
Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration — Online
The Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration provides participants with an understanding of managerial, operational, and strategic concepts that lead to effective administration.
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Overview
Northeastern’s Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration is designed to empower you with an overall understanding of managerial concepts as well as the operational and strategic concepts that lead to effective academic administration.
This program is best suited for individuals seeking mid- to senior-level administrative roles and individuals interested in transitioning from other fields into academia.
Through the Northeastern Graduate School of Education’s commitment to practitioner preparation and experiential learning, this certificate program brings core theoretical knowledge to current challenges, preparing students to navigate the fast-changing world of higher education.
With an emphasis on social justice and inclusion, we’ll help you identify and explore local, national, and global impacts on higher education policy and practice while you develop the tools to succeed through practical, experience-based learning.
The certificate program also allows you to connect with diverse professionals around the world, so you can expand your network as you collaborate to solve common challenges.
This graduate certificate program is flexible — 100% online—so it is ideal for working professionals.
Program objectives
- Analyze law and policy regulations within a higher education context
- Analyze, generate, and propose innovative solutions to contemporary issues in higher education, driven by data and applied theory
- Integrate principles of social justice and inclusion for concrete actions in higher education
- Articulate methods to continuously hone and upgrade professional skills in key higher education competencies
- Effectively present ideas through multiple mediums for targeted audiences in higher education administration
Unique Features
- Program suited for individuals seeking mid- to senior-level administrative roles and individuals interested in transitioning into academia
- Curriculum designed by senior leaders in higher education who provided input around in-demand skills they look for in new hires, providing our program industry validation and credibility
- Credits can be applied toward the Master of Education in Higher Education Administration
Career Prospects
The effective administration of higher education institutions has never been so critical than at this time. Consider:
- European and Asian universities are ascending in quality; increasing as market forces
- The electronic delivery of education is escalating, creating new pedagogy and delivery models
- To meet these challenges, as well as changing demographics, financial concerns, and legal and policy requirements, administrators and leaders in higher education need to be increasingly sophisticated and knowledgeable.
Average Salary, Postsecondary Education Administrator
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Mean Wage, Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace.
This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.

Get Set With a Custom Course Plan
Please note: The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
Required Core Courses
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Elective
Complete one of the following:
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Cost and Tuition
Tuition
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024-2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Did you know?
Below is a look at where our Education & Learning alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
-
Where They Work
- Boston Public Schools
- Chicago Public Schools
- NYC Department of Education
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Tufts University
-
What They Do
- Education
- Community and Social Services
- Business Development
- Human Services
- Entrepreneurship
-
What They're Skilled At
- Teaching
- Public Speaking
- Curriculum Development
- Leadership
- Research
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.
Related Programs
Admissions
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the university's academic policy on plagiarism applies to applicant's statement of purpose
- Professional resumé: Current resumé that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
- Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Let’s Find Your Path Forward
Our enrollment representatives can walk you through the application process and help you explore your program options.
Call Toll Free: 877.668.7727