High-Impact Master's Education

Our graduates have had distinguished careers in both academics and administration in Nevada and across the nation. They have held such positions as professor, department chair, program director, financial aid officer, dean, chief diversity officer, university vice president and college president. How you will use the skills and knowledge you acquire in an educational leadership program depends on you.

Application deadline

Applications and all associated documents must be received by the following dates to be considered. Fall Semester: March 31 | Spring Semester: November 15

Explore your potential in Higher Education

The Master of Arts program’s curriculum emphasizes history, diversity, retention, and administration in higher education. The program focuses on general administration in higher education colleges and universities, and includes five core required courses. Students use their electives to specialize in: access, retention, development of college students; or policy, finance, and reform in higher education. All students are expected to complete an internship. 

If you have questions about the program, you may contact Laura Smithers at lsmithers@unr.edu.

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Admission Requirements

  • Letter of Intent/Statement of Purpose
  • Completion of the program application
  • 1-2 page resume
  • Three professional letters of recommendation
  • Qualified in the professional judgment of the program faculty

The specific curriculum requirements are adapted to the professional needs of the student. Students should not enroll in any graduate-level course without first securing the approval of the program that such a course is acceptable toward a selected major or minor.

Program Requirements

Program Hours

A minimum of 30 credits are required. All degree candidates are required to complete one or more research courses. In addition, all students are required to take 1 to 3 credits of comprehensive examination which may be above the 30 credits of approved courses. A maximum of six graduate credits of S/U grades may be applied toward a master's degree.

Program Faculty

Educational Leadership
Alexandra Aylward
Alexandra Aylward , Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership
(775) 682-9078
WRB 4054
1420
Educational Leadership
Ethan Ris
Ethan Ris, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
(775) 682-9374
WRB 4052
1420
Educational Leadership
Jafeth Sanchez
Jafeth Sanchez, Ph.D.
CBESS Co-Director, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership; Director, Latino Research Center
(775) 682-9959
EJCH 100C
1420
Educational Leadership
Laura Smithers
Laura Smithers, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Higher Education Leadership
(775) 682-9372
WRB 4055
1420