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Higher Education Leadership and Administration
Master of Science in Education
Strengthen your leadership potential and gain insights into the evolving landscape of higher education. Capella’s MS in Education, Higher Education Leadership and Administration specialization blends current theory with real-world application to help you navigate institutional change, resource management and data-informed decision-making. Prepare for leadership roles with a concentration in politics and public policy, law and governance, finance and development, history or program administration.
At a glance
- Online
- 4 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 1 Elective course
- Capstone
- 46 Total quarter credits (12 Max transfer)
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $12,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore higher education leadership and administration courses
- This degree requires a total of 46 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete four core courses, five specialization courses, one elective course and one capstone
Show all descriptions
ED5012
Overview of Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Learners study the impact of higher education on individuals and society. Learners also evaluate the history of higher education; examine the structure and scope of higher education institutions; and analyze the role of history, policy, and theory on current and future practices within the field. Additionally, learners review current higher education literature, issues, and trends. Learners continue to develop the Capella e-portfolio and career action plan. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): ED5010
4 quarter credits
ED5570
History, Issues, and Trends in Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Learners gain an understanding of the evolution of colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions. Learners investigate the cultural, societal, and economic influences that have shaped the development of higher education curricula, culture, practices, and governance. Learners also relate historical events and milestones to current issues and trends in higher education.
4 quarter credits
ED5572
Politics and Public Policy in Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the politics of competition of resources, the expectations of consumers and providers, and the role of state and local government in higher education institutions. Learners explore change theory and ethical implications for public policy. Prerequisite(s): ED5012
4 quarter credits
ED5574
Financial Management and Institutional Development
4 quarter credits
Learners examine higher education revenue sources and review expenses and cost drivers associated with institution management. Learners investigate tuition and fee revenue, government appropriations, gifts and grants, and investment income. Learners also study the growing expense of faculty and staff compensation, technology upgrades, and long-term debt service obligations. Additionally, learners examine the complexities of financial aid, institutional budget planning, and program management. Prerequisite: ED5012
4 quarter credits
ED6504
Leadership in Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Learners analyze and apply leadership theories and decision-making structures to higher education challenges. Learners explore organizational structure, the culture and politics of higher education, and strategies for leading in higher education settings. Learners develop a personal philosophy of leadership. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
What you'll study
The MS in Education, Higher Education Leadership and Administration integrates current recognized theory and best practices with practical application. Students pursue a specific concentration within their program, engaging in a curriculum that focuses on history, politics and public policy, law and governance, finance and development and program administration.
Successful graduates of this specialization are prepared to pursue leadership positions in colleges, universities and professional schools; community colleges; and educational support services. These specialization requirements are not designed or intended to meet professional licensure requirements for the education profession.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply relevant higher education theory and research to personal leadership skills and practice
- Manage change in higher education organizations
- Manage resources of higher education organizations
- Apply technology to implement data driven decisions
- Apply professional practices that support informed decision making for academic excellence
- Communicate and collaborate effectively as a leader in higher education
How much does the MS in Education cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $485 per credit
- $150 resource kit
- 46 total quarter credits
- 12 max transfer credits
$22,310
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 24 months
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$12,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through August 4, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$12,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through August 4, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
About tuition estimate
The cost below is an example based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates. The coursework total assumes no transfer credits have been applied when a student enters into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. This rate is the same nationwide and may change depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment specialist.
Tuition estimate
Cost of tuition |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $485/credit
|
$22,310.00 |
| Est. savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-10,310.00 |
|
Est. total with Capella Tuition Cap* |
$12,000.00 |
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the MS in Education admission requirements?
Applicants to the Master of Science in Education program focused on Higher Education Leadership and Administration must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attended an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an MS in Education Higher Education Leadership and Administration degree?
Your education can help you pursue your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in Education, Higher Education Leadership and Administration degree.
Job titles to explore*
- Academic coordinator
- Admissions counselor
- Campus director
- Dean of students
- Director of admissions
- Director of financial aid
- Director of residence life
- Director of student services
- Director of student success
- Program director
- Registrar
Employment settings to explore*
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Educational support services
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.