M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership

Main Content

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.

View our Virtual Informational Session, Virtual Informational Panel, or videos below to hear from program students, faculty and staff.

Video: Why Earn Your Master of Higher Education Leadership at TCU?

Video: Master's in Higher Educational Leadership

TCU Admitted Student Visiting Days Checklist

January 2, 2024	Deadline to apply to the TCU Leadership in Higher Education program
Mid-Late January, 2024	Invitation to Participate in TCU Visiting Days (please note that attendance is by invitation only)
February 25-27, 2024	TCU Admitted Student Visiting Days

The M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership Admitted Student Visiting Days blends opportunities to learn more about Texas Christian University and the Higher Education program. Along with the completion of your graduate assistantship interviews, you will participate in various experiences to engage and discuss experiences at TCU.

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

Optional activities will be available to all candidates each day of the experience. These activities will be organized and led by current graduate students. The purpose of the optional activities is to allow candidates to have an informal introduction to the campus, the Division of Student Affairs, and get acquainted with current in Higher Education Leadership students.

Hotel arrangements will be coordinated and hotel costs covered for out-of-town graduate assistant candidates. The TCU Admitted Student Visiting Days program will officially begin the afternoon of Sunday, February 25.

Visiting Days Highlights

Day 1
- Info Session/What to Expect
- Kick-Off Event
- Dinner/Welcome Social

Day 2
- Breakfast
- Graduate Assistant Interviews
- Campus Tour
- Financial Aid, Health Insurance, and Housing
- Lunch
- Assistantship Office Tour
- What to Do at TCU and in Fort Worth
- What to Expect as a Graduate Assistant
- Day 1 Recap
- Dinner & Social

Day 3
- Graduate Assistant Interviews
- Coffee with the Grads
- Assistantship Final Preference & Clothing
- Optional Course Attendance

For questions regarding Graduate Assistantships and TCU Admitted Student Visiting Days, contact Mario Ramirez at mario.ramirez@tcu.edu

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

Download Program of Study

Fall 2024 Start

January 2, 2024: Fall 2024 admission early deadline (to be considered for a Student Affairs Graduate Assistantship)
February 2024: TCU Admitted Student Visiting Days
March 1, 2024: Fall 2024 admission deadline
March/April 2024: Graduate Assistant offers made
April 15, 2024: Acceptance of offers of financial support

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

Graduate Assistantship Interest Form

Graduate Assistantships

Campus Recreation & Wellness Promotion
Fraternity & Sorority Life and Hall Director
Housing & Residence Life and Fraternity & Sorority Hall Director
Leadership & Student Involvement and Fraternity & Sorority Life Hall Director
Leadership & Student Involvement - Experiential Learning
Leadership & Student Involvement – theCrew
Leadership & Student Involvement - University Unions
New Student & Family Programs and Fraternity & Sorority Life Hall Director
Student Affairs Assessment and Fraternity & Sorority Life Hall Director
Student Success
Wellness Education and Fraternity & Sorority Life Hall Director

View NASPA Graduate Program Detail

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

Program participants are invited to membership in the Higher Education Leadership Organization, a student organization offering guest speakers, interview preparation and networking.

M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership

Program Advisors