DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS
The Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education offers Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in a variety of concentrations. You may also choose to earn a dual degree with the Stephen M. Ross School of Business or the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. Each of these programs includes coursework and other experiences that will prepare you for leadership in shaping the future of higher education, advancing the role of higher education in supporting the public good, and improving instructional practice.
Master of Arts in Higher Education
Our master's degree programs in higher and postsecondary education are structured to give you a general understanding of higher education as a field of practice and inquiry, while allowing you the flexibility to probe more deeply into areas of specialized interest.
CSHPE provides unique opportunities for you to interact with students who have different professional backgrounds and diverse career goals. You will learn with your fellow master’s students in required courses as well as with doctoral students in cognate and elective courses. As you work together on assignments and discuss issues inside and outside of the classroom, you will develop a rich appreciation and understanding of the multiple frames of reference that shape effective decision-making in higher education.
The master's program provides a variety of impactful learning options including the internship, Master's Research Opportunity Program (MROP), and study trips that take place to both US and international locations during the summer.
Graduates are qualified for a wide variety of roles working on key activities such as, advising, administration, research and evaluation, and policy analysis in settings that include:
- College and university administration
- State and national public policy agencies
- Government offices, higher education systems offices
- Professional associations, consortia
- Regional and coordinating bodies and accrediting agencies
The Center has a preferred admission agreement for students pursuing the minor in Intergroup Relations (IGR) at the University of Michigan. This partnership and additional details regarding the admissions process are included with each of the master's concentrations.
Pursue a master's degree in Higher Education part-time
Part-time master’s students are an integral part of the classroom community in the Center. Most part-time students work full-time at the University of Michigan, while others work at nearby institutions. Part-time students working full-time in a higher education setting can request to waive the CSHPE internship requirement.
To apply as a part-time student, use the same application process.
Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education
This doctoral program’s goal is developing leaders who will effectively steer higher and postsecondary education institutions, conduct scholarly research, and contribute in meaningful and distinctive ways to the overall development of the profession.
Our students are expected and encouraged to think rigorously, understand and appreciate the craft of scholarship and research, demonstrate interest in and a capacity to make a difference in postsecondary education, and be actively committed to diversity.
A Learning Community
At the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education, you will immerse yourself in a rich learning community that is characterized by scholarly rigor, strong connections to broader communities of practice, and a passion for contributing to the betterment of society through education. Contribute to the improvement of higher education by building expertise in organizational behavior and management, public policy, academic affairs, student development, assessment, and evaluation.
Faculty who invest in you
CSHPE faculty are committed to your development as a scholar and practitioner who will be able to improve the world of higher and postsecondary education as an academic leader, public policy expert, administrator, member of the professoriate, or consultant.
Prepared to lead
CSHPE students are trained to think analytically, excel at scholarship and research, and apply creative solutions to educational issues. You will be prepared to lead, armed with mastery of in-depth knowledge and the competencies to manage the evolving higher-education environment.
Committed to diversity in higher education
Members of the CSHPE community make profound differences in postsecondary education with their commitment to diversity and leadership of the highest integrity.
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Graduate Student Community Organization (GSCO)
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Women of Color and the Academy (WOCATA)
Rackham Interdisciplinary Workshop
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Contact
Phone: (734) 764-9472
Fax: (734) 764-2510
Master's: [email protected]
Doctoral: [email protected]
Location
610 E. University Avenue
Room 2117
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1259
Office Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.