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 School of Graduate Studies Calendar.
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 !!
Apply
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.
Speak with our Team
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.
Attend an Info Session
We host information sessions, open houses and tours throughout the year. Come discover what it's like to study at OISE. Explore campus and meet our community.
Why I Chose Leadership, Adult & Higher Education
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 Admissions website for detailed information about the application process, including general minimum admission requirements and supporting documents.
Program-Specific Information (Minimum Admission Requirements)
- Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.
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An appropriate bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B or better in the final year.
Required Supporting Documents
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).
- Written evidence of 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.
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.
