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Higher Education Leadership and Administration
Master of Science in Higher Education
You want to make a difference in education: Take that passion to an administrative level. Prepare to take your place as a leader with the online MS in Higher Education, Higher Education Leadership and Administration program from Capella University. The curriculum in this specialization can help you reach your potential and make an impact at the college level. Explore current theory and best practices to gain understanding of history, public policy, law and governance, finance and program administration. This program can help prepare you to advance in your career or pursue a doctoral degree.
Classes start January 8
Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 4 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 3 Concentration courses
- Capstone
- 48 Total quarter credits
- 12 Maximum transfer credits
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore higher education leadership and administration courses
- This degree requires a total of 48 program credits
- You’ll need to complete four core courses, five specialization courses, three concentration courses and one capstone
| ED5570 |
History, Issues, and Trends in Higher Education
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 |
|---|---|---|
| ED5574 * |
Financial Management and Institutional Development
In this course, learners examine higher education revenue sources and review expenses and cost drivers associated with institution management. Primary topics include 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. Other topics include the complexities of financial aid, institutional budget planning, and program management. Prerequisite(s): ED5012. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED5890 * |
Higher Education Leadership and Administration Capstone
In the capstone course, learners demonstrate proficiency in the program’s competencies by integrating learning from required courses to complete a final project. Must be taken during the learner’s final quarter. Prerequisite(s): ED5006; ED5016 or ED7547; ED5570 or ED7841; ED5572 or ED7840; ED5574; ED6504; completion of all concentration courses. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED6504 |
Leadership in Higher Education
Learners analyze and apply leadership theories and decision-making structures to higher education challenges. Learners investigate organizational structure, the culture and politics of higher education, and strategies for leading equity-minded practice in higher education. Learners develop a personal philosophy of leadership. Cannot be fulfilled by credit for prior learning. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED6576 * |
Higher Education Program Administration
In this course, learners explore the distinctions between leadership and management and identify the knowledge and skills needed to address higher education administrative challenges. Learners determine communication skills necessary at personal and organizational levels and strategies for articulating a shared vision. Topics also include current best practices in human resources leadership and management and their connections with ethical practices. Prerequisite(s): ED6504. |
4 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll study
The MS in Higher Education, Higher Education Leadership and Administration specialization integrates current, recognized theory and best practices with practical application. Learners engage in a curriculum that emphasizes 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 at community colleges; universities; or other public, private or for-profit postsecondary educational institutions.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Communicate and collaborate effectively as a leader in higher education
- Apply technology to implement data driven decisions
- Manage change in higher education organizations
- Apply professional practices that support diversity, equity and ethical decision making for academic excellence
- Manage resources of higher education organizations
- Apply relevant higher education theory and research to personal leadership skills and practice
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
How much does the MS in Higher Education cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- 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
$16,920
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$22,560
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$470 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 48 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“The field of education is constantly changing, so as a teacher, I need to constantly be learning as much as I can to stay on the top of my game, and then give my students the best education that I can.”
Michelle Emerson* – Master of Education graduate
*Actual FlexPath graduate compensated for appearing in Capella promotional materials.
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 Higher Education admission requirements?
Applicants to the Master of Science in Higher Education focused on Higher Education Leadership and Administration program 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
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation and other administrative costs
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript 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.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
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5 Things to Consider Before Pursuing Your Next Degree
If you’re curious about taking the next step in your education, there are simple ways to help clarify the path forward.
What can you do with an MS in Higher Education Leadership Admin degree?
Your education can help you reach 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 a Master of Science in Higher Education, Higher Education Leadership and Administration specialization.
Job titles to explore
- Academic advisor
- Assistant director of student affairs
- Enrollment services/admissions specialist
- Program director
- Program coordinator
- Coordinator of diversity affairs
- Community services coordinator
- Residence hall supervisor
- Student services supervisor
- Financial aid supervisor
- Adjunct or part-time faculty of education courses
Employment settings to explore
- Community college
- Vocational or technical college
- Land-based or online college or university
- Continuing education program
- For-profit institution
- Military education
- Adult education organization
*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.