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Master's Programs

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Master of Arts in Leadership for Educational Organizations, Leading Change for Student Success in Higher Education

School of Education & Human Development

Overview

Degree: MA

Classroom Type: Fully Online

Prepares you with the practical, applied leadership knowledge needed to transition into roles of increasing responsibility within the field of higher education. This fully online program has a strong focus on equity and social justice and a competitive online tuition rate, making it attractive to Colorado residents and non-residents.

Application​ deadlines


Fall: June 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: April 1

Program Details

Interest Categories: Higher Education Leadership

Campus: CU Denver Online

What you'll learn 

University of Colorado Denver’s MA in Leadership for Educational Organizations: Leading Change for Student Success in Higher Education program is designed for emerging to mid-level professionals from higher education institutions, policy and research organizations, and governmental and non-profit entities desiring to learn more about the overall connections of higher education to students, faculty, administration, other educational partners, and the community.   

The program integrates current issues with historical, philosophical, theoretical, and equity-minded foundations as a basis to discover, explore and effect change in higher education or related organizations.You’ll also have opportunities to connect with some of the nation’s leading higher education experts and organizations through courses, engagements and case studies. All of these experiences will help you evolve as an educational leader in times of disruption and change while achieving new levels of performance. 

Our program graduates are recognized for being strongly prepared and committed to providing culturally informed, equity focused leadership. Upon completing the degree, you’ll be positioned to pursue a wide range of roles within educational organizations, including student and academic affairs, admissions, academic advising, alumni relations, diversity and inclusion roles, and/or to pursue a doctoral degree.  

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development 

You can trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare you for excellence in your career as an educational leader. The university and school are recognized for preparing leaders of distinction who value educational excellence and social justice. Additionally, CU Denver’s School of Education and Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top schools in the country. 

Courses

Ideal for working professionals, our program is designed to fit your schedule. You won’t have to interrupt your career to earn your degree. The 30-hour degree program is delivered in an 8-week online format with planned synchronous activities including a capstone course with an applied focus on learning. The program is designed to allow students to complete in two years. The courses will be offered on a rotating schedule and not every course will be offered each term. Please use the student handbook to plan your program.

Sample Courses

  • EDUC 5060 - Higher Education for a Global World 3 credits
  • EDUC 5500 - Diversity, Inclusion & Social Justice in Higher Education 3 credits
  • EDUC 5652 - Leadership for Equity and Social Justice 3 credits
  • EDUC 5653 - Leadership for Responsive Change 3 credits

Recommended Completion Time:2 years

Required Credits for Completion:30

Admission Requirements


We encourage applications from persons from a variety of sociopolitical identities, such as people representing different races and ethnicites, persons with disabilities, veterans, people who identify as LBGTQ+, and individuals from a variety of religious and spiritual backgrounds. We seek to train educational leaders who can approach student success with integrity, respect, and sensitivity for differences in beliefs, values, and lifestyles. 

Application Deadlines 

Due to the competitive nature of this program, faculty are only able to review complete applications; this includes letters of recommendation, transcripts and all other required elements of the application. In order to secure your application as “complete” in sufficient time for faculty review and consideration, we highly recommend that you submit your application at least one to two months prior to the deadline. Please complete the steps below as early as possible. 

  • Fall semester deadline: June 1 
  • Spring semester deadline: November 1 
  • Summer semester deadline: April 1

Application Requirements 

  • 2 recommendation letters 
  • Official Transcripts from all institutions attended  
  • Resume/CV 
  • Written Statement 
  • $50.00 application fee 
  • Admissions interview: After the initial file review, we will invite prospective students who are moving forward in the process to an individual interview. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom. 
  • International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency

For more information, email education@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-6300.

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