Master's in Education Administration: Higher Education Option

The M.Ed. in Educational Administration: Higher Education Option is a 30-credit degree program. The program offers synchronous and asynchronous coursework with a two-semester practicum.

• SO = Synchronous Online
• AO = Asynchronous Online

Core Courses (On Campus)

Research

When offered in Spring and Summer, the courses below are recommended. But others may be taken in consultation with an advisor. If a business focus is chosen, both of these 2-credit courses must be taken and will result in 7 credits of electives for this degree.

Electives

Practica

Note: The department recommends that students may take no more than two courses in any one semester. Refer to course sequence. Students may also petition to have a maximum of six non-degree credit hours transferred into the program. The School of Education reviews petitions and grants credit on a case-by case basis.

1. Produce literature reviews based on higher education scholarship drawn from established peer-reviewed academic journals.
2. Describe research-based practices for advancing the needs of all learners in higher education.
3. Analyze a higher education policy or practice through a student development theory lens.
4. Identify legal and ethical standards that intersect with contemporary higher education problems.
5. Develop leadership action plans to address change and conflict in higher education.
6. Demonstrate effective, efficient, and collaborative approaches to working in diverse higher education settings. 

Cost Per Credit
Online Education: $470
Online 7000-level Education: $655
 
Term Registration Fee: $30

Please see online tuition and fees for more information.

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

• Application:
  • Summer 2025 - Spring 2026
  • Summer 2026 - Spring 2027
• Application Fee: $50
• Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages).
• Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants. Criminal Justice, Master of Arts (M.A.): Letters of recommendation are optional.
• Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts are required if accepted.
• Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for Criminology and Criminal Justice and Global Studies doctoral programs. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is required for the Master of Music in Music Education. Scores are accepted but not required for other programs.
• Resume: The following programs require a resume for admission:
  • Master of Music Education
  • Master of Public Administration
  • Master of Education programs (except Education Administration, M.Ed)
  • Education Specialist in Language Arts and Literacy
  • Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) rather than a resume to highlight academic and professional achievements.
• Writing Sample: Education Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs only.
• Forms: Principal's Acknowledgement Form (pdf) for Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education Administration, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (PK-12) only.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Application Deadlines

• Global Studies Ph.D. and Psychology Ph.D.: January 15
• Criminology Ph.D.: February 1
• Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies: February 15
• Leadership in Schooling Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Applications are accepted from July – October 15.

International Applicants

Transcripts must show degree completion and include a credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as:

• Center for Educational Documentation (CED)
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• World Education Services (WES)

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:  

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+ 
• TOEFL for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 90+
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
• IELTS for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 7+
• Duolingo: 115+
• ASC English: Level 6+
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

The Bachelor's-to-Master's Program (B2M) for the M.Ed. Education Administration: Higher Education is open to eligible UMass Lowell undergraduates who have had substantial experience in Academic or Student Affairs-related areas. UMass Lowell undergraduates may apply to the B2M program at the end of their junior year or in the first semester of the final year of their undergraduate degree and must have a minimum GPA of 3.000 at the time that their application is submitted. If accepted into the B2M program, candidates may take two graduate level courses during their final year which may be counted toward both their undergraduate and graduate degree (with the permission of the undergraduate advisor and the graduate program coordinator).

Applicants to the B2M program must submit a:

• Bachelor's-to-Master's application (to transition to a UML Graduate Program) 
• Application fee
• Statement of purpose which describes the candidate’s experience in student affairs and goals for their future career
• One letter of recommendation from an individual who knows the quality of the candidate’s work.
• Official Transcripts
• Resume
• TOEFL scores, as appropriate

For information about the B2M program, please contact the graduate program coordinator by email: AJ_Angulo@uml.edu.