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Grand Valley State University College of Education Education, Higher Education, M.Ed.
Grand Valley State University College of Education

Grand Valley State University College of Education

Education, Higher Education, M.Ed.

Allendale Charter Township, USA

Master degree

English

Sep 2026

Key Summary

    About : The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education program focuses on developing leadership skills and enhancing knowledge in higher education practices. You’ll explore key areas such as curriculum development, student services, and institutional management within a duration of 1-2 years, depending on your pace. This program is suitable for aspiring professionals seeking to advance their careers in various educational settings.
    Career Outcomes : Graduates can pursue roles in college administration, academic advising, student affairs, or educational policy. Opportunities may include positions as deans, directors of admissions, or program coordinators in higher education institutions. This program equips you with the skills to impact educational environments positively.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education prepares educators to become effective practitioners in multiple administrative roles in higher education contexts, facilitate student learning and promote student success, and shape inclusive higher education communities.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The program offers an opportunity to enroll in coursework full- or part-time and includes two emphasis areas: Adult and Higher Education and College Student Affairs Leadership (CSAL).

Graduates of the higher education program will be equipped with the theoretical basis to serve in student affairs positions such as admissions, orientation, housing, campus recreation, and more.

The higher education program includes foundation courses, emphasis area courses, concentration courses, and elective courses.

The AHE emphasis requires a minimum of 36 credits and offers the opportunity to take coursework part time.

The CSAL emphasis, requiring a minimum of 42 credits overall which includes 6 credits of practicum/internship experience, offers a cohort experience to students and is designed to be completed in two full-time academic years.

WHY STUDY HIGHER EDUCATION AT GRAND VALLEY?

Faculty are committed to creating and maintaining supportive educational environments that challenge students to reach their fullest potential.

Curricular and co-curricular opportunities align with the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) in Higher Education and ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies.

Our curriculum, instructional practices, professional development, experiential, and co-curricular opportunities are shaped by our theory to practice foundation. It is essential to preparing effective educators, particularly related to student development, leadership in and administration of organizations, and those that are critical in nature. By modeling this foundation, we expect graduates to make well-informed decisions in a variety of higher education settings.

ACCREDITATION

Grand Valley State University's College of Education is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (NCA). The faculty are leaders in their fields, melding together the philosophy of education and your needs as a practitioner.

LOCATION & FORMAT

Classes for this program are offered as a hybrid program that requires three face-to-face meetings per semester on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Format: Hybrid