Admissions Process

The Higher Education Administration program encourages applications from candidates with demonstrated analytic and communication abilities; indications of a concern for improving the educational experiences of all students; strong interpersonal skills; and a commitment to the field of
higher education. A complete application for admission includes:

• Application
• Application fee
• Personal statement
• Official academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation (3)

Application Deadline for Fall Admission: January 15

Graduate School Admissions Information

Admissions Procedure

Prospective Masters and Doctoral students apply first through Graduate Admissions. Applications for both programs include a fee, personal statement, transcripts and three letters of reference. The deadline is January 15th.

The faculty try to make decisions by the last week in February and Masters students are sent an email welcoming them to the program and to a Welcome Day Orientation, usually the first Monday after UMass Spring break. This is where many students will interview for Graduate Assistantship positions.

On the graduate application, doctoral students need to apply to the doctoral program in Education Policy & Leadership, with a sub-field in Higher Education (as there is no individual doctorate in Higher Ed). The faculty often interviews prospective doctoral applicants and the process takes a week longer, with early notification by email in early March.

We also maintain a waiting list and invite students on a rolling basis as other admitted students decide not to enroll. This can occur throughout the spring and into the summer.