Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership
Online Application:
-
The University of San Diego Graduate School Admission Application and $45 application fee
- Upload the following to submit your online application
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Recommenders’ Contact Information
- Upload the following to submit your online application
Transcripts:
An official transcript from the university where you earned your bachelor’s degree is required at the time of application.
Note:
- Official E-Transcripts are acceptable only if emailed to grads@sandiego.edu.
- Transcripts from study abroad courses and transfer credits are not required.
Degrees Earned Outside of the United States:
- Students who earned their bachelor’s degree from an institution outside the United States must submit a course-by-course degree evaluation must submit a course-by-course degree evaluation at the time of application. Applicants can elect from:
- Applications for students educated outside the United States will not be considered complete nor can an admissions decision be made until this degree evaluation has been submitted.
Letters of Recommendation:
- A minimum of two professional letters of recommendation from professors or employers
Resumé:
- Current resumé or curriculum vitae
Statement of Purpose:
- A 500-word maximum statement of purpose: Please include a brief narrative describing yourself, your career goals and the importance of graduate study at this point in your life. In addition, please address how diversity, inclusion, and social justice influence who you are today and how you would approach your work in higher education. You may discuss influences on your intellectual development, education and cultural opportunities (or lack thereof), and the ways in which these experiences have affected you. This should not be a recording of facts already listed on the application; it should give the Admissions Committee a better sense of who you are and why you are applying to graduate school at the University of San Diego. If you are in a graduate program at another university, please explain why you wish to leave.
English Proficiency Exam for International Applicants:
- Official score reports for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of all international applicants and may only be waived if English is the applicant’s primary language or if he or she obtained a bachelor’s degree in the U.S., Great Britain, Canada or Australia.
- TOEFL minimum scores:
- Internet-based test: 83
- Computer-based test: 237
- Paper-based test: 580
- IELTS minimum score:
- Band score 7
- TOEFL minimum scores:
Education Requirements:
- Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the program. Applicants may apply prior to completing their bachelor's degree. In this case, please submit your most up-to-date transcripts, and if admitted, submit a second set of official transcripts after your degree is conferred.
- The minimum cumulative grade point average is 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
- This program does not have any specific prerequisite courses.
Experience Requirements:
Professional experience is recommended, but not required to gain admission.
Students entering the University of San Diego and/or declaring a major during 2020-2021, should follow information contained in the printed course catalog (also known as the "catalog of record") published on April 1, 2020. Access the catalog of record at https://catalogs.sandiego.edu.
Program Requirements
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Leadership Core | 12 | |
LEAD 550 | Integral Leadership Theory | 3 |
LEAD 551 | Human Relations for Leaders | 3 |
LEAD 555 | Ethical Leadership for Global Social Justice | 3 |
LEAD 559 | Organizational Theory and Change | 3 |
Research Requirement | 6 | |
LEAD 547 | Action Research Methods I | 3 |
LEAD 552 | Action Research Methods Seminar I | 1.5 |
LEAD 553 | Action Research Methods Seminar II | 1.5 |
Higher Education Core | 12 | |
LEAD 569 | Making Meaning and the Collegiate Experience | 3 |
Select 9 units from the following: | 9 | |
LEAD 565 | Dynamics of Race, Gender and Culture in Higher Education | 3 |
LEAD 540 | Introduction to Restorative Justice: A Global Social Movement | 3 |
LEAD 568I | Global Perspectives in Higher Education | 3 |
LEAD 571 | History and Philosophy of Higher Education | 3 |
LEAD 576 | Community College Leadership | 3 |
LEAD 577 | Higher Education Policy | 3 |
LEAD 578 | Higher Education Administration | 3 |
LEAD 582 | Women in Higher Education Leadership Summit (WHELS): Professional development and conferences | 3 |
LEAD 594 | Higher Education Professional Development Seminar (may take for a total of 3 units to meet this requirement) | 1.5 |
Internship (Practical Experience) | 3 | |
LEAD 594 | Higher Education Professional Development Seminar (must take for a total of 3 units to meet this requirement) | 1.5 |
OR | ||
LEAD 598 | Leadership Internship | 3 |
Students may take a maximum of 6 units of LEAD 594. 3 units may be counted towards the HE Core, and 3 units may be counted towards the Internship requirement. | ||
Electives | 3 | |
Electives are selected in consultation with an advisor from USD’s graduate programs. |
International Requirement
At SOLES, all masters and doctoral students participate in an international experience designed to support the growth of cultural competency. Our goal is to inform best practices in working with culturally diverse populations locally, nationally and globally. International experiences are approved by each student's faculty advisor and can be credit based or non-credit based activities.
Exit Requirement
Action Research Project or Action Research Thesis (please consult advisor and student handbook for specific requirements)
Deadlines
All application materials must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions by the final deadline in order for your application to be considered for admission.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Review tuition rates, fees, and financial aid opportunities to start investing in yourself.
Status and Decisions
To confirm that application materials have been received, please log into the MySanDiego portal or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at (619) 260-4524. Admissions decision letters are sent via US Mail.
Submit all supplemental materials to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
University of San Diego, Manchester Hall 105
5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, CA 92110-2492
grads@sandiego.edu
For questions about the admissions contact:
SOLES Office of Admissions and Outreach
Mother Rosalie Hill Hall 143
(619) 260-7988
solesadmissions@sandiego.edu
Advising Appointments