The online M.A. in Higher Education Leadership for Changing Populations is designed as a pathway for two types of professionals: those already working in a college or university setting looking to advance to director-level positions; or those without higher education experience looking to break into the field. Courses cover a range of topics and how they work in tandem including education policy, strategic planning, learning theory and more with optional concentrations in enrollment management or philanthropy. Students in the program build the broad knowledge base and expertise of best practices, processes, and regulations needed to be successful in a college or university setting.
What to Expect Studying at Notre Dame of Maryland University
Course topics are infused with current strategies, trends, and real-world examples so that classroom learning lends itself to challenges you can expect to encounter in your career.
Small class sizes create an opportunity to connect with professors and encourage more meaningful class discussions.
100% Online
In order to meet the needs of working students, all classes in the higher education master's degree are offered fully online.
Higher Education Careers
Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles within higher education:
- Admissions Director
- Development Director
- Financial Aid Director
- Marketing Director
- Associate VP for Enrollment Management
- Associate VP for Institutional Advancement
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission to Notre Dame of Maryland University for graduate programs, a new applicant must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and submit the following:
- Completed application.
- Official transcript(s) from all undergraduate and graduate coursework taken.
- Transcripts submitted for admissions review purposes must be from an accredited college/university.
- Admissions Essay – Please see below (Not needed for those with previous master’s degree).
- Resume
ADMISSIONS ESSAY QUESTION
Please address the following questions for your admissions essay of 300-500 words: What are your goals and objectives in pursuing graduate study in your chosen program? How have your experiences (academic, professional, and/or personal) prepared you to successfully complete this program?
Tuition And Financial Aid
- Tuition: $595 per credit*
*Registration/Technology Fee (nonrefundable): $199 per term
Additional Info
Changing Populations Core Courses (9 credits)
EDU 557 Leadership (3)
EDU 698 Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in Higher Education (3)
EDU 760 Legislative and Legal Decisions affecting Changing Populations (3)
Higher Education Core Courses (15 credits)
EDU 722 Education and Policy Analysis for Higher Education (3)
EDU 803 Assessment, Accreditation, and the Strategic Planning Process (3)
EDU 804 Finance, Philanthropy, and Budgeting in Higher Education (3)
Choose two
EDM 500 Principles of Enrollment Management and Retention (3)
PLAN 501 Principles of Philanthropic Development (3)
EDU 677 Student Affairs: Policy, Planning, and Practice (3)
EDU 699 Internship (3)
Research Core Courses (6 credits)
EDU 543 Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Educational Research (3)
EDU 567 Learning Theory and Practice
Optional Concentration – Enrollment Management (12 credits)
EDM 500 Principles of Enrollment Management and Retention (3)
EDM 501 Financial Aid and Data Analytics for Enrollment Planning (3)
EDM 502 Enrollment Marketing and Communications (3)
EDM 503 Leadership and Strategic Planning for Enrollment Management Professionals
Optional Concentration – Philanthropy (12 credits)
PLAN 501 Principles of Philanthropic Development (3)
PLAN 502 Cultivating Donor Relations (3)
PLAN 503 Communication and Branding (3)
NPM 545 Fundraising and Grant Writing (3)
Total Credits = 30 credits plus optional 12 credits concentration