“The peer-to-peer learning is very active in the HIED program, so making valuable connections with other students is really important. They may even be your future colleagues in the industry. I learned so much from the other students in this program because many of the classes are discussion-based. Additionally, taking advantage of all the events that the Higher Education Council puts on will help build your professional portfolio and confidence.”
Stephanie Spitz, Current Student
Program Mission
The Masters in Higher Education (HIED) is a two (2) year hybrid graduate program that equips current and future college and university leaders with relevant knowledge and practitioner-based skill to problem solve through an equity and social justice lens.
Core Values Statement
The Masters in Higher Education (HIED) graduate program challenges students’ competencies related to equitable leadership and administration through critical thinking in curriculum and instruction anchored in Diversity, Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice.
Admissions Requirements
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to apply for a graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
Transcript
One from each college attended
Essays/Personal Statement
In Short Answer Questions (250-350 words each), thoughtfully discuss each of the areas identified below:
- What draws you to the Higher Education program at Montclair State University?
- What are your areas of interest within Higher Education?
- The College for Education and Engaged Learning at Montclair State University values diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
- Why do diversity and social justice matter in the field of higher education?
- Please highlight strengths that will make you an excellent graduate student within our program, as well as explain any areas of relative weakness in your application.
Resume
Required.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are encouraged, but not required.
*Only documents (Essay, Transcript, Resumes/CV’s, and Letter(s) of recommendation) submitted via your application portal will be accepted
International Applicants
The Office of Global Engagement at Montclair State University is available to assist international students through every stage of the journey from new applicant through to graduation.
If you are still completing your last semester of study at a university, or have completed your bachelor’s degree, you may apply for admission as an international graduate student.
Deadlines for International Students
Fall/(August )semester: June 1*
Spring/(January) semester: November 1*
*International applicants are required to have their F-1/ J-1 (student visa) to attend classes at Montclair State University. This process is tedious and may take an extensive time to be processed. International students currently in the U.S. may have additional flexibility.
Transcripts and Transcript Evaluation
The Office of Graduate Admissions does not evaluate international transcripts. In lieu of a transcript, applicants with a non-U.S. degree must submit a course-by-course evaluation of their academic record. We accept evaluations from any NACES member organization. If you do not have or plan to obtain a transcript evaluation, you should upload your unofficial transcripts to your portal for further consideration*.
*Note: starting Spring 2023, the Office of Graduate Admissions will offer a limited number of free transcript evaluations for eligible F-1 and J-1 visa applicants who complete their application before the application deadline. After the application is completed (with exception of the transcript evaluation), students will receive an email with their next steps to request this service. We will review all requests received to determine eligibility and will notify the applicants accordingly.
For more information on the admissions criteria for international student applicants please visit the Office of Global Engagement & International Graduate Applicants landing page.
Contact
If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions:
Email: graduate@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
If you have any questions regarding the Masters in Higher Education Graduate Program, please contact the Master in Higher Education Program:
Email: highered@montclair.edu
Telephone: (Department of Educational Leadership): 973-655-5015
Along with the Higher Education (MA) degree, the department also offers the following options for graduate study: Educational Leadership (MA), Educational Leadership (MA – Online), Educational Leadership (MA – Fast Track), and an Educational Assessment certificate.
