For students who seek the M.Ed. degree with an emphasis in higher education, the program is designed for those with interest in mid-level administrative and staff positions in higher education administration (e.g., admissions, housing, student activities, financial aid, placement, counseling, and health services). Experience in working in higher education is desirable.

Positions in mid-level administrative and staff positions in higher education institutions.

University Admission Requirements

• Must have graduated from an accredited, four-year institution of higher education recognized by the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM), prior to beginning the program
• Undergraduate Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
• Additional considerations for International Students
  • Applicants who are not native English speakers, or who have completed their degrees in a language other than English, may need to take the TOEFL or IELTS, or Duolingo (Academic) tests for admission. For more information view the Graduate Division website.
  • International students who have been admitted are required to submit a copy of their Identification documents (i.e. Passport or Identification Card)
  • International applicants need to show proof of sufficient funding to cover all educational and living expenses upon admission
  • Given these additional materials needed for processing, we recommend international students apply at least one month prior to the application deadline.

Program Application Materials

• Academic and Professional References: List three (3) Academic or Professional References (name, role, email, and phone number). At least one reference must be an academic reference. Note: Formal letters of recommendation are not required.
• Statement of Objectives: The Department views the Statement of Objectives as highly important. Applicants are encouraged to produce a well-considered and compelling narrative that clearly articulates how the degree program can support and advance one’s professional and personal goals. 
• Resumé or CV
• (Optional) Letters of Recommendation: Although not required, if applicants would like to submit letters of recommendation, please consolidate into one file and upload.

A 30 credit program with courses offered in combination as online, hybrid, or in-person on the Mānoa campus. Courses are offered through the Departments of Educational Administration in the College of Education. Students are often able to complete the program in 2 years.

For the most current information, refer to the Graduate Division website, UHM regular Tuition and Fees, or UHM Outreach College Tuition & Fees.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MAY BE FOUND AT:

• Department of Educational Administration Merit-based Giving Tree Scholarship
• COE Stipends, Grants, and Scholarships and Travel Awards
• UHM Student Scholarships
• UH Financial Aid Services
• Manoa Opportunity Grants
• UHM Graduate Division Financial Support
• Tuition Waivers (Graduate Assistant Tuition Waivers, Kuaʻana Tuition Waiver)
• Community-Based Scholarships (Hawai‘i Community Foundation, Hawai‘i Education Association Hawaii Education Association, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kamehameha Schools, PATCH Reimbursement Scholarships)
• Graduate Assistantships and Campus Employment Graduate Assistantships and Campus Employment

The MEd – Higher Education track is a 30-credit graduate program consisting of the following:

• EDEA 657 (core requirement): Introduction to Educational Administration (3)
• EDEA 602 (core requirement): Research in Educational Administration (3)
• Research (3), one minimum (EDEA 604:  Qualitative Research Methods or EDEA 629:  Educational Statistics)
• Organizations (3), select one minimum (EDEA 646: College Student Development Theory, EDEA 650: Organizational Leadership in Education, and EDEA 662: Curriculum in Higher Education)
• Management & Leadership (3), two minimum (EDEA 660: Leadership in Higher Education, EDEA 661: Leadership in Student Affairs, and EDEA 663: Community College Leadership)
• Policy & Governance (3), one minimum (EDEA 620H: Education Finance or EDEA 630H: Education Law)
• Seminar (3), one minimum (any EDEA 780 seminar)

Select one of the following options:

• Plan A (Thesis):  EDEA 700V(6)
• Plan B (Project):  EDEA 695 (3) +Elective (3)
  • Elective courses should be chosen in consultation with your advisor.