Higher Education Leadership, MS

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership

Normal Time to Completion: 22 Months

This program is offered online.

The Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership is a specialized degree program. Students will work through coursework designed to prepare them to respond to the challenges faced by professionals in the field of higher education administration. Core coursework will explore leadership and change management theory; analysis of demographic trends; assessment and evaluation practices; exploring the delivery of all aspects of student services; and, solving problems of practice. Following the core, students will select a four-course concentration in either Student Affairs or Administration. At the end of the program, students will demonstrate mastery of educational research, planning, methodology, and design as they work towards the completion of an action research project in the Capstone courses. The Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership is designed to prepare graduates for careers or career advancement in higher education. Graduates will be scholars, leaders, and practitioners in the field of higher education administration.

Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership Outcomes

Students will identify and discuss the history, philosophy, and changes in trends in higher education.
Students will analyze theories and approaches of leadership and change management as they apply to organizational needs and culture.
Students will describe contemporary student populations and analyze demographic trends in postsecondary education.
Students will analyze and critique the policies and laws that shape and govern contemporary practices in institutions of higher education.
Students will develop the awareness and skills necessary to practice social justice and demonstrate cultural competency in higher education.
Students will evaluate and analyze ethical standards and decision-making practices as related to higher education administration.
Students will evaluate and apply effective solutions to professional problems of practice in higher education.
Students will apply theories of educational research, planning, methodology, and design towards the completion of an applied project.

Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership

Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership Core Courses: 12 Required Credits

HEA 505 - Foundations & Emerging Trends in Higher Education 3 Credits
HEA 510 - The New Post-Secondary Student 3 Credits
HEA 515 - Assessment and Evaluation 3 Credits
HEA 520 - Leading Change in Higher Education 3 Credits

Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership Concentration Courses: 12 Required Credits

Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership Capstone: 9 Required Credits

HEA 687 - Educational Research & Planning 3 Credits
HEA 688 - Educational Research Design & Methodology 3 Credits
HEA 699 - Capstone Project 3 Credits

Total Program: 33 Required Credits

Administrative Leadership Concentration

Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership with a Concentration in Administrative Leadership

The Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Academic Affairs is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills to serve as leaders and administrators in academic affairs. Students will develop foundational knowledge in the following areas: policy, politics, and pressing issues; leadership in administrative services; organizational structure and governance; and, the role of faculty in post-secondary education.

Higher Education Leadership with a Concentration in Administrative Leadership Outcomes

Students will identify, analyze, evaluate, and apply effective leadership approaches in the professional practice of higher education administration.
Students will explain and apply the policies and laws that shape and govern contemporary higher education practices.
Students will describe and discuss processes of institutional decision making with a focus on interpreting the roles and influences of various stakeholders.
Students compare the changing roles of faculty in post-secondary education.

Concentration in Administrative Leadership: 12 Required Credits

HEA 645 - Administration and Leadership of Higher Education 3 Credits
HEA 647 - Higher Education Policy, Politics, and Pressing Issues 3 Credits
HEA 671 - Higher Education Organization & Governance 3 Credits
HEA 673 - Faculty in Higher Education: Ever Evolving Roles 3 Credits

Student Affairs Concentration

Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership with a Concentration in Student Affairs

The Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills to serve as leaders and administrators in student affairs. Students will develop foundational knowledge in the following areas: the adult learner; multiculturalism; student leadership development; and, law and ethics.

Higher Education Leadership with a Concentration in Student Affairs Concentration Outcomes

Students will define and describe the various functions of student affairs professionals and the impact of current issues on professional practices.
Students will integrate key student development and leadership approaches into student affairs practices.
Students will examine, discuss, and integrate foundational concepts and theories of working with diverse student populations into professional practices.
Students will relate the concepts of equity, bias, and ethical decision making to the laws that govern higher education practices.

Concentration in Student Affairs: 12 Required Credits

HEA 641 - Student Services in Higher Education 3 Credits
HEA 646 - College Student Development & Leadership 3 Credits
HEA 648 - College Student Personnel Administration 3 Credits
HEA 649 - Legal Practices & Ethics in Student Affairs 3 Credits