Higher Education Administration, MA

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At a Glance

$551

Cost per Credit

33

Credit Hours

100%

Online

24 months

Program Length

Master’s in Higher Education Administration

Program Overview

At a Glance

$551

Cost per Credit

33

Credit Hours

100%

Online

24 months

Program Length

Why Study Master’s in Higher Education Administration?

Prepare for a variety of careers at a postsecondary learning institution with the online Master of Arts (MA) in Higher Education Administration program at Lindenwood University. Through this online master’s in higher education program, you will gain the knowledge needed for teaching college-level courses or administrative and managerial careers.

Our master’s in higher education administration online program helps you develop leadership, advocacy, interpersonal, and organizational skills. As you discover how to succeed at a two- or four-year school, you will explore how to incorporate instructional technologies and outstanding teaching strategies into the higher education setting.

Additionally, our online master’s in higher education offers the ability to learn from interviews and videos featuring national experts in the field of higher education.

What You'll Learn

Your online MA higher education administration degree coursework can deepen your approach to teaching or to oversight of educational programs within post-secondary administration. Advance your approach as an educator or administrator through primary focuses across leadership, enhanced through topical studies in the following areas:

  • Leadership, EdD Curriculum & Instruction Emphasis
  • Public Policy in Higher Education
  • Governance, Management, and Administration in Higher Education
  • Outcomes Assessment and Instructional Improvement

Essential Skills & Insights

Coursework in this online master’s in higher education program covers the following:

  • Leadership Aptitude: develop advanced skills in analytical thinking, decision-making, and communications.
  • Adaptable Leadership: cultivate a well-rounded foundation of leadership to effectively serve diverse learning communities.
  • Ethical Awareness: learn to apply higher education teaching and leadership through an ethical lens.
  • Technology Literacy: understand how technology impacts higher education and how to use it effectively within curriculum development and instructional approach.

Career Outlook

Graduates can take on the rewarding challenges of teaching or administration at the post-secondary education level. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), post-secondary education teachers can earn a median annual salary of $79,640, while post-secondary education administrators earn $96,910 annually. Other career paths can include Academic Advisor, Enrollment Manager, Academic Dean, Education Consultant, Department Chair/Head and Chief Academic Officer.

Tuition Details

The cost per credit hour for this online master’s in higher education program is $551. Besides being ranked ranked No. 17 on Niche.com’s list of Best Value Colleges in Missouri, we build in unique benefits such as our 20 percent discount per credit hour for returning alumni pursuing their master’s degree.

View Tuition Details

Admissions Requirements

For admission to your program, you will need to complete your online application and submit the following documents:

  • Online Application
  • Résumé
  • Letter of intent/personal statement, including a personal statement regarding your interest in the program and career goals
  • Official undergraduate transcript(s) as well as official transcript(s) from any graduate school(s) attended
  • Transcripts demonstrating completion of undergraduate degree in related field with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in all major coursework.
  • The official results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be required if GPA is below 3.0.
  • Contact information for three academic and/or professional references.
  • 1,000-word statement of purpose describing applicant’s goals.
  • Specific deliverables depending on area of study, such as a writing sample and/or portfolio of work.
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TRANSFER CREDITS

Lindenwood offers a generous transfer policy of up to 9 credits toward your degree completion to further offset tuition costs. This means you can complete your degree in as few as 24 credit hours at Lindenwood—saving you time and money on your education!

Another benefit of our transfer credit program is our Prior Learning Credit opportunity, which lets you earn credit based on your prior education and/or work experiences. Undergraduate and graduate students can qualify for this advantage.

Plus, you can personalize your transfer experience through Lindenwood’s Transfer Guides. These guides are part of our articulation partnerships with area community college to help you get the most value from your transfer credit.

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Curriculum Overview

The MA in Higher Education Administration provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in colleges, universities, and other higher educational settings and institutions. With the guidance of experienced faculty, you can gain expertise in areas such as student affairs, academic administration, strategic planning, and policy analysis. Upon completion, you can be equipped to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in higher education administration in a wide variety of careers. 

Major Coursework – 30 Credit Hours

Code Title Credits
EDR 58000 Writing for Research and Publication 3
EDHE 50000 Introduction to Higher Education Administration 3
EDHE 50500 Foundations of Higher Education 3
EDHE 51000 Governance, Management, and Administration in Higher Education 3
EDHE 52000 Leadership Development 3
EDHE 52500 Student Development and Student Affairs 3
EDHE 53000 Practicum in Higher Education 3
EDHE 53500 Ethical Decision-Making 3
EDHE 54000 Social Issues in Education 3
EDHE 55000 Project in Higher Education 3
EDU 57000 Educational Research 3

Additional Coursework – 3 Credit Hours

Code Title Credits
EDHE 51500 Outcomes Assessment and Instructional Improvement 3
EDT 50900 Innovation Mindset 3

Career Opportunities

Image for: Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor

Provide guidance on academic programs, course selection, and career planning to help students achieve their educational and professional goals.

Image for: Admissions Officer

Admissions Officer

Manage admissions for colleges or universities, including the recruitment of prospective students and application evaluation processes.

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Financial Aid Director

Oversee student aid programs and advise students on financial aid options and budgeting strategies for cost-effective education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is higher education administration?

Higher education administration is leadership at the post-secondary level, including within colleges and universities, at the departmental or institutional level.

Is Master of Education the same as Master of Arts in Education?

A Master of Arts in Education emphasizes practical skills and subject-specific focuses, whereas a Master of Education takes a wider-scope approach, preparing educators more broadly to understand and critically evaluate the practice of education.

What do you learn with a master’s in higher education?

An online master’s in higher education at Lindenwood can develop you in areas from leadership to instructional approaches to curriculum design and much more.

Why should I get a degree in higher education?

A degree in higher education can prepare you to pursue post-secondary teaching or administration career paths. Not to mention, earning your online master’s in higher education at Lindenwood can give you flexibility in balancing your learning goals with your other commitments.

What can you do with an MA in higher education?

A master’s in higher education can prepare you to pursue a number of career paths that can meaningfully impact higher ed learning, including Academic Advisor, Enrollment Manager, Academic Dean, Education Consultant, Department Chair/Head and Chief Academic Officer and much more.

Can I apply to a higher education master’s degree if I don’t have a bachelor’s degree in education?

You do not need a bachelor’s degree specifically in education to pursue your online master’s in higher education.

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We are committed to helping you succeed.

Throughout each step of your online degree program, you will receive support. From enrollment and tuition planning to staying on the right track, your support team is there to ensure your success.

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