Master of Education in Higher Education (Higher Education Administration and Leadership Field)

Master of Education in Higher Education (Higher Education Administration and Leadership Field) Overview
The Master of Education in Higher Education is a course-based, professional degree designed primarily for higher education professionals seeking to advance their understanding of the issues confronting their institution and the postsecondary system. It best serves students seeking research-informed knowledge on how colleges and universities work in order to pursue or advance administration and policy careers related to higher education.
Within the MEd program, the field in Higher Education Administration and Leadership is specifically designed for professionals working in higher education at entry to mid-levels, who seek to build their careers in higher education. With a focus on administration and leadership skills for both college and university contexts, the field aims to complement administrators’ understanding of their field and allow for greater collaboration across both college and university sectors.
Students move through the Higher Education field as a cohort and register part-time. Classes are generally offered in person and in a compressed format to suit working professionals. While the program may offer some courses online, a student may only take less than one-third of their courses online.
This field is offered part-time only and applicants are accepted every other year
For detailed information about the program, please consult the .
At a Glance
Mode of Delivery
In person
Program Length
Part-time (10 sessions)
Time Limit
6 years part-time (10 sessions)
Funding and Tuition
For current information about tuition fees, funding, and financial support, visit Tuition & Financial Support.
Deadlines
Applications for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle are now Open. Apply Today !!
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Why I Chose Leadership, Adult & Higher Education

Henry Ssali (Master of Arts 2019)
Founder and Executive Director, University of Toronto African Alumni Association
"ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø has one of the most vibrant student communities in the entire University of Toronto. As a public relations professional and community leader, I see it reflected in the number of campus clubs and associations ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø students participate in on a regular basis."
Master of Education in Higher Education Admission Requirements
General Admission Requirements
Please visit the ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø Admissions website for detailed information about the application process, including general minimum admission requirements and supporting documents.
Program Specific Information
- Applicants are admitted under the .
- An appropriate bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B or better in the final year.
All applicants must submit:
- Transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended.
- Two letters of reference (one academic and one professional).
- Resumé that provides clear and complete information about the applicant's work or field experience related to their proposed studies.
- Answers to faculty admissions questions (applicants are to answer each question in an essay format).
If you are applying to a specific MEd field such as Student Development and Student Services, Higher Education in the Professions, or the Higher Education Administration and Leadership Field, please indicate in your statement. If you are interested in a collaborative specialization, please also indicate in your statement.
Your statement should address the following:
- Describe your relevant academic background, professional experiences, community service and other relevant experiences and how they relate to your chosen program. Why is this program a good fit for you? Why are you a good fit for the program? Our strongest candidates speak to specific academic interests and professional experiences, rather than a love of education broadly. If your academic background is not in education or a related social science field, you are encouraged to describe how your experiences have prepared you for the program. (300 words)
- Indicate how your academic interests align with the course offerings of the Higher Education program. You may also wish to mention courses you would like to take and why they interest you. (200 words)
- Please speak to your academic and professional goals and how pursuing the MEd in Higher Education will advance these goals. (300 words)
- The Higher Education Program seeks to maintain a diverse, inclusive, and engaged learning community. Please identify any unique or special contributions you will bring to this community. (200 words)
- Is there any additional information you want to share with the Admissions Committee that will inform their review of your application? (200 words max)
Program Information
Coursework
Students must successfully complete a total of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
- LHA1803H Recurring Issues in Postsecondary Education (0.5 FCE), to be taken at the beginning of the program.
- LHA1809H Administration of Colleges and Universities
- LHA1811H Organizational Change in Higher Education.
- LHA1815H Economics and Finance of Higher Education.
- LHA1836H Critical Analysis of Research in Higher Education.
- LHA1847H Diversity in Higher Education Administration and Leadership
- LHA1860H Higher Education Administration and Leadership Capstone
- 1.5 FCEs in elective courses.
Collaborative specializations provide graduate students enrolled in participating degree programs with an additional multidisciplinary experience as they complete their home degree program.
Learn more about the collaborative specializations offered to students in this program:
Faculty in the Higher Education program have multi-disciplinary teaching and research expertise in a wide range of fields.
Our faculty's expertise includes, but is not limited to:
- Higher education, globalization and neoliberalism
- Comparative higher education and international academic relations
- Educational leadership and change
- Higher education policy and politics in Canada
- Minoritization in postsecondary institutions
- Indigenous college student experience
- Politics in higher education
- Sociology of knowledge
Ready to join one of the world’s top universities?
Take the next step in your academic journey and start your application to graduate studies at ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø.