Students in the master's program in higher education administration (HEA) acquire the skills and knowledge needed for success in their chosen field. They undertake coursework, internships, and other professional opportunities.
The HEA master’s program seeks to cultivate scholarly identities, inquiry-driven learners, critically reflective practitioners, and socially just practices. The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge for successful work in entry- and mid-career professional positions in institutions of higher education, post-secondary education, and other related organizations. Students participate in active coursework, field experiences/internships, and other professional opportunities so that they may become engaged and thoughtful practitioners in higher education and student affairs. To prepare students for professional requirements, the master’s program provides five concentrations: general administration, higher education policy and finance, international higher education, social justice, and student affairs administration.
Students in the master's program acquire the skills and knowledge needed for success in their chosen field. They undertake coursework, internships, and other professional opportunities.
Visit the program website for additional information.
Adminssion Requirements
| Article |
Requirement |
| Admission deadlines: |
Fall - Rolling admissions (January 15 to be considered for merit-based tuition support) |
| Standardized test scores: |
Either the GRE general test (institutional code 5246) or the Miller Analogies Test (institutional code 1047) is required. May be waived for applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or above. |
| Recommendations required: |
Two (2) recommendations (preferably one from a faculty member and the other from a professional supervisor) |
| Prior academic records: |
Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission. |
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Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from an accredited independent evaluating agency. Please be sure you request a detailed evaluation that includes all course titles, credit hours, grade-point average (GPA), United States degree equivalency, and date of degree conferral. Please see the list of acceptable foreign credential evaluation services. |
| Statement of purpose: |
In an essay of 250 to 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study at George Washington University, describing your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned in the application. |
| Additional requirements: |
A resumé is required. |
| International applicants only: |
Please review International Applicant Information (https://graduate.admissions.gwu.edu/international-student-application-requirements) carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW, and English language requirements. |
Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Graduate School of Education and Human Development
The George Washington University
2136 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20052
Contact for questions:
gsehdadm@gwu.edu ~ 202-994-9283 (phone) ~ 202.994.7207 (fax)
9:30 am – 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits, including 12 credits in required core courses, 12 credits in one concentration (15 credits in student affairs administration), 6 credits in elective courses (3 in student affairs administration), and a capstone project.
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| EDUC 6112 | Foundations of Assessment, Testing, and Measurement in Education | |
| or EDUC 6116 | Introduction to Educational Statistics |
| EDUC 6500 | Introduction to Student Affairs and Higher Education | |
| EDUC 6510 | Administration of Higher Education | |
| EDUC 6585 | Master’s Internship in Higher Education Administration | |
| EDUC 6590 | Capstone in Higher Education Administration (Taken for 0 credits) | |
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
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| EDUC 6540 | Group and Organizational Theories | |
| EDUC 6560 | Legal Problems in Higher Education | |
| EDUC 6555 | Higher Education Policy | |
| or EDUC 6565 | Financing Higher Education |
| EDUC 8560 | Case Studies in Higher Education Administration | |
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Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
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| EDUC 6555 | Higher Education Policy | |
| EDUC 6565 | Financing Higher Education | |
| EDUC 6560 | Legal Problems in Higher Education | |
| EDUC 8540 | History of Higher Education | |
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Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
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| EDUC 6602 | Regional Studies in International Education | |
| or EDUC 6615 | Internationalizing U.S. Schools |
| or EDUC 6630 | International Experiences |
| EDUC 6610 | Programs and Policies in International Education | |
| EDUC 6620 | Strategies and Analysis in International Education | |
| EDUC 8560 | Case Studies in Higher Education Administration | |
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Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
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| EDUC 6530 | Intercultural Campus Leadership | |
| EDUC 6580 | Critical Theories in Higher Education | |
| EDUC 6505 | The Art of Facilitation | |
| EDUC 6555 | Higher Education Policy | |
| or EDUC 8540 | History of Higher Education |
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Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
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| EDUC 6520 | Foundations of College Student Development | |
| EDUC 6525 | Managing College Student Services Programs | |
| EDUC 6530 | Intercultural Campus Leadership | |
| EDUC 6540 | Group and Organizational Theories | |
| EDUC 6585 | Master’s Internship in Higher Education Administration | |
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