U of A to Offer Online Master's Degree in Community College Leadership

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Aspiring community college leaders in Arkansas and beyond can now enroll in a unique online master’s degree program that addresses the challenges of leading their institutions and supports regional economic development.

The application is open for the Master of Education in Community College Leadership program, which begins in January 2020. This program will help education professionals advance in their careers by learning best practices and gaining administrative insights from a community college perspective.

“There is no undergraduate major for individuals who want to work in a community college,” said Michael Hevel, coordinator of the program. “This degree program provides a professional foundation of evidence-based practices for those who work in community colleges while also creating a network of professional peers across institutions. With the complex mission of the contemporary community college, we wanted to build a program that would help individuals see the big picture of the higher education landscape, while also honing their professional skills.”

Students will learn about the historical development, legal issues, different functions and current challenges of community colleges, while developing the management skills required of higher education leaders.

Alumni will be prepared to help community college students meet their career goals and promote regional economic growth.

“Well-educated community college leaders can have an exponential impact on their institutions’ efforts to educate students and serve local industries. Community colleges can be fast to respond to local needs and are critical in developing a pipeline of an educated workforce,” Hevel said.

Courses will be offered in eight-week sessions designed for full-time, working professionals. The program can be started during any eight-week session and can be completed in as little as two years. No thesis or GRE results are required. The deadline to apply is Dec. 1.

The program, offered by the College of Education and Health Professions, is pending approval of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

About the Global Campus: The Global Campus supports U of A colleges and schools in the development and delivery of online programs and courses. It provides instructional design services, technology services and assistance with marketing, recruiting and strategic academic development.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 2.7 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.