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Master of Education Degree Application Process

Application Steps

Applying to the M.Ed. program involves applying to both the University of Arkansas Graduate School and the Higher Education Program.

  1. Apply for admission to the U of A Graduate School
  2. Apply for admission to the Higher Education Master of Education Degree Program
  3. Apply for graduate assistantships

You can complete all steps at the same time. You do not need to wait to receive notice from the university before proceeding to the next step of the process. Please see below for additional details on each step.

First, apply for admission to the Graduate School

  • Complete an Application for Admission and pay a $60 non-refundable application fee.
  • Uploading transcripts.
    • For evaluation purposes, an unofficial copy of transcript(s) are acceptable. Instructions for uploading transcript(s) will be sent after the application is processed. If admitted, official transcripts with degree confirmation will be required.
  • The GRE is not required for admission.

Second, apply for admission to the Higher Education Master of Education Degree Program

  • Completing a Higher Education Master’s Program Application for Admission (found on your application portal after completing Graduate School Application)
  • Submit a Statement of Interest
    • We recommend a document that is approximately three pages in length to share about your interest in pursing a career in the field of Higher Education/Student Affairs, why you are interested in the UofA HIED M.Ed. program specifically, explaining your educational and career goals, and anything else you would like the admission committee to know about you and why you are applying.
  • Submit a current resume or curriculum vita
  • Submit a writing sample demonstrating your best writing
    • There is no required page length or format, but most applicants submit a document they have recently written that is approximately five pages in the form of an academic paper or workplace document that best demonstrates their ability to succeed in writing at the graduate level.
  • Secure three supporting recommendations (may include written letters in lieu of the Graduate School's automated reference letter system)
    • Either enter the references on the Graduate School Application for Admission or send them on the Higher Education Program Recommendation Form (PDF).
    • We recommend including a reference from at least one student affairs professional, as well as one reference from a faculty member who can provide insight on your academic ability and work in a classroom setting.

These materials should be sent to clrmgrad@uark.edu.

The admission decision is based on an evaluation of all admission criteria submitted by the applicant.

Third, apply for Graduate Assistantships

GA opportunities are listed with the Division of Student Affairs and Human Resources.

The Division of Student Affairs Graduate Assistantships section has information on GA Interview Days. The GA application process is separate from the academic program application process. GA Interview Day will be announced each January.

Deadlines

  • Fall/Summer Early Admission — Jan. 15
  • Fall/Summer Admission — June 15
  • Spring Admission — Nov. 15

Financial Aid & Scholarships

The College of Education and Health Professions offers several scholarship opportunities each academic year.

The Academic Scholarship Office has many resources available to students looking for financial aid. Including: a Guide to Outside Scholarships and scholarships offered by the University of Arkansas.

Graduate Assistantships are another wonderful way to offset the cost of graduate school. Many graduate assistants are given a tuition waiver, earn a monthly stipend, and have professional development funds.

Prerequisites for admission to the M.Ed. degree program in Higher Education

  • An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • A minimum overall 3.00 grade-point average or a 3.00 GPA on the last 60 hours of course work attempted
    • Conditional Admission: Applicants who do not meet the GPA guideline may qualify for admission by special consideration after the program completes a holistic file review. Applicants are encouraged to address their GPA in their personal statement portion of the application.

Additional M.Ed. Program Admission Information

Successful Candidates. The Higher Education M.Ed. degree program is seeking students, both traditional and non-traditional, with outstanding credentials, including evidence of leadership and/or work experience; and excellent references. Attributes, experiences, interests, and characteristics of an applicant that would serve to enhance the diversity of our students are especially valued. In addition, the faculty is seeking a balanced and diverse group of students who will become future leaders in the field of higher education.

Conditional Admission. Only in unusual situations will candidates with a GPA below 3.00 be considered, and these candidates may or may not be allowed to hold Graduate Assistantships, if offered.

Students applying from other nations may have further questions. They should refer to Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective International Students.

For questions concerning the application process, please contact:
Sandra Ward, Coordinator of Graduate Student Services
clrmgrad@uark.edu
479-575-4188

For questions concerning the Higher Education Master's Degree Program, please contact:
Leslie Jo Shelton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Higher Education
ljshelto@uark.edu
479-575-4873