UNT’s higher education program is one of the most established higher education programs in the Southwest. We have graduated more than 1,000 doctoral and master’s alumni and many of them are currently holding leadership positions in universities and colleges around the country as well as overseas.

The master’s degree in higher education prepares students for entry-level and mid-management positions in higher education administration in areas such as student life, student housing, career centers, multicultural centers, student unions, advancement offices, alumni offices, academic advising centers, international student offices, financial aid offices, dean of student’s offices, institutional research offices, and business affairs offices. The student affairs track meets the requirements of the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) for graduate programs in student affairs.

The standard master’s degree in higher education allows the student to specialize in one of three tracks: student affairs, community college leadership, or general administration. The online option allows students to complete their degree fully online. The master’s cohort program in college student personnel focuses on student affairs and includes immediate consideration for a graduate assistant position in student affairs or a related area.

Admission Requirements

Student’s seeking admission to the master’s program in higher education should submit the following items to the UNT Toulouse Graduate School:

1. UNT Toulouse Graduate School application form;
2. official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended;
3. official GRE or GMAT scores no older than five years (GRE/GMAT requirement is waived for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is 3.3 or higher);

The following materials must be submitted to the Higher Education Program Office:

1. three recommendation forms, including at least one from a faculty member with whom the student has studied or conducted research;
2. a curriculum vitae or resume; and
3. an admission essay (i.e., statement of purpose).

In addition to the minimum requirements of the College of Education listed under the “Admissions requirements” heading in the appropriate section of the UNT graduate catalog, admission to the master’s program in higher education is contingent upon the following:*

1. an acceptable GPA (The successful candidate for admission will normally have a bachelor’s degree overall GPA of 3.0 or higher or GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours taken for the bachelor’s degree based on a 4.0 grading system.);
2. GRE or GMAT scores (GRE/GMAT requirement is waived for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is 3.3 or higher;
3. the clarity and fit of the applicant’s career objectives;
4. the strength of the professional/educational references; and
5. the quality of the admission essay.

Additionally, applicants to the Master’s Cohort in Student Affairs track are required to participate in an on-campus interview with program faculty and student affairs professionals. Final admission to the master’s cohort is dependent upon the student securing both admission to the program and a graduate assistantship position. Applicants not considered for the cohort will be considered automatically for the standard master’s program.