Learners interested in higher education administration may benefit from a master's in higher education. Most master's programs require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree. Some schools require students to take the GRE.
Master's in higher education curricula cover higher education's role in society, institutional finance, and educational public policy. Many programs also require students to pursue research and/or complete an internship.
Higher education master's degree-holders work at postsecondary institutions in specialties such as admissions, financial aid, and student affairs. For example, they may take jobs as instructional coordinators, admission counselors, or deans. Additionally, they may become college counselors for high school students or work at educational nonprofits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Higher Education Degrees
What is a master's in higher education?
Schools usually offer a master's in higher education as a master of arts or master of education. These degrees specialize in the skills needed to work in higher education careers outside of teaching.
How long is a master's in higher education?
Most master's in higher education programs take students two years to complete.
What can you do with a master's in higher education?
Higher education master's degree-holders pursue leadership positions at colleges and universities, such as dean or head of admission. They may also work for nonprofits, the government, or primary education institutions.
Why Get a Master's in Higher Education?
Students pursue a master's in higher education for many reasons. Higher education master's programs provide an understanding of how postsecondary institutions function, their role in society, and how public policy affects their operations. With these skills, students work at colleges or universities, nonprofits, government agencies, or higher education-related businesses.
Graduates with higher education master's degrees stand to reach a fairly high earning potential. Postsecondary education administrators earn a median $97,500 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Many schools offer higher education master's programs online, often featuring flexible schedules. Students who pursue a degree online may save money from avoiding relocation and/or commuting costs.
How Much Does a Master's in Higher Education Cost?
Most master's degrees cost $30,000-$120,000, according to the Education Data Initiative. Master of education degrees average $55,200 and master of arts degrees average $72,800.
Master's in higher education programs usually span four semesters, or two years. Some schools may offer shorter or longer programs. Part-time learners should expect to take longer to complete their degree.
Many schools offer higher education master's programs in person and online. Students should factor in additional costs, such as books and software. They should also consider the cost of commuting to an in-person internship and any missed wages.
Courses in a Master's in Higher Education
Higher education master's program classes cover the history and purpose of higher education, leadership skills, and organizational dynamics. Some programs offer specialized courses in topics such as finances, higher educational law and policy, and change management.
Not all schools offer the same classes. See below for a few examples of courses enrollees may take during a master's in higher education. The descriptions represent a sample curriculum only; prospective students should check the specific required classes for any desired programs.
U.S. Higher Education
U.S. higher education classes provide the context, history, and purposes of higher education in the United States. By understanding the role higher education plays in society, students better understand the role they may play in their career.Educational Policy and the Law
Educational policy and law explores how public policy and law affects higher education. Graduates who take administrative roles at colleges and universities will work under such policies and laws. Alternatively, graduates may work in government or nonprofits and help write such policies.Research Methods in Education
Educational research seeks to solve problems and challenges in education by collecting and analyzing data. Educational research classes teach participants how to conduct this research and apply it to real problems in education. As higher education leaders, graduates will need to gather data and use it to solve institutions' problems.Finance in Higher Education
Finance in higher education gives an overview of the role money plays at colleges and universities. Some classes teach enrollees how to calculate financial aid, manage an endowment, or collect donations. Graduates might need to complete all of these processes for their future employers.Organization and Leadership in Higher Education
Organization and leadership in higher education teaches students about the organizational structures that support colleges and universities. They will develop leadership skills through their coursework. Degree-seekers learn about the responsibilities of different roles, some of which they may take on in their careers.
Career and Salary Outlook for a Master's in Higher Education
Graduates of higher education master's programs choose from many different career paths. They may decide to work at a college or university in an administrative setting. For instance, they may become deans, admissions counselors, or alumni coordinators.
Master's in higher education graduates also pursue careers in politics or nonprofits, working specifically in the higher education sector. Below, we list a few career paths higher education master's degree-holders may follow.
Postsecondary Education Administrators
Postsecondary education administrators take on many different duties at colleges and universities. Some work in the office of admissions, screening applications and meeting with prospective students. Others work in the office of student life, where they organize events and manage the dormitories. Deans or provosts help develop academic policies and appoint faculty, while registrars schedule course offerings and oversee class registration.Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals
Principals who work in elementary, middle, or high schools oversee all school operations. They manage staff, help coordinate curriculum standards, and make class schedules. Some discipline students, observe and evaluate teachers, and assess test scores and achievement data. Basically, they set goals for the school and ensure the school reaches those goals.Instructional Coordinators
Instructional coordinators work in primary education or higher education. They oversee teaching standards and school curriculums, testing their effectiveness. Instructional coordinators also organize or conduct teacher training, suggest learning materials, and recommend teaching techniques.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $97,500 | 8% |
| Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals | $98,490 | 8% |
| Instructional Coordinators | $66,970 | 10% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
