Rankings

10 Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Higher Education in 2023

Written by Grad School Center Team We are a passionate team of experienced educators and advisors at GradSchoolCenter.com, dedicated to guiding students through their graduate education journey. Our experts, with advanced degrees across various disciplines, offer personalized advice, up-to-date program information, and practical insights into application processes.

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Updated: November 16, 2023, Reading time: 18 minutes

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The educational landscape is ever-evolving. With the advancements in technology and changes in pedagogical approaches, it's imperative for educators never to stop their pursuit of knowledge. 

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.

Additional Resources:


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:

Visit our Methodology section for more information.

10 Best Master's in Higher Education Graduate Schools

University of Massachusetts Amherst

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. It is home to 1,400 faculty members who help students pursue their passion at UMass Amherst. 

Standout Features:

Students enrolled in the Med in Higher Education program need to complete 120 hours of practicum in the field along with academic reflections applying their experiences with scholarly work. However, they may be able to waive the requirement if they have more than five years of professional experience in higher education. If that is the case, students who do not need to undergo practicum training must 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. 


University of Mississippi

University of Mississippi - School of Education

University, Mississippi

Master of Arts in Higher Education

The University of Mississippi is the state's flagship academic institution. It is a member of the elite group of R1: Doctoral Universities – Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification. It has 16 academic divisions, including a medical school, nationally recognized schools of accountancy, pharmacy, and law, and an Honors College. This university is among the most routinely acknowledged college towns in the country. 

Standout Features:

Full-time students who are interested in the MA in Higher Education at the University of Mississippi can enroll in the residential MA program to earn this degree. 

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 recreations. 


The University of Toledo

University of Toledo

Toledo, Ohio

Master of Education in Higher Education

Standout Features:

Students enrolled in the University of Toledo's Master of Education in Higher Education program can apply for scholarships that are designed for master's and doctoral students to fund their pursuit of graduate studies. Those who will be traveling and presenting at conferences will also receive funding support. 

Did You Know?

The University of Toledo's Military Service Center acknowledges the services and sacrifices made by military members. Because of this, it provides accessible education, customized support services, and degree completion opportunities to all service members and their families. 


University of Houston

University of Houston

Houston, Texas

Master of Education in Higher Education

The University of Houston was founded in 1927. It is the third-largest university in the state of Texas and the largest public research university in Houston. Today, it has produced around 316,769 alums and welcomes over 46,000 every year. 

Standout Features:

The University of Houston's Master of Education in Higher Education degree program will train graduate students to become agents of change who can help increase access and success for their students, especially those from less advantaged backgrounds. Some graduates have gone on to pursue leadership roles in nonprofit organizations that are committed to improving college success and access. 

Did You Know?

The University of Houston has faculty members who are members of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, a group of private, nonprofit institutions that help solve some of the major challenges in the country and the world.


Purdue University Global

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 beyond the classroom. It is backed by the 150-year legacy of Purdue University, one of the nation's most innovative and respected public universities. 

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. 


Penn State World Campus

Pennsylvania State University

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. 

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 that has the largest alum network in America. It is 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. 


Oklahoma State University

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. 

Standout Features:

Students can apply for assistantships through the Higher Education and Student Affairs program to support a faculty member with their research and teaching. All they need to do is express their intention to apply to the program coordinator. 

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. 


Walden University

Walden University

Columbia, Maryland

Master of Science in Higher Education

A Higher Learning Commission-accredited institution, 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.

Standout Features:

Walden University has produced nearly 60,000 education alums, including over 150 state teachers. This proves that this academic institution is one of the most trusted educators in the nation.

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.


Ohio University

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. 

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 best-value public university 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. 


Liberty University

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. 

Standout Features:

Various institutions recognize Liberty University's Master of Education in Higher Education degree program for its affordability, accessibility, and academic quality. It has also ranked among the top three online schools in the country. 

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. 


Grad School Center is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a bachelor's degree in education necessary for students who want to pursue a Master's in Higher Education? 

A lot of colleges and universities admit students to their Master's in Higher Education even with a non-education undergraduate degree. 

Students only need to furnish the school of their choice with the admission requirements, including their official college transcripts, admission application, and proof of English proficiency for those whose native language is other than English. 

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:

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. 

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Key Takeaways

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