M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership

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The master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership is designed to prepare students for a broad array of entry-level and mid-management positions in higher education. Graduates will be prepared to work closely with students in their growth and development in a variety of settings. Graduates will learn the tools to manage existing programs and to develop new programs in response to changing environments.

Students will:

Work with an advisor to tailor a degree program that reflects their academic interests and career aspirations
Select from an array of classes in the college to help prepare for a career in higher education
Participate in an annual progress conversation with faculty to assure that objectives are being met

For more information, email christine.hall@tcu.edu.

September 1, 2026: Application portal opens
January 1, 2027: Application deadline for applicants pursuing Student Affairs graduate assistantships. Only applicants pursuing Student Affairs graduate assistantships will be reviewed at this time.
February 21-23, 2027: TCU Student Affairs Graduate Assistantship Interview DaysMarch 2027: Student Affairs graduate assistantship offers made
April 15, 2027: Acceptance of offers of financial support due
April 16, 2027: Application deadline for Fall 2027 admission

Apply Today

All times listed are CDT/CST.

Information Session 1
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Zoom: https://tcu.zoom.us/j/91799341719

Information Session 2
Monday, September 21, 2026
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Zoom: https://tcu.zoom.us/j/93653185258

A representative from the TCU International Services office will be in attendance. International students who are interested in the master's program are encouraged to attend this session.

Information Session 3
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Zoom: https://tcu.zoom.us/j/92386194174

Information Session 4
Saturday, October 31, 2026
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Zoom: https://tcu.zoom.us/j/97950441946

Information Session 5
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
5:00 - 7:00 PM
In-Person on the TCU Campus (Palko/Bailey Building)

TCU employees and current TCU students who are interested in the master's program are encouraged to attend this session.

Information Session 6
Monday, November 23, 2026
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Zoom: https://tcu.zoom.us/j/92515049128

A representative from the TCU International Services office will be in attendance. International students who are interested in the master's program are encouraged to attend this session.

Information Session 7
Saturday, December 12, 2026
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Zoom: https://tcu.zoom.us/j/92396288060

All prospective international students should read through the information provided on the TCU International Services office Prospective Students tab. This covers the I-20 request process from the point of admission, financial documentation, and step-by-step guidance.

You must be admitted to the M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership program before you can apply and be considered for a Student Affairs graduate assistantship.

The Student Affairs Graduate Assistantship Interview Days are scheduled for Sunday, February 21 - Tuesday, February 23, 2027.

The three days provide opportunities to learn more about the Division of Student Affairs at Texas Christian University (TCU) and the M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership program. Along with the completion of your Student Affairs graduate assistantship interviews, you will participate in various on-campus and off-campus experiences to learn more about the TCU culture and the surrounding Fort Worth community. These activities will be organized and led by current M.Ed. graduate students.

Each admitted candidate will receive a personalized interview schedule a few days prior to the interview days. Each schedule will include time slots for graduate assistantship interviews.

Hotel arrangements and costs will be coordinated and covered for out-of-town graduate assistant candidates. The Student Affairs Graduate Assistantship Visiting Days program will officially begin the afternoon of Sunday, February 21, 2027.

Schedule Highlights

Day 1 - Info Session/What to Expect - Kick-Off Event
- What to Do at TCU and in Fort Worth - What to Expect as a Graduate Assistant
-Networking with current TCU Student Affairs Professionals - Dinner/Welcome Social

Day 2 - Coffee & Networking with Faculty - Graduate Assistant Interviews - Lunch -Graduate Assistant Interviews
- Optional Course Attendance
- Campus Tour - Dinner & Social

Day 3 - Coffee & Networking with Current Graduate Assistants
- Graduate Assistant Interviews - Assistantship Final Preference & Closing

For questions regarding Graduate Assistantships and Student Affairs Graduate Assistantship Visiting Days, contact Brad Stewart @ b.stewart@tcu.edu

Foundations (15 credits)
Focused coursework (12 credits)
Electives (6 credits)
Internship (3 credits)

Download Program of Study

The Graduate Assistantship Program provides master and doctoral students with a theory to practice experience complementing the Higher Education Leadership curriculum.

Graduate Assistantships
(Below are examples of GA roles. Full list of open GA roles for next year will be available late Fall Semester)

Campus Recreation & Wellness Programs - Wellness Education (20 hours/Week)
Housing & Residence Life- Central Office/Student Leadership (20 hours/Week)
Fraternity & Sorority Life Hall Director (20 hours/Week)
Fraternity & Sorority Life Hall Director (20 hours/Week)
Student Organizations (20 hours/Week)
Student Success (20 hours/Week)
University Unions (20 hours/Week)
Student Activities (20 hours/Week)
Student Identity & Engagement (20 hours/Week)
Housing & Residence Life Special Projects / Fraternity & Sorority Life Hall Director (20 hours Split/Week)
New Student & Family Programs / Fraternity & Sorority Life Hall Director (20 hours Split/Week)
Leadership & Experiential Learning / Fraternity & Sorority Life Hall Director (20 hours Split/Week)
Fraternity & Sorority Life Hall Director/Campus Recreation & Wellness Promotion- Wellness Education (20 hours Split/Week)

TCU enhances the Graduate Assistant’s practical experiences through collaboration with other offices, which foster skill sets in many functional areas. Graduate Assistants are encouraged to participate in departmental, divisional and University committees, and are provided with many development opportunities fostering growth and learning. In the program, students can expect:

Opportunities for student development and creation of programs specifically meeting student needs.
To have the ability to work with University practitioners, specifically trained in functional areas to provide student support and services.
Supervisors to spend time getting to know Graduate Assistants, their needs and develop development plans to meet those needs.

“My assistantship has provided me with many opportunities to learn about different areas of Student Affairs. From learning about and working with student organizations to helping students as a Student Success Coach, I’m able to see and work with different functional areas within Student Affairs. I feel very supported by my supervisors and know that they want me to have the best experience possible!” – Cierra Jackson

“I love my assistantship because it has allowed me to grow into the young professional I have always wanted to be. I have been challenged to assist in initiatives lead by my department and encouraged by others to gain experiences outside my comfort zone. I am able to work alongside many colleagues, peers, and students all while applying the knowledge I learn in the classroom into my daily tasks. My assistantship at TCU has greatly prepared me for my future career in higher education.” – Michala Manfredo

“One thing I really appreciate about TCU is its focus on relationships first. This mindset is present in the classroom, in my assistantship, and in the people that I have met. I’m grateful for teachers and staff who really model what it means to effectively lead students by establishing strong relationships first, and then guiding them to reach their full potential. This is a model I see at TCU and one I hope to practice in my future career.” – Sophie Khadivi

G.A.T.E. was created by members of student affairs to provide continuous development and guidance for our Graduate Assistants in partnership with the academic program. G.A.T.E. focuses on a few important aspects of development, including developing your network in professional organizations, preparing for internship and job searches and acclimating to the DFW area. G.A.T.E. will provide some of your first experiences at TCU, and prepare you well for your career prior to graduation. Learn more about the G.A.T.E. program.

“The G.A.T.E. program has guided me through my semester and prepare me for my internship. From creating events to help GAs get to know each other (even during a pandemic), to helping me create connections around campus, to preparing me for the internship application process, G.A.T.E has ensured that I am always a step ahead. I appreciate this program for easing the internship process and making my semester more worry-free.” – Mariana Gonzalez-Berrocal

“Through resume reviews, mentorships, mock interviews, and field trips to learn about Student Affairs operations at other institutions, GATE has helped me explore and expand my understanding of what it means to be a future Higher Education professional and has prepared me to take the next steps towards that goal.” – Warren Martin

M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership

Program Advisors