Chicago Higher Education Graduate Campus Programs & Schools

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!