Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring, Summer
Online
Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall
Online
About the MEd in Higher Education at Loyola
The MEd in Higher Education program prepares scholar-practitioners to make a meaningful impact in promoting access, equity, and social justice in post-secondary contexts and offers a rigorous curriculum rooted in social justice and critical thinking.
Through a comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning opportunities, students will gain a deep understanding of curriculum, identity, organizational development, advocacy, and activism in higher education to serve and support students as a leading scholar-practitioner at the forefront of positive change.
Program Highlights
Cohort program geared towards students who are seeking to expand knowledge an skillsets in higher education in a supportive environment
A flexible, online program with options to take elective courses in-person
Students will have the opportunity to connect with others, develop their skills, and acquire experience in higher education through internships and fieldwork
Option to study abroad and learn through cultural immersion in Rome, Italy at Loyola's John Felice Rome Center
The MEd in Higher Education program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the field of higher education through a combination of course content in student affairs and higher education administration. The program explores areas that include student development, pedagogy, critical theory, policy, research within the field, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
Whether you're looking to lead institutional change, advocate for marginalized communities, or engage in critical scholarship, our program will help you develop the tools to make a lasting impact.
Program Overview
- Social Justice Focus: Examine inclusion, access, and equity issues within higher education systems through critical social justice frameworks
- A Supportive Cohort: Receive the benefits that come from being part of a cohort, such as networking and building relationships with other students who share your passion for higher education
- Experiential Learning: Emphasis on learning through internships, fieldwork, and community partnerships
- Portfolio Development: Culminates in an electronic portfolio to showcase your skills to future employers
Program Structure
The MEd in Higher Education can be pursued full time or part time. All required courses are held online, and elective courses may be taken online or in-person at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago.
Direct Admission
This program offers a Direct Admission option for current Loyola undergraduates. Please visit our Direct Admission Programs webpage for more details.
Why Choose Loyola for your MEd in Higher Education?
- Real-world learning
- A supportive cohort
- Focused on social justice
- Study abroad opportunities
- A history of excellence in adult education
Gain experience through a curriculum that blends theory with practice, giving you opportunities to apply what you are learning in an internship and capstone project where you will create an e-portfolio that encompasses your course knowledge, internship experience, and research throughout the program.
Make connections and build community with other students in your cohort who share your passion for social justice, equity, and activism in higher education. You will be able to enjoy a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and growth throughout your studies.
Graduates of Loyola's higher education program are committed to advancing social justice through education. You'll become a scholar-practitioner who is an agent of change on campus and in your professional field.
Broaden your worldview by taking courses in Rome, Italy, during an optional, two-week summer program as part of the MEd in Higher Education at Loyola. Students cam embark on a captivating journey through the world of education, guided by Rome, Italy's rich history and contemporary developments.
Delivered through Chicago's largest urban research university, the master's in higher education at Loyola is backed by 100 years of educating adult learners. Earn your MEd from Loyola's School of Education, one of Chicago's top 3 graduate education schools, to gain a competitive edge in the higher education job market and the skills you need to drive organizational impact.
Meet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Education faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Higher Education MEd program.
FacultyMEd in Higher Education: Career Connections
Graduates of the MEd in Higher Education at Loyola University Chicago have gone on to careers in a range of roles, including student affairs, enrollment management, academic affairs, community-based organizations, and diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership.
Career opportunities include:
- Student Affairs
- Student Support Services
- Admissions and Enrollment Management
- Academic Advising
- Non-Profit and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Campus Diversity & Inclusion
- Research and Advocacy in Social Justice Organizations
- Higher Education Policy Analysis
- Study Abroad Programs
- Higher Education Consulting
- Development and Fundraising
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Higher Education MEd program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Higher Education MEd learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMEd in Higher Education Results and Skills
Upon successful completion of your MEd in Higher Education, you will have the ability to:
- Apply knowledge, skills, and professional values in your current role as a higher education leader across various operational contexts, such as student affairs, enrollment management, academic affairs, equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Lead community based-organizations that support access, persistence, and completion
- Influence positive change on your campus through your understanding of curriculum, identity, organizational development, advocacy, and activism in higher education
- Create policies and practices that advance student life and experience in higher education, including social justice and education, critical theory and pedagogy, contexts of activism in education, identity formation, student development, agency, experiences of racially minoritized students, undocumented student experiences, academic labor, international higher education, democracy and education, and community college issues
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
| Program | Credit Hours | Cost Per Credit Hour | Estimated Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Education MEd | 36 | $1,070.00 | $38520.00 |
| Direct Admission: Higher Education MEd | 36 | $1,070.00 | $38520.00 |
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
School of Education Financial Aid & Scholarships
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost and Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education. You may also visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe School of Education offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about the application process for each program below.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Higher Education MEd are listed below:
Fall
Priority: February 15
Final: June 28
Spring: November 15
Summer: March 31
Please note, this program has a rolling admissions policy and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Higher Education MEd include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
3.0 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be 1-3 pages and describe your academic and research interests, professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Direct Admission: Higher Education MEd are listed below:
Fall: June 28
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Direct Admission: Higher Education MEd include:
Loyola transcripts (we will obtain these for you)
2.75 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be 500-750 words and describe your personal and professional interests and goals in higher education, how the program will advance your professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice.
DIRECT ADMISSION APPLICATIONOfficial Documents
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students. Please note this program does not qualify international students to receive the F1 student visa.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Higher Education MEd program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAY