Online Master’s in Higher
Education

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-higher-education/">Higher Education</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 Boston University One Silber Way, Boston, Massachusetts 02215	$58,560	89%
#2 Stony Brook University 310 Administration Building, Stony Brook, New York 11794	$11,310	78%
#3 Messiah University One University Avenue, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055	$13,050	77%
#4 Appalachian State University 287 Rivers St, Boone, North Carolina 28608	$4,839	73%
#5 Drexel University 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104	$36,234	78%
#6 Pennsylvania State University, World Campus 128 Outreach Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802	NA	NA
#7 Marywood University 2300 Adams Ave, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18509	$9,888	70%
#8 Florida International University 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199	$8,912	67%
#9 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515	$7,847	62%
#10 Mississippi College 200 South Capitol Street, Clinton, Mississippi 39058	$12,060	63%
#11 University of Louisville 2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, Kentucky 40292	$13,524	62%
#12 Hofstra University 100 Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York 11549	$27,180	70%
#13 Sam Houston State University 1806 Ave J, Huntsville, Texas 77340	$5,765	57%
#14 Dallas Baptist University 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211	$19,872	61%
#15 Georgia Southern University 1332 Southern Drive, Statesboro, Georgia 30460	$4,986	54%
#16 Fort Hays State University 600 Park St, Hays, Kansas 67601	$3,726	50%
#17 Capella University 225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402	$14,784	50%
#18 Bay Path University 588 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01106	$19,235	51%
#19 Tiffin University 155 Miami Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883	$12,600	45%
#20 Louisiana State University 8100 Hwy 71 South, Alexandria, Louisiana 71302	NA	27%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

A master’s in higher education will broaden the knowledge of research, practice, and higher education policy, especially in academic affairs, diversity, student affairs, and community engagement. The coursework addresses important issues impacting postsecondary institutions and college students and emphasizes the connection between practice and theory. It also helps students realign their needs with campus support activities through policy analysis and strategic planning.  This program allows students who wish to pursue doctoral work to develop a solid foundation. They also participate in a community of students with learners from diverse professional and academic backgrounds. Higher education master’s help graduates work in various departments and offices in the higher education sector. The program is offered online and offline, depending on the school and the course content. The program consists of anywhere between 30 and 40 credit hours of graduate coursework. Based on the university and coursework, students must complete an internship or thesis project to meet their degree requirements.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Master’s in Higher Education Online Programs

Online higher education master’s students will learn to put theory into practice and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. They will gain foundational knowledge about the present higher education landscape and sharpen their understanding of particular elements within the field. Some areas that higher education master’s covers are advising, student services, recruitment, admissions, management and operations, institutional effectiveness, and research within higher education. Each curriculum has a set of core courses students must take to meet their coursework requirements. Some higher education core courses may include:

Student Development Theory

Student development theory suggests different development stages of college students and how they experience and think about the world. This theory helps higher education administrators improve their ability to help college students during their educational journey.

Assessment in Student Affairs

This course explores methodologies for evaluating student learning and development. Topics include data collection, analysis, and application to improve student services and programs. Students gain skills in designing effective assessment strategies to enhance the overall student experience in higher education settings.

Student Affairs Administration

The course examines theories and practices related to student services in colleges and universities. Topics cover student development, counseling, diversity, and leadership. Students learn to design and manage programs that support student success and contribute to a vibrant campus community.

Critical Issues Seminar in Higher Education

This course addresses contemporary challenges facing higher education. Topics include access, equity, globalization, and technology’s impact on learning. Through analysis and discussion, students explore innovative solutions to complex issues shaping the future of higher education institutions and their diverse stakeholders.

Here are some other courses one can expect in a higher education master’s:

• Educational Inquiry
• Organizational Theory & Leadership in Higher Education
• Higher Education in the U.S.
• Basic Statistical Methods
• Policy Issues in Education
• Working with College Students
• Philosophy of Education
• Anthropology of Education
• Sociology in Education
• Education Policy and the Law
• Introduction to Disciplined Inquiry
• History of American Education
• Diversity and Higher Education
• Educational Evaluation
• Media and Digital Technologies for Leadership in Higher Education
• Law, Policy, and Finance in Higher Education
• Queer(ing) Topics in Education
• Gender Issues in Education
• Introduction to Student Affairs 

In addition to core courses, students must choose their electives according to their professional interests. Depending on the program, they may also have to complete a capstone project or a thesis to fulfill the degree requirements. In some programs, students will have to complete an internship as a part of their program.

By pursuing an online master’s in higher education program, students gain specific skills that prepare them for various careers. Some such skills include the ability to:

• explore political, cultural, and social dynamics of student affairs;
• exhibit leadership qualities grounded in effective practice and theory;
• competently assess and incorporate quantitative and qualitative research to real-world issues in higher education;
• positively influence student adjustments to academic performance, college life, and completion of a degree;
• describe, comprehend, and analyze ideas, studies, and theories relevant to higher education;
• promote the development of diversity and opportunity throughout higher education;
• apply the necessary theory, knowledge, and methods to critically evaluate and analyze relevant higher education policy;
• effectively define, comprehend, and analyze studies and theories exposing unfair educational opportunities, policies, and practices in higher education institutions; 
• comprehend relevant organizational, historical, financial, governance, diversity, campus environments, policy, and other contemporary issues concerning higher education; and
• Use both written and oral modes of communication to display strong and effective communication abilities.

Master’s in Higher Education Degree Types

There are three types of higher education master’s. Students can choose their master’s based on their career goals and personal and professional interests. The options are Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Education.

Specializations in Master’s in Higher Education Programs

At the graduate level, specialization helps students broaden their skills and enhance their career prospects, leading to better pay. The online higher education master’s is in itself a specialization of a master’s in education program. However, some schools emphasize a particular area in higher education. Here are a few examples:

Area of Specialization	Description	Career Options
Leadership in Higher Education	This specialization focuses on developing strategic leadership skills tailored to the unique challenges of academia. Students delve into topics such as organizational management, policy development, and fostering innovation in higher education institutions, preparing them for leadership roles within the academic sphere.	Graduates can work in various leadership positions at higher educational institutions.
Higher Education Administration	This specialization equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage academic institutions effectively. Topics include budgeting, student affairs, faculty development, and institutional governance, preparing graduates for leadership roles in university administration, admissions, and academic support services.	Graduates can work in the administration department of educational institutions.
Student Affairs	This specialization fosters holistic student development in higher education settings. Students learn about counseling, student services, diversity, and campus programming. This prepares graduates for roles in advising, residence life, career services, and other areas to support students’ academic and personal success.	Graduates can work in the student affairs department in educational institutions.
Higher Education Policy, Research & Administration	This specialization emphasizes the study of policy analysis, research methods, and administrative practices in higher education. Students delve into educational equity, governance structures, and data-driven decision-making, preparing them for policy development, institutional research, and academic administration.	Graduates can work in different areas of higher education administration, such as recruitment, advising, student services, management and operations, research within higher education, etc.

Timeline for graduation from Master’s in Higher Education Online Programs

Online higher education master’s programs are available in both full-time and part-time formats. Students opting for full-time programs usually earn their degrees in about two years, while part-time students require 3 to 5 years. Part-time students will have the advantage of working while studying, with a flexible schedule made available to them. Overall, the online master’s in higher education requires 30 to 40 credits, depending on the school, specialization, and program.

Regarding free courses, none lead to a master’s degree, and most institutions or the industry do not recognize them. Free courses are beneficial for gaining some additional knowledge on the subject. Students keen on increasing their knowledge can choose to do a free course. Here are some free courses in the study of higher education:

Course	Provided by	Description
Learn English: Higher Education and Perfect Modals7	Alison	This course introduces fundamental vocabulary for university settings, aiding the identification of individuals, locations, and academic disciplines. Participants will refine present perfect tense usage, mastering ‘since’ and ‘for’ applications. Additionally, common modals will be reviewed, enabling the construction of perfect modals by merging modal verbs with the present perfect tense.
Early Childhood Special Education Needs8	Alison	This course emphasizes early education’s significance for children with Special Education Needs (SEN). The course explores special education’s role in integrating these children into society. It analyzes family, school, and societal contributions to fostering inclusive environments that nurture their development and uphold their dignity.
Education for All: Disability, Diversity, and Inclusion9	Class Central	This course explores inclusive education, addressing learning barriers and promoting inclusivity. Participants engage over six weeks, learning from diverse experiences to foster inclusive learning environments. This course suits educators, professionals, and parents interested in inclusive education development. Communities aiming for school inclusivity can form supportive groups to implement inclusive strategies aided by provided resources, particularly in low-resource settings.

Graduates of online higher education master’s can work in various settings with diverse job titles. Some of the main places they usually work in are colleges and universities, enhancing their students’ lives in various areas of education. 

One can take up various job titles in different areas of education after completing a master’s in higher education. Some of the common higher education jobs are:

• Educational Consultant
• Residential Life Coordinator
• Fundraising Officer
• Postsecondary Education Administrator
• Administrator or Admissions Dean
• Student Services Dean
• Education or Career Counselor
• Financial Aid Director
• Instructional Coordinator
• Provost or Vice President
• Student Engagement Outreach Specialist
• Postsecondary Teachers (at some Community Colleges)

The following list highlights the statistical data of different job positions after obtaining a master’s in higher education:

Occupation	Skills Required	Median Annual Salary	Job Growth (up to 2030)	Job Description
Postsecondary Education Administrators12	Organizational skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, computer skills	$99,940	4% (as fast average)	Administrators in postsecondary education are in charge of academics, faculty research, and student services at colleges and universities. Their job responsibilities differ depending on the division in which they are employed, such as admissions, student affairs, or the registrar’s office.
School and Career Counselors and Advisors13	Listening skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, speaking skills, compassion	$60,140	5% (faster than average)	School counselors assist students in creating academic, social, and post-graduation plans. Career counselors and advisors assist students and other clients with skill development, employment exploration, and selection of educational paths leading to careers.
Training and Development Managers14	Collaboration skills, critical-thinking skills, communication skills, business skills, instructional skills, leadership skills, decision-making skills	$120,000	6% (faster than average)	Training and development managers are responsible for managing training programs, personnel, and budgets, and also plan, coordinate, and drive staff skill- and knowledge-enhancement initiatives. They are in charge of designing and developing training programs or choosing the course materials and content for training programs.
Instructional Coordinators 15	Interpersonal skills, communication skills, analytical skills, decision-making skills, leadership skills	$66,490	2% (as fast as average)	Instructional coordinators are responsible for school curricula and teaching standards. They create educational materials, put them into practice with teachers and administrators, and evaluate the efficacy of curricula and instructional methods mandated by school boards, state departments, or federal regulations.

Getting a certification in a specific area within a subject helps in broadening one’s knowledge as well as increasing one’s job prospects. Typically, no particular certification is required for higher education professionals. But if they wish to strengthen their expertise in a specific area, they can pursue a graduate or certificate in that area. Here are some certificate programs for online higher education master’s students and professionals:

Certified Higher Education Professional (CHEP) Certification¹⁶

Employees of career-oriented institutions seeking excellence in their positions can get the Certified Higher Education Professional (CHEP) certification. This certification is awarded by Career Education Colleges and Universities, which is an international association representing the vision and voice of post-secondary career education.

National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT)¹⁷

The National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) credential is a voluntary, advanced teaching certification in the United States. It signifies accomplished teaching practice as assessed through rigorous, performance-based assessments. NBCTs demonstrate deep content knowledge, effective teaching practices, and commitment to student learning. They are recognized for their excellence in education.

Resources are helpful for graduates to keep themselves up to date in their field. Connecting with peers and staying relevant to the advances in universities and the industry is crucial. By using resources well, students and working professionals learn about the latest changes or updates in their field.  Here are some excellent resources for graduates of master’s in higher education online programs:

1. Education USA – Education USA offers several resources and information for people working in higher education sectors in the United States. It offers services to the higher education community in the country to help institutional leaders meet their recruitment and campus goals. It provides resources on various programs, education networks, online services, educational seminars, and special programs.
2. Pearson – Pearson offers services and products for teaching to help their students increase their knowledge and explore their potential. It provides personalized content apps and other digital resources for higher education. In addition, Pearson also offers services and products for higher education institutions to overcome challenges and realize opportunities for growth and change.  
3. National Education Association (NEA) – The National Education Association (NEA) supports higher education professionals by helping them advocate for fair pay, academic freedom, safe working conditions, etc. By providing the necessary resources and skills, NEA also helps in professional growth, leadership development, research, and data analysis.
4. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) – The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) provides statistical information on all aspects of education/post-secondary institutions. It collects, collates, analyses, and reports data on all levels of education in the United States.
5. American Educational Research Association (AERA) – The American Educational Research Association (AERA), established in 1916, is dedicated to enhancing the educational process by fostering scholarly investigation into education and evaluation and promoting the distribution and practical application of research findings. AERA offers graduate students and professionals a wealth of resources such as events and meetings, education research tools, publications, information on policy and advocacy, etc.