Find your perfect college degree
The educational landscape is ever-evolving, driven by technological advancements and shifts in teaching methods. As times change, colleges and universities must quickly adapt to ensure that their graduates are qualified for the competitive job markets. This has made the role of school administrators and leaders increasingly crucial.
As times change, colleges and universities continue to adapt to the increasing demands of a rapidly changing role. This has made the role of school administrators and leaders increasingly crucial. Because of this, earning a Master’s in Higher Education is a valuable asset that will equip educators with advanced knowledge and skills necessary to excel.
A Master’s in Higher Education is a specialized program designed to equip teachers and aspiring educators for administrative and leadership roles within colleges, universities, and other academic institutions.
A master’s degree delves into the intricacies of higher education and offers students a profound understanding of the principles, practices, and policies that govern this sector.
Overview
An online Master’s in Higher Education offers a combination of specialized knowledge and skills that provide students with a solid foundation of educational theory, as well as establish vital practical skills, including effective communication, leadership, and strategic planning. With the advent of online education, pursuing a graduate degree has now become more accessible for teachers.
Methodology
Selecting a top-tier college or university that offers a Master’s in Higher Education can take a lot of time and effort. However, students must conduct thorough research into the academic institution they are considering to ensure the program curriculum, coursework, and delivery format suit their schedule and other commitments.
We are here to help you in making an informed decision! The ten leading online Master’s in Higher Education graduate schools listed below have been carefully selected! Each program made it to our list because of these attributes:
- Offered as an online or hybrid master’s program,
- Features an academic curriculum that highlights the most important and most advanced Higher Education courses that will equip graduate students with a solid foundation in the field,
- Offers financial assistance to eligible graduate students to reduce their online Master’s in Higher Education degree expenses,
- Classes are facilitated by distinguished faculty that comprises professionals with remarkable contributions to the field,
- Has attained top rankings and received remarkable reviews from former and current students to demonstrate authority within the academic community,
- Has appropriate accreditation from government and private educational associations that develop evaluation criteria and assess whether such criteria are met.
Visit our Methodology section for more information.
10 Best Master’s in Higher Education Graduate Schools
Penn State World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
Master of Education in Higher Education
The Pennsylvania State University has over 125 years of experience in providing distance education. Because of this, the university launched the Penn State World Campus in 1998, allowing working adults to earn a degree without attending on-campus classes. Today, the university has over 175 programs offered to students all over America and the world.
Penn State World Campus’ Master of Education in Higher Education provides students with the skills necessary to succeed in postsecondary education. This program is part of a higher education curriculum that has been producing exceptional graduates for more than 50 years.
- Students can take one to two courses at a time and complete the program at their own pace.
- It consists of required courses, electives, and emphasis courses for a total of 30 credit hours.
- The curriculum offers a comprehensive guide to the administration, careers, evaluation, history, and organization of postsecondary activities and programs.
- Students can pursue a 15-credit institutional research certificate.
- This program produces career-ready graduates who qualify for entry-level positions, particularly as mid-level administrators of college and university offices.
Standout Features:
Penn State World Campus offers three emphasis areas: Administration, Institutional Research, and Student Engagement. Graduate students can seek professional advice from faculty advisers who can help them choose the most appropriate program of study.
Did You Know?
Penn State World Campus is a nationally recognized university with the largest alum network in America. Its Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)-approved and obtained additional accreditations for several of its programs through various governing bodies in those particular fields.
University of Mississippi
University, Mississippi
Master of Arts in Higher Education
The University of Mississippi (OleMiss), the state’s flagship academic institution, is designated as an R1: Doctoral Universities – Highest Research Activity institution. It has 16 academic divisions, including a business, education, and medical school with national recognition. This university is among the country’s most routinely acknowledged college towns and has one of the biggest online education presence.
Ole Miss Online offers a flexible and accessible Master of Arts in Higher Education open for professionals with and without experience in higher education positions. This degree program focuses on developing students’ competencies, dispositions, and skills in fulfilling leadership roles at various types of institutions.
- It is a 30-hour online degree program that tackles the various major aspects of higher education administration.
- Students must take two courses per term for five semesters.
- Students can enroll in either the Fall or Spring term.
- This is a blended program that addresses student affairs and a wide range of administrative functions in higher education.
- Students must complete a capstone portfolio project to conclude their degree.
Standout Features:
Beyond courses in higher education, students may also concentrate on intercollegiate athletics in their coursework.
Did You Know?
The University of Mississippi is committed to producing well-rounded graduates who are passionate about leadership and scholarship. This is why they have various on-campus activities, social programs, and service opportunities for all students, including community service, campus organizations, environmental awareness programs, and other recreation.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Master of Education in Higher Education
Liberty University is an evangelical liberal arts institution that has 15 colleges and schools, over 700 programs of study, and more than 100,000 students. For over 50 years now, this university has produced CEOs, artists, nurses, pilots, law enforcers, counselors, pastors, and teachers who love God and serve the community.
Liberty’s M.Ed. in Higher Education program is aimed at those who love working with college students and preparing them for employment after graduation. This online degree program will develop students’ administrative and teaching skills to qualify them for leadership roles in the postsecondary education field.
- Students learn from experienced professionals who will guide them in acquiring marketable skills and credentials.
- It’s a 100% online program conducted with 8-week courses.
- Students must complete a capstone project.
- Students can transfer up to 50% of the degree total to accelerate graduation time.
Standout Features:
This online Master’s in Higher Education program allows students to choose a concentration that best aligns with their interests and goals. The currently available concentrations are Educational Leadership, Instructional Design & Technology, and Student Affairs.
Did You Know?
Liberty University is one of the most affordable online Christian colleges. The undergraduate and graduate tuition rates are at the bottom third among its leading competitors.
It also accepts financial assistance, military tuition assistance, and veteran benefits to ease the financial burden of those who want to pursue a baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degree.
University of Houston
Houston, Texas
Master of Education in Higher Education
The University of Houston is the third-largest university in the state and the largest public research university in Houston. It has produced around 316,769 alums and welcomes over 46,000 students every year.
The University of Houston offers an online Master of Education in Higher Education program that has received national recognition. It is perfect for full-time professionals who are working in higher education and are seeking advancement in their careers. It features the same coursework, performance expectations, and admissions as its in-person program.
- It requires 36 credit hours composed of core and elective courses.
- Students can pursue the Comprehensive Exam Option or the Master’s Thesis Option to conclude the degree.
- This program uses a cohort model that allows students to earn a master’s degree in two years.
- Students will enroll in two courses per academic term, including summer terms.
Standout Features:
Through this program, students will be prepared to demonstrate leadership qualities that are grounded in effective practice and theory and to realign support services with students’ specific needs through policy analysis and strategic planning.
Did You Know?
The University of Houston has faculty members who are members of the National Academies of Science, Engineering & Medicine, a group of private, nonprofit institutions that help solve some of the major challenges in the country and the world.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
Master of Education in Higher Education
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers hundreds of programs in 56 countries across six continents. UMass Amherst has 1,400 faculty members and 12 schools and colleges offering rich educational experiences tailored to meet the diverse needs of students. One of its most well-known colleges is the College of Education, which has been consistently ranked as one of the best by US News and World Report.
The UMass Amherst offers an online Master of Education in Higher Education available to current teachers with demanding work schedules. Most of the students enrolled in this online degree program are professionals in higher education and adjacent fields with several years of professional experience.
- This master’s degree in Higher Education emphasizes social justice and student success.
- Students must complete 120 hours of practicum and 36 credit hours of coursework.
- Coursework involves economics, history, psychology, sociology, and examining leading research and foundational writing in higher education.
- The capstone project requires them to develop a case study and defend their work.
- Students are to take one to two courses per term and complete the degree program in seven semesters.
- Those who earned 15 credits from a Higher Education Leadership and Administration (HELA) graduate certificate can qualify for the higher education master’s or doctoral degree.
Standout Features:
Students with more than five years of professional experience in higher education can waive the 120 hours of practicum and choose additional electives instead.
Did You Know?
UMass Amherst has ranked among the top 50 best-value public colleges in America. It is one of the best LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities. It has ranked number 32 among the national public universities across the nation. Plus, it has some of the best campus food, too.
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Master of Science in Higher Education
Purdue University Global is dedicated to supporting and delivering personalized online education to working adults who have gained work or life experiences. It is backed by the 150-year legacy of Purdue University, one of the nation’s most innovative and respected public universities.
Purdue University Global offers one of the largest Master of Science in Higher Education. It is designed to develop graduate students’ practical knowledge, research, writing, and critical thinking skills to prepare them for leadership roles in academic institutions.
- Students can select a concentration in College Administration and Leadership, College Teaching, and Student Affairs.
- Coursework totals 30 credit hours/10 courses, which can be completed in one year.
- Students are expected to spend at least 15 hours per week on coursework.
- It has a 120-hour internship requirement for real-world experiences in the student affairs concentration.
- Students get to focus on diversity and multicultural issues that affect the development of students at postsecondary levels.
Standout Features:
Purdue University Global has academic alliances that expand students’ teaching opportunities. Its College of Social and Behavioral Sciences has formed a partnership with Promise Opens Doors.
This reputable and exclusive organization offers online certificate programs, namely Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages or TESOL/Teaching English as a Foreign Language or TEFL, for teachers who are interested in working in other countries to help others learn to speak English.
Did You Know?
Purdue University has ranked 8th among the most innovative schools in America. It has also been included in Fast Company’s “Brands That Matter” for three years in a row.
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Master of Science in Educational Leadership Studies, Option in Higher Education
Oklahoma State University welcomes over 35,000 students attending its online or on-campus programs every year. This land-grant university is a Carnegie top-tier research institution that provides innovative academics to develop its students’ creativity and intellect.
Oklahoma State University’s Master of Science in Educational Leadership Studies, Option in Higher Education degree is specifically designed for professionals who are looking to pursue leadership positions at public and private academic institutions. Students will learn the complex issues facing postsecondary schools today, including administrative and organizational frameworks, as well as the needs of different students.
- This 36-hour program consists of concentration courses and electives.
- Students can apply for assistantships through the Higher Education and Student Affairs program.
- Students can follow the suggested two-year accelerated completion sequence (taking two courses per semester) or complete the program in three years using a spring or fall sequence.
Standout Features:
Students can participate in the Kamm Lecture in Higher Education, founded by Dr. Robert B. Kamm. It is a virtual symposium that brings together public and private sector leaders to discuss various issues in the field, focusing on the application and impact of the topic or issue addressed previously.
Did You Know?
Oklahoma State University has been recognized as the number one college in the state of Oklahoma for its online education opportunities.
An estimated 87% of graduates from OSU have been reported to be employed full-time time, earning a median annual salary of $45,000.
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Master of Education in Higher Education
Ohio University has ranked the best college town in Ohio, with more than 28,000 students enrolled in its online and on-campus programs. It offers over 250 majors, minors, and certificate programs across its residential campus, five regional campuses, and extension campuses and centers.
The online Master’s in Higher Education degree program at Ohio University is designed for those who desire to advance their understanding and skills while working in a higher education setting. It’s also for individuals who are transitioning to a career in student affairs administration.
- This program can be completed in five semesters using a theory-to-practice model.
- Students must complete 30 credit hours to graduate.
- Classes are asynchronous to ensure students engage with their course materials at their own pace, accommodating diverse schedules and learning styles.
- Students gain a broad knowledge of the history, contexts, and purposes of higher education, research concepts and methods, leadership, organizational dynamics, and the learning environment.
- Graduates can expect lifelong support from the university.
Standout Features:
To graduate with an M.Ed. in Higher Education degree, students will need to complete a capstone project that consists of a literature review with a topic that is of interest to them and is relevant to the current issues and trends of the major area of study.
Did You Know?
Ohio University has been recognized as the number one public university with the best value in the state of Ohio. It has also been considered the number one college in the state for its online education. It guarantees no tuition or fee increase throughout the time students spend with the university.
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Master of Science in Higher Education Administration
Southern New Hampshire University is known for its innovative and accessible education model. Committed to providing affordable and flexible programs, SNHU has become a leader in online education, serving over 135,000 students worldwide.
The MS in Higher Education Administration program at SNHU is designed to prepare students for leadership roles within colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions. Whether students aspire to work in admissions, student affairs, academic advising, or institutional research, this program equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field.
- There are no set class times; students have 24/7 online access to their coursework.
- It requires 36 credit hours, which can be completed in 15 months.
- Students may transfer up to 12 credits.
- The curriculum is focused on equipping students with skills to address demographic shifts, technology, policy, and scrutiny.
Standout Features:
SNHU’s online Higher Education emphasizes empirical data-based decision-making to equip students with the tools to analyze data, derive insights, and make informed choices. Topics such as institutional oversight, functional area leadership, and management are integrated into the curriculum to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the field’s challenges.
Did You Know?
SNHU is one of the biggest and most extensive higher education institutions in the United States. It offers various academic programs, from certificates and associate degrees to undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Walden University
Columbia, Maryland
Master of Science in Higher Education
Walden University is committed to ensuring the highest standard of academic excellence. This university is a pioneer in distance learning and has been delivering high-quality online education for working professionals.
Walden University’s Master of Science in Higher Education prepares graduates for leadership roles in postsecondary settings, as well as in business and government. Students will develop the confidence and skills needed to make a positive impact on their future employers.
- It’s a 15-month program that requires 45 quarter credits.
- Students study budgeting and strategic planning and learn how to build high-performing and strong culture teams.
- The program features a capstone project for real-world application.
Standout Features:
Students choose a specialization, including Adult Learning, College Teaching and Learning, General Program, and Leadership for Student Success.
Did You Know?
The Richard W. Riley College of Education & Human Services has a Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation. It is recognized for its excellence in clinical experience, program impact, content and pedagogy, capacity, and selectivity for continuous improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Bachelor’s degree in education necessary for a Master’s in Higher Education?
Many online Master’s in Higher Education programs accept applicants with a non-education undergraduate degree.
Students only need to furnish the school of their choice with the admission requirements. These include official college transcripts, admission applications, and proof of English proficiency for students whose first language isn’t English.
What can I expect from enrolling in an online Master’s in Higher Education program?
Online master’s programs in higher education emphasize theories in student development and counseling alongside legal and financial aspects of higher education. Practical experience is integral, often including internships or practicums.
Additionally, some programs require a thesis or comprehensive exam. Typically, students complete their degree within two years of full-time study.
What are some of the core courses for an online Master’s in Higher Education program?
Graduate students enrolled in an online Master’s in Higher Education program are required to complete 30-36 hours of coursework. These include the following courses:
- Student Development Theory
- Research for Educational Leaders
- Leadership for Change
- Student Support Services
- Contemporary Issues in Educational Policy
Will online students of Master’s in Higher Education be required to visit a campus physically?
Frequently, students enrolled in an online Master’s in Higher Education will never be required to visit the campus they are enrolled in. Even for their practicum requirement, students living out of state can complete their internship at a local school accredited by the college or university they are enrolled in.
Key Takeaways
- An online Master’s in Higher Education is an excellent step to take for those who aspire to qualify for leadership roles in key administrative areas or student affairs within a college or university.
- This program will prepare students for various positions or promotions in student affairs, admission and financial aid, recruitment and outreach, and academic affairs and advising, to name a few.
- This master’s degree program will help graduate students understand the academic, financial, and personal needs of college students through courses that cover academic advising, academic support, career guidance, and student retention.
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