Application Information
1. Seek admission to the UWM Graduate School
Complete the online application at apply.wisconsin.edu. Students applying for the online master's degree programs must also fill out a short questionnaire. The master's degree application checklist may be a helpful resource. For more information on international admissions, please visit the Center for International Education's Web site.
Read the instructions carefully and complete the forms accurately. On your application, please be sure to indicate which concentration in the Department of Administrative Leadership you are applying for:
- Adult and Continuing Education Leadership
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Higher Education Administration
Answers to some commonly asked questions are available in the FAQs section. If you have additional questions regarding the application process, you may contact Administrative Leadership at adldsp@uwm.edu or 414-229-4740, or the Graduate School through its Web site at graduateschool.uwm.edu.
2. Allow for action on your application
After completing the application process, students will receive a letter with their PAWS login and password so they can monitor the status of their application. The Graduate School will send your application to the Department of Administrative Leadership by campus mail for review and recommendation. The recommendation is usually provided the day the application is received. After the department recommendation, the Graduate School will finalize the admittance and send the student an official letter indicating admittance status.
3. Plan your program
If action on your application is favorable, you will receive a letter from the Department Chairperson suggesting an advisor to consult concerning the planning of your master's degree program. You should contact your advisor as soon as possible after admission. You should let your advisor know the courses for which you enroll each semester; any changes in an approved program must have advisor approval. Your advisor will be glad to discuss with you any questions you may have in relation to your professional objectives and your studies at UWM.
4. Be aware of program completion time limits
Master's degree programs must be completed within seven years of admission. For students in full-time residence, it is possible to complete master's degree requirements in one academic year, plus one or two summers. Part-time students are likely to require from three to five years to complete degree requirements, depending on whether or not they attend summer sessions.
5. Complete a Master's capstone project
Graduate School regulations require all students to complete a capstone project in the form of final comprehensive examination (Adult Education or Higher Education) or electronic portfolio (Educational Administration) for the Master's Degree. This examination ascertains whether or not each student is able to apply knowledge, understandings and concepts included in the Master's program to questions, situations or problems of an administrative nature. The comprehensive examination takes the form of a three- to four-hour written essay examination consisting of three or four questions; more information about the electronic portfolio can be found here.
6. Note departmental grade requirements
Students who receive a grade of "C" or below in any departmental course, or a "B-" in two departmental courses, may be dropped from the program.
