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
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
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.
