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An alumna with students: Pursue a Master of Education degree in Student Affairs at Regent University.

M.Ed. in Higher Education

Create Supportive Solutions Through a Master’s in Higher Education

You’re shaping a better future for your students. Invest in brighter possibilities for you too. Regent’s Master of Education – Higher Education program provides advanced training for higher education professionals invested in the social development of students and how that influences their academic and future success. Explore legal and business aspects of higher education in areas such as career counseling, residence life, orientation, admissions, financial aid, and dean’s office as you prepare for career advancement.

Online
30
August 25, 2025
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INCREASE YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL

Capitalize on a higher salary and better benefits.

CREATE ENGAGING ENVIRONMENTS

Help students develop and grow in a dynamic community.

EXPAND YOUR CAREER PATH

Enjoy leadership opportunities in a variety of employment areas.

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE THROUGH AN M.ED. Higher Education PROGRAM

Experience Regent ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report for four years (2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023). Its programs have also been recognized among the top 10 online graduate education programs in Virginia for 11 years in a row (2013-2023). Regent graduates are empowered to make a difference in lives, which has led to more than 900 alumni being recognized as Teachers of the Year in Hampton Roads since 2004.

Presented from a Christian worldview, the M.Ed. in Higher Education program is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

On completing the Master of Education – Higher Education degree, you can:

  • Understand the developmental needs of students and create supportive solutions.
  • Help create successful student service programs that enhance the learning experience.
  • Apply strategic planning techniques that improve the social development of students.

Career Opportunities

  • Academic Advisor
  • Admissions/Financial Aid Specialist
  • Orientation/First Year Experience Administrator
  • Residence Life/Student Housing Specialist
  • Student Activities/Development Leader
Top10
Best Online Graduate Education Programs in Virginia Niche, 2024
Table listing featured courses with course code, name, and credit hours.
EHEA 501The College & the Student3
An examination of issues relevant to college students. Topics may include intellectual growth, moral development, values, career choice, psychosocial changes, and the role of extracurricular activities. Cross-listed with EHEA 801.
EHEA 504Student Services Administration3
An examination of the historical underpinnings of student affairs, the numerous departments under student affairs, the administrative interaction between student affairs and other university departments, and administrative theory relevant to the student affairs administrator.
EHEA 595Professional Field Experience3
On-site training provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and develop an understanding of the relationship between theory and practice, as well as, to develop and refine professional and personal competencies and attitudes important to effective student affairs professionals. To be completed in an approved educational setting under the supervision of the internship coordinator and a qualified site supervisor with a required minimum of 100 hours of work and participation in an online internship seminar. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.
EHEA 602Role & Mission of the Christian College & University3
Centers on the need for the continuance of Christian colleges and universities in a post-Christian culture. Particular emphasis will be placed on the strategies, objectives and goals that can best insure the future continuance of the spiritual mission and Orthodox beliefs of Christian colleges and Universities. Cross-listed with EHEA 702.
EHEA 603Essential Student Affairs Counseling & Support Skills3
Foundational knowledge, perspectives, and skills essential to student affairs in a higher education setting. Theoretical practical, and ethical considerations of helping techniques will be examined and applied. Fundamental aspects of confidential counseling, academic advising, and career development are explored.

Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 9Monday, August 19
Session MFriday, September 6Monday, September 16
Session BFriday, October 11Monday, October 21
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session TFriday, January 31Monday, February 10
Session DFriday, March 7Monday, March 17
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12
Session FFriday, June 13Monday, June 23

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5856$3,510
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8206$4,920
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8203$2,460
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8203$2,460

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5859$5,265
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8209$7,380
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8206$4,920
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8206$4,920

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$900 (Fall & Spring)
$750 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$750

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5656$3,390
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8003$2,400
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8003$2,400

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5659$5,085
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8009$7,200
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8006$4,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Faculty

Dr. Barbee is the concentration chair for Higher Education and is committed to your success.

Dr. Dawn Barbee is currently an associate professor, full-time faculty member, and program director for the M.A. in Higher Education and Ph.D. and Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration and Leadership programs in the School of Education.

Dr. Barbee’s educational background includes an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Management from Regent University, an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Regent University and a bachelor’s in economics and music from the University of Mary Washington.

With over 15 years of experience in teaching and administration in university settings, Dr. Barbee is a strong higher education professional. Her teaching experience encompasses the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels in the areas of biblical studies, ministry, leadership, and higher education. While at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Dr. Barbee held the position of Assistant Professor of Leadership and served as the Director of the Center for Global Leadership, where she oversaw the development and implementation of academic programs such as PBA Lead, an undergraduate leadership development program. She also served as Campus Registrar at the University of Valley Forge Virginia Campus. Outside academe, Dr. Barbee worked on staff as the Associate Director of Adult Spiritual Formation at a large church and served as a corporate chaplain.

Dr. Barbee’s dissertation explored the spiritual discernment practices of the governing boards of Christian higher education institutions. Her research interests include Christian higher education leadership; the spiritual formation of students in Christian colleges and universities; the integration of faith, learning, and living in curriculum and co-curriculum design; the role of soul care in higher education administration; Christian leadership formation; individual and group Christian decision-making; and the spiritual health of teams and leaders.

“When I felt called to teaching after a career in the military, Regent University bridged the gap and laid a solid, Christian-based path for me to follow.”
John Pienkowski, M.Ed., 2017 Level II Career Switcher
“My career has evolved over a short period of time because of my faith and the teacher preparation programs at Regent. The academic, spiritual and leadership guidance shared during my time at Regent gave me the foundation needed to excel in my field.”
Chonita Walker, M.Ed., 2011 Reading Specialist
“If you are considering a career in teaching,
 consider preparing at Regent University.”
Doreatha White, M.Ed., 1997 Principal, J.J. Roberts Elementary School
“Regent's M.Ed. in TESOL program has prepared me to organize and run the ESL courses at my school. Regent's TESOL professors assign the most applicable projects, which have helped me with planning lessons, selecting curriculum and creating assessments, as well as with conducting several teacher-in-service sessions for my school.”
Katherine Tipton, M.Ed., 2011 Teacher
“The Virginia Beach City Public Schools cohort of ESL teachers in training was the perfect platform in which to study and learn. Upon completion of my last TESOL class, I was blessed with the opportunity to join the ESL staff of VBCPS. The amazing faculty of Regent's TESOL department helped make it possible.”
Altina Suber, M.Ed., 2015 Teacher