A minimum of 36 credit hours in Higher Education beyond the bachelor’s degree is required. Coursework includes higher education core courses and electives, as well as research methods courses. Students are also required to participate in an internship and complete a seminar paper. Average completion is two years if enrolled full-time. Students work with an advisor to develop an individualized program of study. Students may choose whether to complete a thesis or undertake field experience and complete a seminar paper.
For more information visit the graduate admission requirements webpage. Select an area of interest from the various offerings in the College of Education to determine the admission requirements and deadlines. If you are unsure of your area of interest you may request information by submitting an Inquiry Form.
Please be advised that higher education, student affairs, and international education policy are all separate concentrations that require separate applications.
More Information on Application Process and Instructions
Please refer to the Guide to Applying for instructions on how to apply for graduate admission. If you have questions or concerns, we ask you to first review our list of Frequently Asked Questions. International applicants should visit the International admissions webpage for additional information. For questions about the application process, or to check on the completion of your application please contact:
Judy Foster, Coordinator of Graduate Admissions
Office of Student Services, College of Education
(301) 405-2359
After you apply for graduate admission you may check your application status by logging into the online graduate application using your user name and password. Graduate faculty in the Academic Department you applied to will review your completed application for graduate admission. Questions regarding application reviews and decision recommendations should be directed to Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education (CHSE). Please contact:
Carol Scott, Coordinator of Graduate Studies
Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education
(301) 405-8384
Please reach out to Kahlea Khabir (Admissions Coordinator) hied@umd.edu with any questions.
Please contact the Office of Student Services, ed-advising@umd.edu, or (301) 405-2364.
Visit the College of Education Scholarship opportunities webpage.
Visit the Graduate School Fellowship and Graduate Assistantship web page for additional funding opportunities
For information about other student financial aid, review the Office of the Student Financial Aid website.
Dr. Marvin Titus, Concentration Coordinator (mtitus@umd.edu)
Dr. Sharon Fries-Britt, Admissions Coordinator (sfries@umd.edu)
Kahlea Khabir, Staff Admissions Coordinator (hied@umd.edu)
Carol Scott, Coordinator (cscott18@umd.edu)