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Master of Arts in Higher Education

Two students talking at OISE Orientation.
Master of Arts in Higher Education

Master of Arts in Higher Education Overview

Are you curious about higher education as a field of study? Do you want to gain research skills and apply them to issues related to colleges and universities?

This research-stream program best serves those seeking the knowledge and skills needed to pursue administrative and policy careers related to higher education. It also prepares students to pursue doctoral studies in higher education and related fields.

We welcome applicants with diverse but relevant backgrounds.

For detailed information about the program, please consult the .

At a Glance

Study Options
Full-time (6 sessions)
Part-time (10 sessions)
Coursework & Thesis

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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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 OISE.

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Have questions about our program, admissions, financial support or career options after graduation? Our team has the answer you’re looking for. Contact us for one-on-one support.

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Why I Chose Leadership, Adult & Higher Education

Henry Ssali, OISE Alumni.
Henry Ssali (Master of Arts 2019)

Founder and Executive Director, University of Toronto African Alumni Association

"OISE 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 OISE students participate in on a regular basis."

Master of Arts in Higher Education Admission Requirements

General Admission Requirements

Please visit the OISE Â¥·ïÌìÌà website for detailed information about the application process, including general minimum admission requirements and supporting documents. 

 

Program-Specific Information 

 

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).
  • Provide written evidence of your ability to define a research question or problem, devise a research design, and analyze and report research findings - all in an academically rigorous manner. This sample of written work may be an undergraduate thesis, long essays or papers written for undergraduate courses, reports and studies written as part of employment, or other documents that demonstrate the ability to conduct research at the master's degree level.

Applicants are to answer each question in an essay format (bullet points are not acceptable).

  • Please address the following (2000 words max):
    • Describe your relevant academic background, professional experiences, community service and any 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.
    • Highlight your research interests and/or state the research question you wish to investigate. You should highlight how your proposed research relates to the course offerings and expertise of faculty in the Higher Education program. You may want to cite core scholars that orient your research in this field.
    • Discuss any prior research experiences, graduate studies, or relevant skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for a research-stream program. For example, mention any prior conference presentations, publications, advocacy work, or other forms of knowledge dissemination.
    • Please speak to your academic and professional goals and how pursuing a doctoral degree in Higher Education will advance these goals.
    • 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.
  • Indicate the faculty member(s) you would like to work with in the program and why. How will the faculty member’s expertise and/or area of study support your proposed research and/or area of study? Note: you do not need to secure a supervisor prior to applying. Please visit the Higher Education website and read through faculty profile. (1500 words max)
  • If applicable - If you will have funding from your home government, international organization or funding agencies, please provide details (Name of funding agency, value and duration). (1500 words max)

Program Information

Coursework

Students must complete 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • Doctoral Seminar: Recurring Issues in Postsecondary Education (LHA 3803H, 0.5 FCE)
    • To be taken at the beginning of the program.
  • 0.5 FCE in research methods approved by the faculty advisor.
  • 3.0 other FCEs, of which 1.5 FCEs must be from the Higher Education program.
     
Thesis

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

Regrettably, our Full-Time Funded Master of Arts program cannot accept International applicants at this time.  However, the Department may consider applications from international applicants where home governments, international organizations or funding agencies can provide them with funding. The funding must minimally have the value and duration of the graduate funding package that is offered and should be indicated on the application. Please review the Graduate Funding Package website

International students are invited to apply to the Part-Time Master of Arts program or the Master of Education (Full-Time or Part-Time) program. Any international applications for the Full-Time MA program will automatically be redirected to the Full-Time M.Ed. program for consideration.

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 OISE.