McBee Institute Launches Online M.Ed. Program in Higher Education Administration

The Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education launched its new online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education Administration program this August, marking an expansion to its graduate offerings. Building on the foundation of the Institute’s traditional in-person master's program, the McBee Institute worked with UGA’s Office of Online Learning to develop the online asynchronous format of the program, with an aim to support a broader population of students who have an interest in higher education.  

The initial class of the online M.Ed. includes 10 students, with plans to admit more students into the program for the spring semester beginning in January 2026. Dr. Emily Chen-Bendle, Associate Director of Distance Learning, oversees the online M.Ed. program.  
“This program is ideal for those who work in higher education or related fields and are hoping to gain a better understanding of how their work fits into the larger picture of higher education institutions,” said Chen-Bendle. “That level of understanding can be really valuable for people thinking about the next steps in their career.”

The online M.Ed. program spans two calendar years across six semesters. Students begin with a series of core courses – two per semester for the first three semesters – delivered in roughly eight-week blocks. These courses mirror the rigor and content of the traditional M.Ed. curriculum but are tailored to the asynchronous online format. 

In this first year of the program, six McBee faculty members will teach online M.Ed. classes. Dr. Timothy Cain, Professor and Associate Director, is currently teaching the first core course, “Higher Education in the United States.”  

“Teaching in the online M.Ed. program has been a whirlwind – it's a fast-paced journey through a great deal of material in eight weeks,” said Cain. In the asynchronous format, students are expected to complete the readings and assignments weekly, write discussion posts with their thoughts, and respond to other students' posts as well.

“One of the exciting parts of the course has been getting to know the students – not just through discussion boards and emails, but also through our weekly drop-in zoom sessions, where students can talk about the issues and ideas we’re discussing in class and build bonds with each other as a cohort.” For Dr. Cain, the relational aspects have been key.

A cornerstone of the program is the three-semester practicum, which students will complete in their final year. The practicum offers hands-on experience that allows students to bridge what they have learned in the online classroom and practice. This applied learning component will help students translate their newly acquired academic insights into actionable strategies.  

“One of the things that makes this program really special is that it’s taught with the same commitment to excellence and community that the McBee Institute offers all of its students,” said Dr. Chen-Bendle, who will also teach the online M.Ed. practicum.

Applications are now open for students interested in starting the online M.Ed. in the spring semester. The priority deadline is October 15, with a final deadline of November 15. To learn more and apply, please visit https://online.uga.edu/degrees-certificates/master-of-education-in-higher-education-administration/