Adult and Higher Education
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program advances personal and intellectual capacity for individuals pursuing professional careers in higher education and other organizational settings, including student affairs, administration, intercollegiate athletics, and human resource development.
Through an interdisciplinary curriculum that can be tailored to students’ interests, the program develops expertise for developing and implementing effective educational and organizational initiatives across diverse contexts. Students will be exposed to significant and critical insights relating to administration, student development, advising, human resources, policy, finance, marketing, organizational change, among others.
Those accepted into the program will be served by a comprehensive and high-quality curriculum structured to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals. Courses are taught by full-time faculty members in the program, with experts in the field potentially serving as co-teachers, guest speakers, or adjunct instructors.
Our program embraces diverse academic and professional backgrounds, welcoming students from all undergraduate and graduate disciplines. No prior training or professional experience in education is required for admission.
Students must complete 36 credit hours, consisting of the following:
Students must make a grade of “B” or better in core courses. For coursework in emphasis area/concentration and electives, students should consult with their assigned advisors. Students who have not had the equivalent of 1 year of experience working in their field of interest will be advised to enroll in 3 hours of practicum in higher education (EDAH 5910).
Additional Information on Program Requirements
Comprehensive Exam
All students are required to take and pass the comprehensive exam at the end of their program of study. Students may take the comprehensive exam only after completing the four core courses and at minimum 75% of the degree requirements. The Graduate College requires that students be registered for a minimum of two (2) hours to qualify as eligible to take the comprehensive exam.
Information on general graduate degree requirements can be found on the Graduate College Bulletin.
The Higher Education Administration emphasis area focuses on understanding diverse administrative aspects of colleges and universities. Courses cover essential aspects of higher education management, including organizational behavior, academic leadership, financial management, and strategic planning. Such knowledge is applicable to multiple domains within higher education, including admissions, enrollment management, financial aid, institutional research, student conduct, development and fundraising, and alumni relations.
Example courses:
The Student Affairs emphasis area focuses on knowledge and practices essential for fostering student development and creating supportive campus environments. The curriculum addresses student development theory, campus programming, identity formation concepts, and assessment of student services, which are applicable to a variety of higher education settings, including residence life, student activities, academic advising, career counseling, multicultural affairs, new student transition, and wellness services.
Example courses:
The Workforce, Adult, & Continuing Education emphasis area focuses on knowledge relevant for educating, training, and developing human resources in a variety of organizational settings. Coursework focuses on human resource development strategies, adult learning principles, learning technologies, and organizational change, applicable to various domains, including corporate training, workforce development, and continuing education.
Example courses:
The Intercollegiate Athletic Administration concentration focuses on understanding the complex world of intercollegiate athletics, and is philosophically embedded within the broader study of higher education. The curriculum covers sports administration, compliance, marketing, fundraising, student-athlete development, and ethical leadership, applicable to a broad and wide range of professional areas within intercollegiate athletics.
Example courses
Elevate your impact through our Adult & Higher Education program, developing expertise for pioneering initiatives designed to advance educational practice, policy, and scholarship.
Note: If you have any difficulties with the application process, contact Graduate Admissions directly at gradadm@ou.edu or by phone at (405) 325-6765.
Mike Jenkins
Graduate Programs
Support Specialist
Email: mjenkins@ou.edu
Phone: (405) 325-4525
