M.Ed. in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration

Courses cover student development theory, historical events and trends that have shaped the history higher education, and how to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. With assistance from their advisor, students create a professional focus by combining a minimum of three courses. Examples of professional foci include: Advancement in Higher Education, Multicultural Affairs, Recreational Services, and Substance Abuse Programs and Services.

All master’s students complete a 140-hour internship designed to connect academic learning with professional practice. For full-time students, the internship takes place in the summer between year one and two. Part-time students should work with their advisor to identify the best time to complete the internship based on their academic plan, and the internship may be spread out over a longer period if needed.

Students work with faculty and site supervisors to identify placements aligned with their interests and career goals. Past internships have included positions at institutions such as Brown University, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, UC Berkeley and William & Mary.

Alumni are working in a variety of positions within Higher Education and Student Affairs at institutions such as Virginia Commonwealth University, James Madison University, Randolph Macon College, Virginia Tech and more.

Application materials include your unofficial transcript(s), a personal statement, a resume/CV, and two recommendations. We encourage prospective students to begin an application, as the portal provides a clear overview of all application requirements, including the personal statement prompt.

Looking for the application deadline? See our Deadlines & Decisions page.

Students may apply for federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA. If you have questions about your financial aid package, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@wm.edu.

All applicants are automatically considered for available scholarships, and recipients will be notified directly if selected for an award.

Graduate Assistantships

We are pleased to offer a highly competitive graduate assistantship opportunity for full-time* students in the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration program. Following admission, all eligible students are invited to interview for available assistantship positions.

Assistantships specifically for this program are housed within Student Affairs and provide valuable, hands-on professional experience that complements and extends classroom learning.

Please note that assistantship positions are limited, and interviews do not guarantee an offer.

*Full-time status is defined as enrollment in at least 9 credit hours per semester.