Master of Education in Higher Education Administration-Online
The Master of Education in Higher Education Administration offers you the theoretical foundation and practical skills to excel as a leader in higher education.
Take a Quick Look
We’re committed to creating an education as unique as your career path. So, whether your goal is a new career or moving up in your field, our innovative programs will get you going your way.
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Customize your plan
We work with you to map your path to your goal.
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Learn from experience
From real-world case studies to employer-based projects, we prepare you to manage what comes next.
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Choose your focus
Whatever you’re passionate about, you’ll find the classes to sharpen your specialty.
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Study anywhere, on your time
Part-time or full-time, we move at your speed, to get you where you’re going.
Overview
As shifts in demographics, politics, and technology bring rapid change to the world of education, successful administrators need a broad range of skills. In the Master of Education in Higher Education Administration program, you’ll hone your critical thinking as you learn data-driven decision making, strategic thinking, cultural competence, budget development, relevant laws and regulations, and other practical competencies. And you’ll apply your learning immediately, identifying real-world problems in your current work environment and developing solutions as part of your course of study.
Our program is flexible—100% online—and is designed to help you connect with diverse professionals around the world, so you can expand your network as you collaborate to solve common challenges. 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.
More Details
Unique Features
- Our program can be completed 100% online, and in as little as two years
- Students and alumni of the program are invited to participate in the Graduate School of Education residency poster session, a networking opportunity where attendees exchange ideas on innovation and change work in the field
- Students will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Education Digital Commons, an online networking platform where faculty and students can build community, solve cases, and showcase accomplishments
- Senior leaders in higher education contributed to the design of the program curriculum and provided input around in-demand skills they look for in new hires, providing our program industry validation and credibility
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 audience in higher education administration
Career Outlook
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of postsecondary education administrators is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations
- Graduates of the program can work in a multitude of institutions, such as research universities, community colleges, public colleges and universities, liberal arts colleges, or higher education agencies
- Professional pathways include:
- Program Director
- Assistant Dean for Student Services
- Executive Director of Academic Advising
- Assistant Director
- Director of Financial Aid
- Director of Admissions
- Associate Director of Financial Aid
- Assistant Dean of Admissions
- Associate Director of International Education
- International Engagement Leadership Advisor
- Assistant Director of Global Initiatives
- Academic Advisor
Check out your career prospects
Beginning your journey with us is a big decision. But it's a smart one. Higher Education is evolving rapidly. We constantly innovate our programs and work with experts in the field to to anticipate your industry's needs. So, no matter where Higher Education goes, you can lead the way.
Projected growth for employment of postsecondary education administrators from 2016 to 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Amount by which education administrators with graduate degrees out-earn those who hold only bachelor's degrees.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Experiential / Co-op Opportunities
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.
General Requirements
*For current students who entered the Master of Education with a concentration in Higher Education Administration prior to Fall 2019, click here to see the curriculum.
| 4.00 | ||
| 5.00 |
Required Courses
4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00
Capstone
| 4.00 |
Electives
Complete 12 quarter hours at the EDU 6000 level or choose from the following courses:
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
From day one of class I was able to apply the materials in my current position. Now, I feel equipped with the tools I need to pursue a leadership position in higher education.
Lisa P. Master of Education, Higher Education Administration
Now Let's Talk Admissions
You know where you are headed and you've seen how our program will lead you there. So let's get going. Here's what you need to know before you enroll.
Application Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): Identify your educational goals and expectations of the program. Please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose.
- Professional resumé
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
- English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores
International Requirements
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.
Financing Requirements
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Cost and 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.
Student Body Profile
Below is a look at where our Education & Learning alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- Tufts University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Northeastern University
- The City University of New York
- Bottom Line
- Harvard University
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What They Do
- Academic Advising
- Enrollment Management
- Residence Life
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- College Advising
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What They're Skilled At
- Teaching
- Public Speaking
- Problem Solving
- Leadership
- Critical Thinking
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.