Learn about what a higher education administration master's degree program involves and what it can do for you. Find out what courses may be included in the degree program and what careers you may qualify for after graduation.
What Is a Higher Education and Administration Master's Degree?
A higher education administration master's degree program prepares you for a variety of positions at colleges and universities. Some programs specialize in student affairs administration, while others provide you with a broad education in higher education administration that allows you to pursue other paths of career advancement. You gain insight into student populations, finance policies, higher education laws and new technologies.
You can find both on-campus and online higher education administration master's degree programs. If you have a job in higher education and want to keep working while you earn your degree, an online program may allow you the flexibility to study on your own time. If you have little or no experience in higher education, an on-campus program often provides you with more hands-on experiences, such as internships and graduate assistantships.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Online programs are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Courses may cover information on finance, budgeting and historical & social contexts of higher education</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $97,500 <i>(for all postsecondary education administrators)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 4% increase <i>(for all postsecondary education administrators)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillMyCoursesBeLike">What Will My Courses Be Like?</h3><p>The courses you take in a higher education administration master's degree program give you the knowledge and skills you need to take on leadership positions throughout your career. You learn about the historical and social contexts of higher education. You also discuss the political and legal considerations that pertain to higher education leaders. College and university organization is also discussed, and you learn about school finance and budgeting issues and methods. Some programs offer concentrations in areas such as community colleges and leadership methods.
</p><p>In many higher education and administration programs, you gain a deep understanding of administration in colleges and universities through internships, assistantships and hands-on research projects. While not all programs require internships, they're often recommended.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreMyCareerOptions">What Are My Career Options?</h3><p>With a master's degree in higher education and administration, you're prepared to work in many departments of a college or university. Graduates of this program take jobs in areas including student loans, admissions, student services and student development. You can also work for education-related businesses, become a consultant or work in education marketing.
</p><p>As a higher education administrator, your master's degree can help you advance your career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that you might need to earn a doctoral degree, though, if you want to advance to the highest positions (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The middle 50% of all higher education administrators earned $72,030 - $139,220 annually as of May 2020, the BLS reported.</p>
