master's, educational speci...
- Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies Evanston, ILEvanston, IL
Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies
Higher Education Administration and Policy
Our program prepares students for fulfilling careers in a wide variety of higher education administrative areas.
- Chicago, IL
- Chicago, ILChicago, IL
Higher Education Administration and Policy
Our program prepares students for fulfilling careers in a wide variety of higher education administrative areas.
Program: Campus
Degree: Master
- DePaul University Chicago, ILChicago, IL
DePaul University
Writing
Combining work in two core areas with a major concentration appropriate to a student's professional and creative interests, the Master of Arts in Writ...
- Benedictine University Lisle, ILLisle, IL
Benedictine University
Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change
The Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change (EdD) degree offered by Benedictine University requires m...