Program Highlights
The Master of Arts in Higher Education at Elon University
The Master of Arts in Higher Education (MHE) offered through the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education builds on the strength of Elon as a national leader in active and engaged learning. Students are immersed in the study of higher education in a student-centered environment rooted in hands-on, experiential learning with a global perspective. Enrollment is full-time in this two-year, 36-hour program that incorporates study away, two internships, a paid apprenticeship, and a capstone project.
Elon’s MHE prepares graduates for leadership roles, ready to advance student learning and improve higher education institutions. In a small cohort of twelve, you will learn and practice the principles for effective education and explore the functions, issues, and strategic priorities within higher education. Graduates will leave the program prepared for diverse roles in colleges, universities and higher education adjacent organizations.
A part-time pathway to complete the Master of Higher Education degree is available for Elon employees.Learn more about the part-time program
Mission
The mission of the Master of Arts in Higher Education Program (MHE) at Elon University is to prepare leaders to create and execute institutional mission, vision, and priorities and support college students in their learning and development in a variety of higher education settings. Graduates will be visionary professionals who think critically about their work as ethical decision makers and advocates for social justice.
Signature Experiences
Master in Higher Education students benefit from the program’s emphasis on:
Experiential Learning
Aligned with Elon’s commitment to experiential learning, the MHE program allows students to gain extensive professional experience, including a two-year paid graduate apprenticeship and two semester-long internships. The combination of the apprenticeship and multiple internships ensures that students graduate from the MHE program with experience in multiple higher education functions.
Study Away
In the second year of the program, students participate in a winter term study away experience. There is no additional charge for this global experience. Elon is ranked as the nation’s top doctoral university for the number of students participating in international study; we are excited to build upon the University’s global commitment in the MHE Program. Learn more about the Elon MHE Study Away
Capstone
All students participate in a capstone project that addresses a vexing issue in higher education. During their final semester in the program, students work in a small teams to conduct research on a real-world challenge presented by an Elon department. Drawing upon their research and the principles of design thinking, teams develop a set of innovative resolutions shared with the campus client and MHE faculty in a culminating presentation.
High Impact Practices
The Association of American Colleges and Universities has identified eleven high impact educational practices shown to be beneficial to students from many backgrounds. Elon has been recognized for excellence in 10. Students learn the theory and application of these high impact practices during a first-year seminar and have opportunities to engage in many of them (diversity/global learning, internships, capstone, etc.) throughout the two-year program.
Professional Development
The MHE program recognizes that professional learning does not stop with completion of a master’s degree; rather, the journey is just beginning. All MHE students receive guidance in the development and implementation of personalized professional development plan. In addition, MHE students receive funding to support their participation in regional and national professional development events.
Monthly Colloquia
All MHE students come together each semester for a colloquia series on “Contemporary Topics in Higher Education.” Elon students, faculty, and professionals and/or invited higher education experts lead these discussion-based seminars.
For more detailed information please refer to our Master in Higher Education Course Catalog