Master of Education in Enrollment Management and Policy (online)

Program Overview

The Master of Education in Enrollment Management and Policy online (EMP online) program will equip you with an understanding of the key aspects of enrollment management through the lens of educational equity. You will be prepared to lead efforts in early outreach, recruitment, admission, enrollment, financial aid, orientation, student retention and strategic enrollment planning.

Through this program, you will:

• Complete a one-of-a-kind graduate program focused exclusively on enrollment management.
• Be mentored by some of the most respected enrollment leaders in an intimate cohort.
• Remain employed while taking two courses online each term, one evening per week.

Curriculum

The EMP online program links theory, research and practice in all areas related to enrollment management. You will be prepared to:

• Develop plans, strategies and policies for admission recruitment.
• Analyze admission factors and policies, including holistic review and test-optional. 
• Strategically use campus-based financial aid with an understanding of legal implications.
• Implement successful socialization and transition practices for new students while adapting recruitment and orientation strategies for transfer students.
• Identify how rankings and organizational resources influence admission models.
• Recognize the role of institutional and student factors in retention and success.
• Manage admissions marketing efforts.
• Interpret and apply institutional enrollment research.

Capstone

Each course in the program has one or more assignments that require you to develop a plan that links your course assignments to real-world applications such as an institutional marketing plan, a plan to enhance student diversity on campus or a plan to deliver student aid to reduce debt and increase graduation rates.

In the culminating course for this degree, you will create a five-year strategic enrollment plan for the educational institution at which you are currently employed or a university or school selected with assistance from faculty. You will draw upon all prior assignments to develop this comprehensive plan. 

Online Learning Experience

The online learning experience includes interaction with student colleagues and faculty during live class sessions and content experiences and assignments submitted through the learning management system. Live class sessions feature mini-lectures and highly interactive, engaging and collaborative small-group discussions facilitated by master faculty.

Scholarships

As an applicant, you will be automatically considered for several USC Rossier scholarships ranging from $15,000 to $20,000. There is no need to submit a separate application for these scholarships. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated dedication to the USC Rossier mission and other distinguishing characteristics. Priority consideration is given to those who apply in rounds one and two. 

View USC Rossier’s scholarship finder to identify other scholarships and funding opportunities. You do not have to be admitted to apply to these scholarships. Carefully note the scholarship application deadlines, which may occur before the final program application deadline.

Financial Aid

The USC Office of Student Financial Aid provides information regarding various types of financial aid and financing options.

To be considered for financial aid, you must apply for the FAFSA. After you apply, the financial aid office will determine your financial need and inform you of the federal or private loans that are available to you.

Career Outcomes

The EMP online program will prepare you for a variety of roles in education administration or give you the tools to advance in your current role or institution. A significant number of our students have been promoted or obtained new positions during or immediately following their completion of the program. 
 

Potential jobs include:

• Vice president, vice provost, or dean of enrollment management
• Director/dean of admissions
• Assistant or associate director/dean of admissions
• Director of financial aid
• Assistant or associate director of financial aid
• Director of orientation
• Assistant or associate director of orientation
• Director of enrollment research
• Assistant or associate director of enrollment research
• Director of student success (student retention)
• Assistant or associate director of student success
• University registrar (registration and student records)
• Assistant or associate university registrar