The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Higher Education (Concentration: Community College and University Leadership) provides 36 semester hours of graduate work to prepare individuals for mid- and upper-level positions in postsecondary education. This degree is for individuals interested in beginning or advancing careers in higher or adult education and provides opportunities for students to explore and apply research and theory to the complex contexts of today's educational environments. Students in the program select from one of the following three concentrations:
Community College & University Leadership (offered on the Boone Campus and through App State Online)
*Note: The M.A. in Higher Education is a non-licensure program and does not lead to NC K-12 teaching, administration, or supervision licensure.
Student Learning Goals
Upon completion of the M.A. program, graduates will be able to:
Access and apply relevant theory, research, and/or scholarly literature to inform professional practice in higher education.
Think critically and creatively to find legal, ethical, and innovative solutions to problems facing higher education.
Communicate in a professional manner, expressing and supporting ideas clearly through written, oral, and visual media and employing appropriate technology.
Develop and manage systems that support the mission of the institution, especially as it affects nontraditional and underrepresented populations.
Respond proactively to the impacts of globalization on higher education in the United States and internationally
Organize effective adult learning environments and experiences for students, colleagues, and self.
Collect, organize, and interpret various types of data and evidence to inform decisions and address accountability requirements.
Accepting Applications for MA Program Boone Campus and Online
Fall Enrollment: February 1 (priority deadline)/April 1 (regular deadline).
Preference will be given to applications submitted by February 1st. The regular deadline is April 1st or until the cohort is filled.
For More Information
For information about applying to the program, click here.
For information about program scholarships, click here.
For information about the M.A. program, contact Dr. Chauntee Thrill, Program Director at thrillcr@appstate.edu.