Higher Education Administration
Engage. Practice. Lead.
About the Program
The mission of the University of Cincinnati Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Program is to prepare excellent leaders and policymakers who seek to generate, test, and share new knowledge for the transformation and improvement of both K-12 Education and Higher Education. We seek to embody the principles of Social Justice, Diversity, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Reflective Practice in authentic and tangible ways in all aspects of our practice and study.
Program Objectives
- Pursuing the Master's degree will create the opportunity for you to:
- Learn in a flexible environment that includes on campus and online class offerings
- Gain contextual knowledge and applicable leadership skills in Higher Education Administration for the next step in your career
- Address real world challenges and issues in Higher Education
- Tuition Remission is available for all UC Employees
Delivery and Format
The Higher Education Administration concentration in the Education Studies degree program requires 30 credit hours with courses offered in multiple formats including online, hybrid, or in-person on the Uptown Campus. Courses are offered through the Educational Leadership & Policy Studies program in CECH’s School of Education. Departments of Educational Administration in the College of Education. Part-time students are often able to complete the program in 2 years. Full-time students typically complete the program in one year.
After Graduation
The vast majority of our students move into a career related to higher education within a few months of graduation. Preparation for a career in Higher Education Administration is designed through a combination of coursework, guided experiences, and a master’s project or thesis. Students can tailor a focus of study that best serves their professional aspirations. MA-HEA students, together with their advisor, design a program of study thoughtfully fitted to their individual interests and professional goals.
Examples of career areas include:
- Student Affairs Administration
- General Administration
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Admission & Enrollment Management
- Institutional Advancement
- Community Colleges
- University systems
- Foundations and associations
Core Faculty
Everrett A Smith
Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator, CECH Education
610P Teachers College
901-857-9996
Dr. Everrett Smith serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at the University of Cincinnati where he teaches courses on higher education governance, policy, and finance. He also leads the Educational Leadership & Policy Studies program and the Higher Education Administration concentration in the Educational Studies master's degree program. With student success at the center of his work, much of Dr. Smith’s research contributes to a new understanding of the factors that influence governance decisions and organizational behavior at public colleges and universities. This work includes exploring trustee, faculty, and student involvement in the shared governance process, and policy, financial, and political decision-making at institutional and state levels. Most recently, Dr. Smith’s research has extended to community colleges with a particular examination of the solicitation, development, and use of private resource allocations for two-year institutions. In addition, his research agenda also considers other government and non-profit organizations. Previously, Dr. Smith served as Director of Assessment for the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Arkansas and has multiple years of experience in higher education administration including student affairs and enrollment management. He also taught and substitute taught in the Memphis City School system. He was a Southern Regional Education Board Doctoral Award recipient and completed his doctoral studies in public policy specializing in higher education policy at the University of Arkansas. He is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, attended Middle Tennessee State University for his bachelor’s degree, and attended the University of Memphis for graduate school. Some of his work can be found in the Community College Journal of Research and Practice, Journal of Higher Education Theory & Practice, Journal of Applied Research in the Community College, Journal of Academic Administration in Higher Education, and the College Student Affairs Journal.
Antar Akari Tichavakunda
Assistant Professor, CECH Education
Teachers College
513-556-3600
Suzanne Marie White
Instructor - Adjunct Ann, CECH Education
Teachers College
513-556-3600
Suzie worked in program development at PeerForwad, a non-profit organization with the mission of increasing the college enrollment rate of low-income students. She then was a high school college counselor and teacher at a Cristo Rey school. Most recently she was the Executive Vice President of Leadership Scholars, where she developed and ran the mentoring and parent programs that served over 50 schools, churches, and community centers. She conducts professional development for superintendents, principals, and teachers, and partners with community leaders to improve the education of marginalized students. Suzie sits on the Cincinnati Regional Business Committee’s Education Committee, which provides business leadership in support of high-quality educational opportunities to strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness. She has also served on the planning committee for the College Board Forum.
Accreditation
The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.