Mar 28, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2015-2016 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2015-2016 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Higher Education Administration, M.A.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: School of Education

Academic Program Director: Stephen Hess, S.J.

The M.A. in Higher Education Administration prepares students to be scholarly, reflective, and transformative leaders in a variety of higher education institutions and settings. Students are prepared to serve as reflective and justice-oriented administrators in all divisions and sectors of higher education. Through coursework, fieldwork, and advising grounded in the Jesuit tradition of education we strive to develop graduate students of competence, compassion, and conscience who are committed to the holistic understanding of student learning and development, administration as a vocation of service, and the creation of a more just world through education. The program requires that students successfully complete academic coursework and fieldwork projects to inform both theory and practice. The program emphasizes the vital contributions and nuances of serving in two-year institutions, private institutions, and religiously affiliated post-secondary institutions along with public four-year institutions.

Learning Outcomes


  • Students will be able to articulate the history and role of higher education in American society.
  • Students will be able to describe organizational and governance structures in American higher education.
  • Students will embed the principles of the Jesuit philosophy of higher education and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition in their coursework and practice.
  • Students will employ critical reflection skills when making decisions, analyzing data, and creating programs and policies.
  • Students will articulate informed viewpoints on current issues facing higher education.
  • Students will acquire the ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of the field.
  • Students will demonstrate basic administrative competencies such as planning, budgeting, assessment, and supervision.
  • Students will understand higher education legal and ethical issues and apply them to their practice.
  • Students will understand, evaluate, and adapt developmental, organizational, and leadership theories to their practice.
  • Students will work to support the success of all college and university students.
  • Students will value and articulate the experiences of students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented groups.

Admission Requirements


The following are required for consideration of acceptance into the Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration program:

  1. Earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  2. The Graduate Division application, along with two official copies of transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
  3. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Candidates who do not meet this minimum GPA requirement may submit an appeal through the Exceptions process.
  4. Written statement of intent (see website for prompt and content).
  5. Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
  6. Two letters of recommendation - preferably one from a faculty member who is familiar with the academic ability of the candidate and one from a current or former supervisor familiar with the candidate’s leadership ability and character.

Admission Process: When a candidate file is complete, all admission materials will be reviewed by the higher education program director for either recommendation for admission, or referral to the Department of Educational Leadership.

Course Requirements


An appointment with the Academic Program Director is required prior to scheduling courses. A grade of B- or higher is required for each course.

Comprehensive Assessment


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: School of Education