HUNTSVILLE — Sam Houston State University is taking a unique approach in helping students get a Master of Arts degree with a major in higher education administration, by being the first public college in Texas to offer the program online.

The Texas State University System Board of Regents and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recently gave final approval for the program, and courses specific to the online master’s program will be available this spring.

“We’ve had a lot of interest already,” said Sheila Joyner, assistant professor and coordinator for higher education programs in the College of Education.

The graduate program in higher education administration will prepare students for administrative positions in middle management and other educational leadership positions at colleges and universities and for further doctoral study.

It focuses on areas such as higher education resource development, planning, use of technology, leadership and student services.

“A majority of the students who will be interested are already working,” said Joyner. “They need the master’s degree for promotion so they can move up the chain.”

Joyner added an online program is essential for these students because their work schedules often make it impossible for them to attend a face-to-face program.

While the program offers a unique opportunity for SHSU students, it may also come as good news to other colleges and universities across the state, which may soon find themselves short-staffed.  

According to the American Association of Community Colleges, community colleges are in transition due to numerous retirements of administrators, and The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook handbook, 2010-11 Edition, predicts that there will be a limited pool of qualified applicants to fill these mid-level administrative positions.

To be considered for many of the jobs, such as director of admissions or director of student affairs, a master’s or doctoral degree in education administration is required.

The completion of the Master of Arts degree with a major in higher education administration will give students the qualifications they need to apply for these positions.

The program requires 30-graduate hours including a 150-hour practicum.

Those interested can apply online through Apply Texas, at https://www.applytexas.org/adappc/gen/c_start.WBX. The spring application deadline is Dec. 1.

For more information, contact the education leadership and counseling office at (936) 294-1147.