Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring, Summer
On-Campus
About the MEd in Higher Education at Loyola
To promote access, equity, and social justice in post-secondary contexts, higher education leaders need to learn the fundamentals of curriculum, identity, organizational development, advocacy, and activism in higher education.
The MEd in Higher Education at Loyola University Chicago is one of the few master's in higher education programs to offer you a rare combination of course content in student affairs and higher education administration. With expertise in both areas, you will be better able to serve and support students as a leading scholar-practitioner at the forefront of positive change.
Program Structure
The MEd in Higher Education can be pursued full time or part time. Classes are held at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago.
Why Choose Loyola for your MEd in Higher Education?
- Real-world learning
- Experienced faculty
- Built-in networking
- An education that champions equity
- 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.
You will learn from faculty members who bring direct experience working in higher education. You will also find them to be supportive and focused on your success.
You will be part of a diverse, close-knit cohort of students who share your passion for social justice, equity, and activism in higher education.
Be a change agent through a master's in higher education that focuses on everything from activism in higher education to the experiences of racially minoritized students.
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.
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.
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, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Specific job options include:
- Student affairs administrator
- Development director
- Department head
- Academic affairs administrator
- Diversity and inclusion manager
- Education consultant
- Academic advisor
- Leadership program administrator
- Enrollment manager
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.
2023-2024 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 recent 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
The estimated tuition and fees for the Higher Education MEd totals $36900.00, or 36 credit hours at a cost of $1,025.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
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
Visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.
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
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Higher Education MEd are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall
Priority: February 15
Final: June 28
Spring: November 15
Summer: March 31
Please note that Fall applications are not reviewed until the priority deadline passes.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Higher Education MEd include:
Official Transcripts
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.
Official Documents
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts 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.
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.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
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