Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs
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Today's colleges and universities are complex organizations operating in challenging times.
University leaders manage finances, marketing and recruitment, student life, accreditation, and government relations while dealing with campus issues such as the changing admissions landscape, external threats to racial diversity, and the effects of artificial intelligence on the curriculum.
It's no wonder college administrators are highly compensated, typically earning a median salary of more than $100,000 per year.
An online master's degree in higher education can prepare you for this exciting and rapidly changing career path, along with other related fields.
Featured Online Master's in Higher Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Higher Education Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $415
Out of State | $415
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
A Christian institution in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty offers an online master's in higher education program that builds on teaching and leadership skills. Enrollees can specialize in educational leadership, student affairs, or instructional design and technology.
Available courses include leadership in educational technology, economics and finance of higher education, and student support services and retention. This program takes one year to complete.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 2.7 GPA.
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Commerce, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $407
Out of State | $815
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
TAMUC offers an online master's in higher education for learners interested in working at colleges, universities, and related agencies. The two-year program emphasizes administration for early and mid-career professionals.
Courses explore teaching adult learners, community college curricula, and the history of U.S. higher education. Students also complete an internship. Graduates may pursue TAMUC's Ed.D. in higher education.
Applicants submit transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement.
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,054
Out of State | $1,054
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Founded by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne delivers ecumenical education emphasizing moral and spiritual values. The school's online master's in higher education program serves professionals in all areas of higher education.
Students learn about university structures and operational areas. Course topics include identifying and analyzing problems, devising data-driven solutions, and envisioning the future.
Prospective students need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Madonna University
Livonia, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Either Self-Paced Classes or Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $935
Out of State | $935
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
A Catholic institution in Livonia, Michigan, MU offers an online master's in higher education administration geared toward professionals working with diverse populations. The curriculum balances theory with evidence-based practice.
Courses explore student development theory, impact of college on students, and law and public policy in higher education. Students complete six practicum credits and a higher education research project.
Applicants submit transcripts, a personal goals statement, a resume, and two letters of recommendation.
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $830
Out of State | $830
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Students pursuing Bay Path's online master's in higher education can choose from concentrations in enrollment management, administrative leadership, institutional advancement, and online teaching and program administration.
Degree-seekers learn to support the success of diverse students. They explore the history and economics of higher education. Each course lasts eight weeks.
Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must submit an essay detailing how the degree aligns with their personal and professional goals.
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $429
Out of State | $429
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
UWA offers an online master's in higher education for scholars and practitioners of higher education.
This degree requires nine credits of professional courses and 24 concentration credits. Courses explore counseling for multicultural populations, ethics and law in student affairs, and student affairs theory and philosophy. Learners also complete a three-credit practicum.
Applicants must reside in a state other than California and submit to a background check.
Caldwell University
Caldwell, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $675
Out of State | $675
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Rooted in the Catholic Dominican traditions, Caldwell University offers an online master's in higher education that equips students for leadership roles in university settings.
Courses cover diversity and multicultural issues in higher education and college student development in the 21st century. Learners also explore curriculum, technology, and digital identity. The program concludes with a three-credit capstone.
Courses use a seven-week modular format. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes or Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $635
Out of State | $730
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
A public institution in New York State, Stony Brook offers an online master's in higher education program. Full-time students can graduate in 16 months.
The curriculum covers enrollment management, leadership in higher education, student affairs administration, and diversity and higher education. Students can enroll for five terms each calendar year.
Applicants should hold a minimum 2.5 GPA. Stony Brook does not require GRE scores.
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $752
Out of State | $752
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
A public institution in Kentucky, UofL delivers an online master's in higher education with concentrations in sports administration and higher education administration.
Courses explore diversity in higher education, U.S. college students, and athletics in higher education. Sports administration students complete an internship, and higher education majors undertake a project.
Prospective students need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Concordia University-Chicago
River Forest, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $476
Out of State | $476
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
A Lutheran school located outside of Chicago, CUC offers an online master's in higher education with an emphasis on the globalization of higher education.
This degree requires four core courses, six specialization courses, and a capstone experience. Coursework covers law and higher education, ethical and social leadership, and fiscal and social responsibility. The program takes 24 months to complete.
Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA for full admission.
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What Can You Expect From an Online Master's in Higher Education?
Online master's programs in higher education can vary slightly from one university to the next, but they share some common characteristics.
In general, programs will require earning 30-45 credits and can be completed in one or two years. The degree you receive will be a master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), master of education (M.Ed. or Ed.M.), depending on the institution.
You can pursue specializations within your degree program, including student affairs administration, leadership and policy, organizational change, college teaching, community colleges, or financial management. Often, you will be required to complete a campus-based practicum related to your concentration, along with a capstone project or thesis.
Coursework covers macro (what role colleges and universities play in society) and micro (how these institutions function and are managed). Sample courses include:
- History of Higher Education
- Sociology of Higher Education
- Research Methods
- Organization and Governance
- Finance and Budget Management
- Multiculturalism and Diversity in Higher Education
- Curriculum Design
What Can You Do With a Master's in Higher Education?
You can pursue careers in colleges and universities, nonprofit management, government service, public policy, and business administration. Job growth in these fields is expected to remain strong throughout the decade.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $102,610 |
| Postsecondary Education Teacher | $84,380 |
| Instructional Coordinator | $74,620 |
| Fundraiser | $64,160 |
| Administrative Services Manager | $104,900 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Higher Education Programs
Is a master's in higher education worth it?
Yes, earning a master's degree in higher education is worth the investment. These programs enable you to learn how colleges and universities function. They can open doors to several higher-paying career paths within education and related industries. Some graduates earn doctorates in higher education and pursue leadership positions.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in higher education?
College administrators routinely make six-figure salaries, with university vice presidents in areas such as fundraising, marketing, and student affairs earning upwards of $250,000 annually. Graduates working for corporations, private foundations, and government agencies can also earn salaries exceeding $100,000.
How long does it take to earn a master's in higher education?
Earning an online master's degree in higher education can take 1-2 years or more. Students attending full time often finish sooner, while part-time students can take longer, depending on the program's degree requirements.
