Online Master's in Higher Education Administration
Build the expertise to advance your career in colleges and universities. KU’s fully online master’s in higher education administration combines flexible coursework with practical learning you can apply in your current role.
Why Professionals Choose KU
Nationally Ranked School of Education
Earn your degree from a top-10 public School of Education & Human Sciences at an AAU institution and a Carnegie R1 research university.
Rankings: U.S. News & World Report, 2026.
Designed for Working Professionals
Complete your degree on your schedule through fully online, asynchronous 8-week courses that fit your professional and personal commitments.
Learn Today. Apply Tomorrow.
Apply what you learn immediately through projects and case studies connected to real challenges in higher education.
Learn from Higher Education Leaders
Learn from faculty who have served as deans, provosts and other senior higher education leaders, bringing firsthand leadership experience into the classroom.
Build Broad Higher Education Expertise
Explore how student development, policy, assessment and institutional practices shape colleges, universities and the students they serve.
Program at a Glance
Required for the MSE
Flat rate, regardless of residency status
At the current rate
Asynchronous, 8-week courses
to completion
What Is a Master's in Higher Education Administration?
KU’s Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Administration is a 33-credit graduate degree offered fully online through asynchronous, 8-week courses. The program prepares professionals to lead and support colleges, universities and related educational organizations. The degree combines leadership, student development, policy, organizational management, and assessment to help graduates understand how higher education institutions operate and how to improve the student experience.
Whether you're advancing your career in admissions, student affairs, enrollment management, academic advising, financial aid, or another area of higher education—or preparing to enter the profession—KU's online master's in higher education administration provides the knowledge and practical skills to lead with confidence.
What can you do with a master’s in higher education administration?
A master’s in higher education administration can prepare you to lead programs, support student success and improve institutions across the higher education landscape. KU’s online program develops knowledge and leadership skills that can be applied across enrollment, student affairs, academic affairs, advising, assessment and other areas of colleges and universities.
Higher Education Career Outlook
Lightcast data shows a substantial national employment market for occupations related to higher education administration.
- 132,500+ jobs nationwide in 2024
- 17,400 annual job openings
- $101,800 median annual earnings
Leadership Skills Employers Value
Employers seek higher education leaders who can support students, improve organizational effectiveness and lead institutional change. KU’s curriculum develops knowledge and skills in areas including:
- Student development and services
- Enrollment management
- Higher education law and policy
- Assessment and program evaluation
- Academic Affairs
Careers Across Higher Education
Graduates can pursue leadership and professional opportunities throughout colleges, universities and other higher education organizations.
- Director of Admissions
- Dean of Students
- Director of Financial Aid
- Academic Dean
- Registrar
- Residence Life Director
Where You Can Make a Difference
Apply your expertise across the student experience, from recruitment and enrollment through graduation and alumni engagement.
- Student recruitment and enrollment
- Student success and retention
- Student affairs
- Institutional planning and assessment
- Academic affairs
- Financial aid
Source: Lightcast Q3 2026 data for postsecondary education administrators and education administrators, all other. Employment data are national and reflect occupations associated with the field, not outcomes specific to KU graduates. Employment and earnings are not guaranteed.
National Rankings & Recognition
Learn more about this online program
Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.
Explore the Curriculum
Explore the leadership, policy, student development, and organizational strategies that shape today's colleges and universities.
Through coursework in higher education leadership, student development, law and policy, organizational leadership, and assessment, you'll gain the knowledge to address real challenges facing higher education institutions. Your coursework may include:
- Introduction to Higher Education Administration
- Student Services in Higher Education
- Higher Education and Society
- Introduction to College Leadership
- Higher Education Law and Policy
- Higher Education in the United States
- College Student Access, Persistence, and Success
- Assessment and Program Evaluation in Higher Education
- Theory into Practice in Higher Education
- Understanding Research in Education
Courses combine research, theory, and applied learning to help you develop the skills needed for leadership roles across higher education.
Apply What You Learn
Theory becomes practice through projects, case studies, and discussions grounded in real higher education challenges. Many students immediately apply course concepts in their current roles, strengthening both their learning and professional impact.
Program Details
Costs
Admissions Requirements
Curriculum
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
A master’s in higher education administration is a graduate degree for professionals who want to work in colleges, universities and related educational organizations. Students study leadership, student development, policy, assessment and institutional operations while preparing for careers across higher education.
Graduates pursue leadership careers across higher education, including roles in admissions, enrollment management, student affairs, academic advising, financial aid, institutional research, residence life, and academic affairs. The degree prepares professionals to support student success and improve institutional effectiveness.
For professionals who want to build or advance a career in higher education, a master's in higher education administration can provide the specialized knowledge and leadership skills needed for roles across colleges and universities. The field also represents a substantial employment market. Lightcast data shows more than 132,500 jobs nationwide in occupations related to higher education administration, with approximately 17,400 annual openings and median annual earnings of $101,800.
KU's online master's program is designed to help professionals develop expertise in areas including higher education leadership, student development, enrollment management, law and policy, and assessment while continuing to work.
Source: Lightcast Q3 2026 data for postsecondary education administrators and education administrators, all other. Employment data are national and reflect occupations associated with the field, not outcomes specific to KU graduates. Employment and earnings are not guaranteed.
Students who take two courses each fall, spring and summer can typically complete the 33-credit-hour program in two years. Completion time may vary based on enrollment pace.
Yes. KU's online master's in higher education administration is delivered 100% online through asynchronous 8-week courses, allowing students to complete coursework on a schedule that fits their professional and personal commitments.
The 33-credit program costs approximately $19,635 in total tuition at the current rate of $595 per credit hour. The same online tuition rate
applies regardless of residency.
Applicants must submit a completed application, application fee, official academic transcripts, résumé or CV, statement of purpose and proof of English proficiency when required. Higher education experience is not required, although relevant professional, internship or volunteer experience can strengthen an application.
The priority application deadline for fall 2027 admission is March 3, 2027. The final application deadline is July 7, 2027.