The Best Online Master’s in Higher Education
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Master's in higher education programs prepare graduates for administrative roles in colleges and universities.
Learners gain the skills and knowledge needed to make important decisions, manage budgets, and handle staffing needs.
Graduates enjoy strong job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for postsecondary education administrators to grow 7% between 2018 and 2028 — faster than the national average for all occupations. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $94,340 in 2018, with the top 10% of earners making more than $190,600 during the same timeframe.
This guide ranks the top online master's in higher education programs. We also cover important information for prospective students, such as common courses and potential careers and salaries for graduates.
| #1 | Penn State World Campus University Park, PA |
| #2 | Florida International University Miami, FL |
| #3 | University of Houston Houston, TX |
| #4 | Appalachian State University Boone, NC |
| #5 | Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY |
| #6 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MI |
| #7 | Mississippi College Clinton, MS |
| #8 | University of North Texas Denton, TX |
| #9 | John Brown University Siloam Springs, AR |
| #10 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IA |
Featured Online Schools
The Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Degree Programs
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Penn State World CampusLocation
University Park, PA
Tuition$21678
Graduation Rate71%
Penn State World Campus launched in 1998, and today comprises 150 fully online degree programs.
The online master of education in higher education program offers three emphasis areas: administration, institutional research, and student engagement. Courses cover administrative leadership, college student success, and legal issues in higher education.
To graduate, students must complete 30 credits, including a three-credit creative culminating experience.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and submit three references and a personal statement.
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Florida International UniversityLocation
Miami, FL
Tuition$9180
Graduation Rate58%
With over 100 fully online degree programs, FIU draws from 20 years of experience in online education to teach its 54,000 students.
The online master of science in higher education administration partners with FIU's Student Affairs department to provide students with real-world insights. Courses cover college student development, academic advising, counseling skills for higher education, and more.
To graduate, students must complete 36 credits and a practicum.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and submit official transcripts demonstrating an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
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University of HoustonLocation
Houston, TX
Tuition$16002
Graduation Rate59%
Founded in 1927, UH offers 24 fully online graduate programs among its more than 400 academic programs.
The online master of education in higher education program empowers working professionals to earn their degree in just two years. Coursework covers student development theory, educational policy, and more.
To graduate, students must complete 36 credits and a semester-long internship.
Applicants must submit official transcripts, GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation. The program prefers a 3.0 GPA.
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Appalachian State UniversityLocation
Boone, NC
Tuition$10491
Graduation Rate72%
Founded in 1899, Appalachian serves more than 20,000 students through both in-person and online programs.
The master of arts in higher education prepares graduates to foster student growth and serve as leaders in a higher education setting. Students may optionally concentrate in adult and development education or community college and university leadership.
To graduate, students must complete 36 credits and an internship.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree. The program waives the GRE requirement for students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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Stony Brook UniversityLocation
Stony Brook, NY
Tuition$14874
Graduation Rate74%
Founded in 1957, Stony Brook University offers more than 150 graduate programs as a part of the State University of New York.
Stony Brook's online master of arts in higher education administration can be completed in as little as 16 months. The curriculum establishes a core foundation in student affairs, leadership, and diversity.
To graduate, students must complete 36 credits and a practicum.
Applicants must submit a personal statement and official transcripts showing the completion of an undergraduate degree.
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Michigan State UniversityLocation
East Lansing, MI
Tuition$16227
Graduation Rate80%
A top public university, MSU offers more than 100 online and hybrid courses at the graduate and undergraduate level.
MSU's master of arts in higher, adult, and lifelong education prepares students to work in education, public agencies, and more. The fully online program combines theory and practice in courses like leadership and organization development or adult learning.
To graduate, students must complete 30 credits and a final project.
Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. The program also prefers students with work experience in higher education.
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Mississippi CollegeLocation
Clinton, MS
Graduation Rate53%
Founded in 1826, MC provides a private Christian education to a small student body of just 5,000.
MC's master of science in higher education administration gives students a theoretical and practical foundation in higher education through a fully online format. Courses cover topics like law and finance in higher education, student development theories, and the community college.
To graduate, students must complete 31 credits and two six-week practica.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and submit a personal statement outlining their career interests.
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University of North TexasLocation
Denton, TX
Tuition$12600
Graduation Rate53%
A large public university, UNT enrolls more than 88,000 students across 86 online programs each year.
The master of education in higher education program prepares students to improve the effectiveness of higher education through theoretical and experiential learning. Classes take place in a fully online, asynchronous format and cover topics like student demographics, finance and budgeting, and educational statistics.
To graduate, students must complete 36 credits and an internship.
Applicants should demonstrate a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and submit three references. The program waives GRE/GMAT scores for students with a GPA of at least 3.3.
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John Brown UniversityLocation
Siloam Springs, AR
Graduation Rate66%
The number one online college in Arkansas, JBU offers 10 graduate programs with a Christian educational focus.
JBU's master of arts in higher education program takes place in a fully online and asynchronous format. Courses include Christian foundations in higher education, administrative leadership, and planning and financial management.
To graduate, students must complete 30 credits and a capstone project. The program can typically be completed in two years.
Applicants must demonstrate an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75.
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University of IowaLocation
Iowa City, IA
Tuition$15817
Graduation Rate73%
Founded in 1847, UI enrolls more than 31,000 students each year and offers 40 online degree programs.
UI's master of arts in educational policy and leadership students offers a higher education and student affairs subprogram. The fully online program includes courses in topics like research and assessment, administration, and college student development.
To graduate, students must complete 40 credits and an internship, some of which may be paid positions. The program may be completed in two years.
Applicants should demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit a statement of purpose.
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Abilene Christian UniversityLocation
Abilene, TX
Graduation Rate67%
Established in 1906, ACU offers nearly 120 degree programs to a small student body of just under 5,300.
ACU's master of education in higher education program offers tracks in conflict resolution, student affairs leadership, and academic advising. Courses cover subjects like student development theory, spiritual development for college students, and legal and ethical issues.
To graduate, students must complete 33 credits.
Applicants should demonstrate an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, although probationary status may be granted in some cases.
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Missouri Baptist UniversityLocation
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate36%
MBU offers a Christ-centered education to just over 2,000 students each year.
The master of science in higher education leadership program gives students a foundation in administration, finance, diversity, and more in higher education settings. Students also take in-depth courses in multiple research methods to ground the curriculum.
To graduate, students must complete 30 credits, which can usually be done in 1.5 years.
Graduates can pursue careers in residence life, financial aid, or other university divisions.
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Sam Houston State UniversityLocation
Huntsville, TX
Tuition$12516
Graduation Rate52%
With 140 years of experience in education, SHSU now offers more than 30 fully online graduate degree programs.
SHSU's master of arts in higher education administration empowers students to enhance their leadership skills in academic affairs, student services, and more. Courses cover research, assessment, leadership, and more in higher education settings.
To graduate, students must complete 36 credits and either a practicum or a thesis.
Applicants should submit official transcripts, a professional statement, and three references.
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West Virginia UniversityLocation
Morgantown, WV
Tuition$12181
Graduation Rate60%
Founded in 1867, WVU enrolls nearly 30,000 students across 360 majors. More than 40 degrees can be earned entirely online.
The master of arts in higher education administration prepares students to work in administrative positions and policy roles at educational institutions. Courses cover administration, college student development, and research, evaluation, and assessment.
To graduate, students must maintain a 3.25 GPA in all major courses and complete 30 credits and an internship.
Applicants must demonstrate an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and submit a personal statement and an academic writing sample.
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University of LouisvilleLocation
Louisville, KY
Tuition$17098
Graduation Rate57%
Since joining the Kentucky university system in 1970, UofL has grown to serve more than 22,000 students each year.
UofL's online master of arts in higher education administration offers concentrations in sports administration or higher education. Courses cover legal issues, diversity, and educational resource management in higher education, among other topics.
To graduate, students must complete 36 credits and a professional project in higher education.
Applicants should demonstrate an undergraduate GPA of 2.5, although provisional admission may be granted. The application also requires a professional goals statement and two letters of recommendation.
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Central Washington UniversityLocation
Ellensburg, WA
Tuition$14647
Graduation Rate55%
Founded in 1891 as a school for teachers, CWU now offers degree programs spanning 135 majors.
The master of education in higher education program provides a basis in administration and leadership for professionals seeking to boost their careers in higher education. Courses include topics like organizational dynamics and communications, diversity leadership management, and program evaluation and assessment.
To graduate, students must complete 45 credits, an internship, and either a thesis, final project, or comprehensive exam. CWU operates on a quarter-term system.
Applicants must demonstrate a 3.0 GPA for the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework.
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McKendree UniversityLocation
Lebanon, IL
Graduation Rate54%
Founded in 1828 as the first higher education institution in Illinois, today McK teaches just over 2,000 students each year.
The master of arts in education - higher education administrative services degree program takes place in a fully online flexible format, with classes occurring in eight-week sessions. Courses cover topics like the history of higher education, education research and statistics, and issues in student access.
Applicants must submit official transcripts showing an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, three professional references, and an essay.
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Dallas Baptist UniversityLocation
Dallas, TX
Graduation Rate53%
Since 1898, DBU has integrated faith into its educational opportunities for all levels. Today, it offers 117 graduate and undergraduate programs.
DBU's master of education in higher education prepares graduates to assume leadership roles in college and university settings. The administration track offers five concentrations, including community college leadership, distance learning, and student affairs.
Students may also choose the instructional track, which prepares students to teach at the undergraduate level.
To graduate, students must complete 36 credits.
Applicants must have a GPA of 3.2 or higher, or 3.5 or higher for the last 60 credits of coursework.
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University of Southern MississippiLocation
Hattiesburg, MS
Tuition$13773
Graduation Rate49%
Founded in 1910, USM boasts a research-intensive education that serves its approximately 15,000 students.
USM's master of education in higher education with an emphasis in student affairs administration takes place in a fully online, synchronous format. Courses cover legal issues, research, and social justice in higher education settings.
To graduate, students must complete 36 credits, including six credits in supervised practice in student affairs.
Applicants must submit GRE scores, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
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Drexel UniversityLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate74%
One of America's largest private universities, Drexel serves around 25,000 students each year.
The master of science in higher education leadership takes place in a part-time, online format to allow working adults to advance their careers. Students may choose one of six concentrations, including global and international education, educational policy, and learning technologies and instructional design.
To graduate, students must complete 45 credits and either a practicum, capstone, or lesson study project.
Applicants must demonstrate an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and submit two letters of recommendation and a personal essay.
Online Master's in Higher Education Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Choosing an Online Master's in Higher Education Program
When researching prospective master's in higher education programs, students should consider factors like cost, transfer policies, and on-campus requirements. We cover several important considerations for students below.
- Program Cost: Public schools typically cost less than private schools, and in-state students often pay less than out-of-state students. However, some programs allow all online students to pay in-state tuition rates regardless of residency.
- Transfer Policies: Many schools offer transfer credit for things like prior academic work, professional experience, and military training. Schools with generous transfer policies can help students with relevant prior experience save time and money on a degree.
- School Size and Type: A school's size and type affects the learning experience. For example, small schools may offer more individualized attention from faculty than larger schools, but larger schools may have more program and class options.
- Program Length: Learners who follow a traditional path typically graduate with a master's in higher education in two years. However, some programs offer accelerated timelines.
- On-Campus Requirements: Some online programs still have on-campus requirements. Students should ensure they can meet these requirements before committing to a program.
- Thesis, Fellowship, and Work Requirements: Many programs require a thesis or internship, both of which require a significant time investment. Students should choose a program that has requirements aligned with their career goals.
What Else Can I Expect From a Master's in Higher Education Program?
An online master's in higher education administration program gives students knowledge and skills that translate to a variety of administrative and academic careers. Many programs offer electives that allow students to specialize their skills and tailor the degree to their goals. The following section covers several common courses found in master's in higher education programs.
Online Master's in Higher Education Curriculum
Typically taken in the first semester, this foundational course explores how higher education has evolved throughout history. Learners consider how higher education administration has shifted over time and examine current trends and issues affecting the field.
This course examines the legal structures and regulations underpinning postsecondary education in the United States. Learners study federal regulations that affect funding, student enrollment, and accessibility. They also examine how nonprofit status affects organizational governance.
Students in this class gain the skills needed to manage higher education budgets. They learn how to manage state appropriations, work with fundraising departments, and follow best practices in financial management and employee compensation.
This course teaches students how to design and implement college-level curricula. Students also review various methodologies used in curriculum design and course development, with an emphasis on best practices in teaching and learning.
Accreditation for Online Master's in Higher Education Degree Programs
When researching prospective online master's in higher education programs, students should check accreditation status. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, and academic rigor. Only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only accept degrees and credits from accredited institutions.
Schools may hold regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation generally considered the more prestigious of the two. Programs within a school may also receive accreditation. For example, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission accredit master's in higher education programs.
Students can verify a school's accreditation status through the Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Higher Education Careers
Graduates with an online master's in higher education qualify for a variety of fulfilling careers. The following list outlines several common careers for graduates of higher education master's programs; however, some roles may require additional education or certification.
Students who want to learn more about education degrees can review detailed information through The Best Schools' guide.
| Median Salary (2019): $94,340 | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 7% |
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These professionals oversee the administrative aspects of a postsecondary institution. They may work in departments like admissions or student services, overseeing staff, managing daily operations, and setting short- and long-term goals.
Postsecondary education administrators need at least a master's degree, though provosts and deans may need a doctorate. They must know how to effectively interact with diverse groups of people, solve problems, and motivate staff.
| Median Salary (2019): $114,800 | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 8% |
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Public relations managers help craft and maintain a college or university's public image. These professionals designate spokespeople for media inquiries, train staff on how to present information to the public, and write press releases about new initiatives.
Public relations managers need at least a bachelor's degree, though some advanced roles may require a master's degree. These professionals must remain calm under pressure and understand how to create messaging campaigns that appeal to a wide audience.
| Median Salary (2019): $57,700 | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 1% |
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Survey researchers in higher education collect student, alumni, and staff data to help improve a college or university. They may collect information like employee fulfillment, salary expectations, and career goals. They may also ask students how they feel about their professors, classes, extracurricular activities, and overall experience.
Survey researchers need at least a bachelor's degree, but some positions require an advanced degree. These professionals need advanced training in statistical analysis and raw data management and the ability to manage long-term projects to completion.
| Median Salary (2019): $78,470 | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 11% |
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College professors instruct students at postsecondary institutions. They deliver class lectures, create assignments and examinations, advise students, and grade papers. These professionals may also conduct and publish their own research.
College professors typically need a doctorate, though some institutions may accept a master's degree. They need strong time-management, communication, presentation, and research skills.
Higher Education Professional Organizations
Master's in higher education students and professionals can take advantage of professional organizations to enhance their careers. The following organizations offer benefits such as professional development, continuing education, and networking opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduates with a master's in higher education qualify for administrative positions in postsecondary institutions. They may oversee departments like student affairs, admissions, or student programming.
It typically takes two years of full-time study to earn a master's degree in higher education, though some programs offer accelerated timelines.
Postsecondary education administrators earned a median annual salary of $94,340 in 2018. However, salary varies with factors like location, institution, and experience.
A master's degree in higher education is a professional program that prepares students for administrative roles in postsecondary institutions.
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