Higher Education, MSEd
The M.S.Ed. in Higher Education will prepare students to take on leadership roles in institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies involved in constructing higher education nationally and worldwide. The program explores a wide range of topics including access to and equity within higher education, student development, postsecondary administration and management, organizational change, curriculum and pedagogy, economics and financing, and postsecondary policies at federal, state, and global levels. The program offers a variety of courses that enable students to shape a plan of study that will prepare them for their area of interest. The curriculum is based on interactive case studies, discussion-oriented seminars, individual and group projects, and hands-on, work-based applications of learning. The program offers practical higher education administrative experiences through graduate assistantships for full-time students.
For more information: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/hed/msed
Curriculum
A total of 10 course units are required for the Higher Education MSEd.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Education Required Courses 1, 2 | ||
| EDUC 592 | Professional Development in Higher Education | 1 |
| EDUC 594 | Diversity in Higher Education | 1 |
| Select 4 Higher Education courses | 4 | |
| Distribution Requirement | ||
| Select 1 Distribution Requirement Course 3 | 1 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 3 Electives 4 | 3 | |
| Total Course Units | 10 | |
| 1 | Students must complete SIX total Higher Education courses, including EDUC 594. *EDUC 592 is recommended for full-time students with fewer than 4 years of professional work experience. Students with more than 4 years of work experience may be exempt from EDUC 592, and a substitute HE course would serve as a substitute requirement in such cases. |
| 2 | Any substitutions for required courses must be approved by your advisor and/or the Division Chair. |
| 3 | Candidates for the MSEd must demonstrate knowledge of the field of education beyond their area of specialization, which is met by satisfying the distribution requirement. Students must complete one approved graduate level GSE course outside the Higher Education division, earning a grade of of "B" or better (i.e., any non-HE "EDUC" course, 500-level or above). |
| 4 | Electives may be taken at any school at Penn; however, the majority of Higher Ed MSEd students fulfill their electives within the division. Courses must be at the 500-level or above and students should consult their academic advisor before enrolling in any course outside of GSE. Students may not register for more than 2 independent study courses over the course of their program of study. |
Comprehensive Examination
Higher Ed MSEd candidates must pass a comprehensive exam in order to graduate. To qualify to take the examination, students must have completed at least 5 Higher Ed CU's, or be enrolled in at least the fifth course unit. The exam is given in both the Fall and Spring terms. Under this planned program of study, FT students can take the exam in the spring semester.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2020 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.