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Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policy


Master of Education in Community College Administration & Instruction (MEd)

Program Coordinator's Welcome

Russell DavisWelcome to the online Master of Education (MEd) in Community College Administration and Instruction at Morgan State University. This 30-credit master's program started in fall 2016. Our mission is to increase diversity in community college administration and leadership by decreasing the pipeline gap for mid-career and senior-level leaders in higher education environments.

We focus on developing globally aware community college personnel empowered to respond, understand, and contribute to the rapidly changing community college environment. Each student cohort begins with two core courses - The American College and Educational Research. Our cohort model supports the development of an enduring professional learning community among students, promoting team building, collaborative problem-solving, and peer support. It is designed to enrich students' experiences and is expected to benefit them throughout their careers.

Morgan State University and the Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policy strive to provide excellence in education through outstanding research, relevant curriculum, and dedicated faculty. We raise awareness of invaluable opportunities to grow in the profession and enhance students' capacity to share their knowledge in the global marketplace.

Dr. Russell Davis

Program Mission

Guided by Morgan State University's Strategic Plan (2011-2021), the Master of Education in Community College Administration and Instruction meets the growing need for advanced degrees for mid-level administrators, student affairs professionals, and instructional leaders in the community college.

Program Emphases

  • Increasing diversity in American community colleges by committing to strengthening the roles and voices of minorities and women.
  • Collaborating with community colleges and community college organizations to form partnerships and initiatives that develop real-world competencies.
  • Developing globally-aware community college leaders who can appropriately respond, understand, and contribute to the rapidly changing world.

Program Benefits

The online delivery and cohort learning model format offers the following benefits:

  • The convenience of online learning allows students to complete coursework from the comfort of home/office, with the assurance that courses will maintain the same high academic standards as traditional on-site courses
  • Access to coursework 24/7 via the user-friendly Blackboard learning platform, which allows assignment submission day, night, and weekends.
  • Matriculation within the cohort model allows for an active learning community that offers support and encouragement.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • A minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended
  • Completed application
  • Personal statement
Competencies

This program is designed to inculcate and develop mastery in the following competencies:

Commitment to the Community College Leadership Career Path
Demonstration of leadership potential through qualifications, described experiences, and a clear explanation of an aspiration to lead in the community college arena

Effective Communication
Demonstration of verbal and non-verbal communication skills appropriate to mid-level leadership a Community College environment

Effective Writing Skills
Demonstration of essential academic writing skills through well-edited, clearly reasoned expression of complex ideas and concepts in APA standard format as evidence of potential for rigorous scholarship and graduate-level writing

Academic Potential
Demonstration of ability, resilience, and motivation to be successful in a rigorous demanding academic environment through examples of professional achievements, risk-taking, and personal success stories of overcoming obstacles

Critical Thinking
Demonstration of the ability to think critically in professional settings through experience in complex situations that require creative thinking, entrepreneurial thinking, analytical problem solving, team-building, strategic planning, negotiation, and decision making

Potential for Leadership
Demonstration of potential for leadership of an institution of higher education with evidence conveying the ability and interest in evolving into a senior educational leader

Contact Information

Dr. Russell Davis, Master's Program Coordinator
russell.davis@morgan.edu
443 885 4495

Dr. Earlene Roberts, Student Support Specialist
earlene.roberts@morgan.edu
443 885 4229

FAQs

Are your courses accredited?
Yes, Morgan State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; the online master’s program is also sanctioned by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

Can I complete my entire master's degree online?
Yes, the online Master of Education in Community College Administration and Instruction is fully available online. However, it is important to remember that courses are offered on an annual basis (see Course Sequence), so it is extremely important that students persist from one five-week session or eight-week course to the next.

How do the online courses differ from the courses offered on Morgan's campus or other face-to-face classes?
Coursework is completed online, via the internet. In the online environment, students are not required to be at a certain place at a certain time. While assignment deadlines need to be met, students can complete their work at a time and location that is convenient to them. However, course content, program standards, and student excellence are standard throughout the program.

How does learning take place in an online environment?
Learning in online courses is a student responsibility and requires a great deal of personal motivation. Faculty facilitators are there to help but students are responsible for their own learning. Students have a variety of ways to demonstrate learning: in written assignments, participation in online discussions, collaborating with colleagues, group projects, tests (rarely), and various other presentation/multimedia assignments that are evaluated by instructors.

What educational platform does the university use?
The online educational platform that Morgan uses is Blackboard, a highly integrated, accessible and user friendly learning management system which supports students with a variety of personal challenges. The goal of Bb "is to make learning more desirable, accessible, and meaningful for learners.”

Are there online library resources?
Yes, the Earl S. Richardson Library provides services that students can access from off-campus locations.

What kind of support is available from faculty and academic advisors?
Faculty members designate their office hours, as well as how they prefer to be contacted. The Student Support Specialist is also a resource for students. These individuals provide each student with guidance throughout the program.

Where can I find the University's Academic Calendar?
To find the academic calendar click here: academic calendar.

Why does the program use a cohort learning model?
The Educational Leadership Learning and Cohort Model creates an environment that prepares students to work collaboratively in teams to research trends and issues. Moreover, the cohort model is a proven asset to students pursuing fast paced and highly dynamic online courses. The personal support that emanates from the cohort model increases student persistence and leads to higher program completion levels by encouraging and sustaining a vibrant student learning community.

How long will it take me to complete my program?
Our data indicate two years is the average completion time for the MEd degree program.

What are the degree requirements?
The program requires completion of 30 credit hours, including an internship or practicum. Previously completed credits may not be used to reduce the minimum credit-hour requirements. All candidates must select a specialized internship or practicum in a community college. The internship must be approved by the Program Coordinator prior to beginning the internship. All requirements for the MEd degree in Community College Administration and Instruction must be completed within a period of five consecutive years. The granting of a leave of absence by the School of Graduate Studies does not automatically extend the time limit.

How do I apply?
Graduate Online Program applications must go through the Graduate School: Official online application for Morgan State University 

How do I register for classes?
Your User ID number and PIN (distributed by the Grad School after application and acceptance to the program) will allow you to access your Morgan Online Services. For additional assistance with registration contact Dr. Earlene Roberts at 443-885-4496.

Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available to students based on need. Students interested in financial aid should complete the FAFSA form and identify Morgan State University as the university of choice (002083). For more information contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Are the costs the same for taking online courses as for taking traditional classes?
The cost structure is the same for face-to-face and online courses; differences come by in-state or out-of-state designations. For online students, out-of-state tuition can turn to in-state tuition under the auspices of the SREB (Southern Regional Education Board), with whom we have an agreement. If your state does NOT have a university that offers an online Master's Degree Program in Community College Administration and Instruction, a letter can be submitted for in-state tuition. For information regarding tuition, fees, billing and payments, visit the Office of the Bursar.

Is there a graduation ceremony for online learners?
Online students are welcome to participate in the university commencement which is held twice a year. Students are eligible to graduate in May or December.

As an online learner, is the degree I earn from Morgan State University an "online" degree?
No, the degree that is earned is the same degree earned by all students pursuing the Master of Education degree at Morgan. Morgan State University is one of only four public, Carnegie-classified Master's Research Institutions in the State of Maryland offering a dedicated, world-class faculty and an ethnically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse student body.

Is there help available online from Morgan State University in case I run into technical problems?
For technical support students contact Technology Services. For other frequently asked questions regarding the Help Desk, Email, Passwords, WEBSIS, Blackboard, the Network or Computer Labs, contact the Help Desk at 443-885-4357.

Who teaches the online courses?
The online courses are taught by faculty who teach face-to-face courses at Morgan State University. Courses are taught by subject-matter experts and full-time faculty members are Quality Matters certified. All faculty teaching in the program, whether full-time or adjunct, hold terminal degrees (doctorates) in their areas of expertise.

Is the online option only for U.S. residents and U.S. citizens? 
MSU has students from around the world in our online education programs.

Tuition Costs

For Graduate Tuition Information click on the following link: Tuition and Fees

Course Sequence

Master of Education in Community College Administration and Instruction
Coursework Sequence

Year I CORE REQUIREMENTS
EDHE 600 The American Community College -- Fall
EDSR 604 Introduction to Educational Research -- Fall
EDHE 601 Leadership and Administration of Community Colleges -- Spring
EDHE 609 Issues in Community Colleges: Social Justice/Equity -- Spring
EDHE 604 Community College Finance and Budgeting -- Spring

Year II ADMINISTRATION CONCENTRATION
EDHE 606 The Learning College -- Fall
ASLP 601 Politics of Higher Education -- Fall
ASLJ 601 Legal Aspects of Education -- Fall

Year II STUDENT AFFAIRS CONCENTRATION
EDHE 607 Student Development in Community Colleges -- Fall
EDHE 725 The American Community College Student -- Fall
EDHE 606 The Learning College -- Fall

Year II CAPSTONE SEQUENCE REQUIREMENT
EDHE 617 Community College Internships -- Spring (15 weeks)

*Course Sequence Subject to Change or Update.

Degree Pathways

Option 1
Student Affairs/Services
Required Courses (Core) = 9 credits
Student Affairs/Services Courses = 15 credits

Option 2
Mid-level Administration
Required Courses (Core) = 9 credits
Leadership & Administration Courses = 15 credits

Option 3
Teaching & Learning in the American Community College
Required Coureses (Core) = 9 credits
Courses in Instruction = 15 credits

Final Requirement
Internship/Research = 6 credits