Higher Education Administration Program (HEA)
Program Description/Overview
The Higher Educational Administration Program, which leads to a Master of Arts in
Educational Leadership & Administration Degree, is a 33-credit hour program designed
to prepare individuals for entry and mid-level managerial or research positions offered
at the community, senior college, and university level. This program is also intended
to improve the skills of those individuals who currently serve in administrative positions
at such institutions, as well as provides alternatives to those who would like to
change their careers to enter the field of higher education administration.
Courses offered through this program provide practical hands-on experiences gained
through internships at community colleges, and universities, and aid candidates in
gaining the knowledge and skills needed for employment opportunities in this field
of study. Our students are actively engaged in educational research that increase
their job opportunities in this interesting and exciting field of study.
Motivating, challenging, and engaging topics in our coursework promote lifetime learning.
These topics consist of leadership and administration, analyzing policies, ethics,
higher education law, evaluation, and more.
Upon completion of the program, candidates will receive an M.A. in Educational Leadership
& Administration, which qualifies them for higher education administrative careers
that may include the following job opportunities: Academic Advising, Admissions and
Enrollment, Adult Programs, Alumnus Associations and Services, Administration Assessment,
Athletics and Coaching, Bursar and Student Accounts, Development and Fundraising,
Distance Education Programs, Financial Aid, Human Resources, International Programs,
Legal Affairs, Multicultural Affairs and Affirmative Action, Registrar, Residence
Life and Housing, Program Director, Student Services Director and Curriculum Coordinator.
To apply for admission to this program, candidates should go here and then follow the instructions provided on this homepage in submitting their application
online. Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, (except CSU),
are required. Questions about the application process should be directed to the Office
of Graduate and Professional Studies at Chicago State University, (773) 995-2404 or
grad-admissions@rmcpp.com
To request for more information: Please Click here
In addition to meeting the university’s general admission requirements, the applicant
must:
- Have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
- Submit official transcripts from all Colleges/Universities attended (except CSU).
A 3.0 GPA (on a 4-point grading scale) is required for full admission to the program,
while a 2.75 GPA is needed for conditional admission.
- Provide (in the online application system) a written and concise statement of purpose,
describing his/her academic and research background, career goals, and reason for
applying to this degree program. Please be specific in explaining how the course offerings
and faculty expertise of this program fit your educational and career objectives.
- Provide two letters of recommendation (in the online application system) from persons
familiar with his/her educational background and work experience.
Additional Required Documents for International Applicants Only:
- A course-by-course transcript evaluation from Education Credentials Evaluators (ECE)
or World Educational Services (WES).
- Proof of English Proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS Official Score Report or Waiver Application
- International Student Packet: - Bank Statement; and Notarized Financial Statement
Form and Certificate of Sponsorship.
- ELCF 5010: Curriculum Development and Learning Theories (3 credit hours)
- ELCF 5130: Human Relations and Leadership (3 credit hours)
- ELCF 5380: Collective Negotiations (3 credit hours)
- ELCF 5400: Higher Education Administration Law (3 credit hours)
- ELCF 5410: Proposal Development for Government and Private Funding (3 credit hours)
- ELCF 5600: Seminar in Finance and Budget for Higher Education (3 credit hours)
- ELCF 5780: Practicum in Higher Education Administration I (3 credit hours)
- ELCF 5790: Practicum in Higher Education Administration II (3 credit hours)
- ELCF 5920: Organization and Governance in Higher Education (3 credit hours)
- ELCF 5930: Higher Education Admin and Evaluation (3 credit hours)
- ED 5960 Fundamentals of Educational Research (3 credit hours)
- The candidate must successfully complete all required credit hours for the program.
- A GPA of 3.0 or better must be maintained in the program and is required for degree
completion.
- All coursework for the degree, including transfer credits, must have been completed
within the six years allowed for program completion.
- The candidate must successfully complete required internship experience (24 credit
hour prerequisite**)
- Professional Portfolio (required by the end of the practicum experience, which is
completed during ELCF 5790. This portfolio must be uploaded into Live text for grading purposes.
Dr. Olanipekun Laosebikan , Program Facilitator
Department of Advanced Studies in Education
College of Education Building, Room 319
9501 South King Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60628-1598
Phone: (773) 995-2086
E-mail: olaosebi@rmcpp.com
FAQs
Fall, Summer, and Spring semester of each year.
- Yes. Student may transfer 9 credit hours of graduate credit earned at other accredited
colleges and universities that were not used towards degree requirements or applied
to a degree program at Chicago State University.
- For an evaluation of transfer credit taken prior to admission at CSU, the student
must indicate on the application for admission any transfer credit he/she wishes to
have considered.
- All courses must have been taken within the six-year time limit given for completing
the degree program prior to the conferral of the graduate degree. Grades earned must
be at least a B or above.
The degree will take a minimum of four (4) semesters, and a maximum of two (2) years.
Students are given a six-year time limit within which to complete their degree.
Core coursework consists of a total of 33 credit hours.
- Yes. The master’s degree can only be awarded to candidates who have achieved a 3.0
cumulative GPA or better in all required and elective courses applied toward the master’s
degree. Students who fall below this standard will be placed on academic probation.
- A course in which a grade of D of F was obtained can be repeated once to obtain a
grade of C or better.
- Once admitted to a degree program, no more than two grades of C can be earned in any
graduate or professional course taken within the curriculum offered in that graduate
program, whether or not the courses are part of the student’s program. Where a student has two grades of “I” outstanding on the graduate record, the student
will be reviewed for probationary status.
Student Testimonials
”Joining Chicago State for my Master’s Program in Educational Leadership (Higher Education
Administration Concentration, we had many conversations about purpose. Being a product
of Chicago Public Schools there were many missed opportunities to fully ensure High
School seniors understood how to be self-sufficient. The High School transition process
is so critical in tackling College Jargon for First Generation College students. I
was blessed to have a program that allowed me to deep dive in both 2 year and 4 year
structures. I had a close knit relationship with my peers and instructors who always
pushed me to see the bigger picture. I immediately appreciated internships being imbedded
into the graduation requirements which helped me fully understand what institution
would be best fit for me. The program allowed space for us to research and practice
topics we were passionate about. I truly appreciated my program and thankful for the
exposure and knowledge I’m able to bring into my professional career.” - Jasmine Aguiar
“As a college administrator and working at various universities, I felt it necessary
to equip myself with a degree in Higher Education Administration. I wanted to add
to my experience and practice and broaden my horizons in research, theory, and trends
in higher education. The courses proved to be relevant and relatable and dealt with
current issues in higher education. The faculty demonstrated a wealth of knowledge
and scholarship in their fields and guided us through the program with precision.
The Higher Education Administration program at Chicago State University met my expectations
to the fullest. The courses were in the evening which was a great benefit to those
who work during the day.”- Frank McKnight III
"My graduate school experience with CSU was nothing short of amazing. Despite facing
a global pandemic and temporarily becoming a completely online student, I never felt
anonymous or disconnected. In fact, the relationships that I built with classmates
and faculty members grew stronger because of the family style atmosphere created at
CSU. The goal become that “we will ALL get through this”. While in the HEA program
my perspective on leadership has been tremendously enriched and my understanding of
leadership has reached a level beyond my imagination. Although the rigor of the program
was challenging it was achievable, and it gave me confidence that the expense was
an investment in my own personal and professional growth. The faculty in the HEA program
always go the extra mile to create a phenomenal learning environment for each student
with the highest professionalism and the most compassionate personal cultivation and
care. The choice of attending CSU has been most divine and meaningful for me.” - Wayne Hughes