Study Higher Education Administration
In today’s competitive educational landscape, the need for skilled administrators to steer institutions with foresight and strategy is undeniable. However, the journey towards obtaining the qualifications often presents its own set of barriers.
One of the most significant roadblocks many potential students face is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – a test that may not truly represent one’s potential or suitability for a career in higher education administration. Not only does this deter many talented individuals from pursuing their dreams, but institutions might also miss out on potential leaders who could drive meaningful change.
Online Masters in Higher Education Administration offers a no-GRE route. Now, you can focus on what truly matters: enhancing your skills, gaining in-depth industry knowledge, and preparing to lead the next generation of educational institutions without the GRE looming over your journey.
Online Master’s in Higher Education Administration NO GRE
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online master’s in education administration without the requirement of GRE:
- University of Louisville
- Louisiana State University
- Florida International University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- UMass Global
- Colorado State University Online
- Pace University Online
University of Louisville
Online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration
The College of Education & Human Development at the University of Louisville offers an online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration. This program is specially designed for individuals pursuing roles in the higher education sector.
The Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration degree consists a 30-credit curriculum with two primary concentration options:
- Higher Education Administration: 24 credit hours of core classes, including practical and advanced courses. An additional 6 credit hours of elective classes.
- Sports Administration: A total of 27 credit hours of core classes. 3 credit hours of elective classes.
The standard course sequence of the program includes:
- Practical core courses
- Advanced core courses
- Elective courses pertinent to the chosen concentration
This online program is designed for both current employees of colleges or universities and those aspiring to enter the higher education industry. It provides you a comprehensive foundation in the practices and challenges within higher education administration, preparing you for leadership roles in educational institutions.
One of the program’s central objectives is to equip you with the ability to:
- Make informed decisions based on robust data.
- Initiate organizational changes that augment higher education opportunities.
- Understand and address issues related to policies, inclusivity, and equity in higher education.
As part of the curriculum, you will:
- Design and execute programs in higher education predicated on thorough organizational and situational analyses.
- Assess performance outcomes using student learning assessments and program evaluations.
Furthermore, the program emphasizes real-world application through supervised work placements. You will required to complete a minimum of 400 hours of practical work experience in a field that aligns with your academic or professional aspirations.
Upon successful completion of this master’s program, you will be well-positioned to assume various administrative roles at both public and private higher education institutions. The degree is particularly beneficial if you are looking to enhance your competencies in shaping and optimizing higher education policies and opportunities.
After graduating from this program, you can purse various roles including:
- Executive Director of Academic Success
- Academic Advisor
- Assistant Director for Alumni Relations
- Director of Financial Aid
- Director of Athletics
- Business Affairs Officer
- Instructional Design & Technologies Manager
- Curriculum Planning Officer
- Manager of Grants & Contracts
To apply, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 (Conditional admission may be offered to those with a lower GPA).
- Two professional or academic references.
- A statement of professional goals.
- A current resume.
- GRE scores are not required.
Louisiana State University
Online Masters in Higher Education Administration
Louisiana State University (LSU) offers a Master of Arts in Education, specifically focused on Higher Education Administration. This program is designed for those aiming to take on leadership roles in colleges and universities. All the courses in this program are available online, meaning you don’t need to attend in-person classes on the LSU campus.
In this program, you will study various aspects of higher education, ranging from student admissions to alumni relations. This comprehensive approach ensures that you will be well-prepared to handle both the academic and managerial challenges that educational institutions face.
This degree requires the completion of 36 credit hours. Within these hours, you will be introduced to courses like Student Development Theory, Finance in Higher Education, and Higher Education and the Law. These courses have been chosen to give you practical knowledge, which will be crucial in your future career in higher education.
The program will cover several important topics, including:
- How teachers and administrators can use research effectively.
- An introduction to the key concepts in college student affairs.
- Basic communication and counseling methods.
- A look at the historical background of higher education for various groups, especially since the 1960s.
- A deep dive into the organization and management of higher education in the U.S. and other countries.
- Exploration of important leadership topics relevant to higher education.
- A discussion of legal topics that relate to higher education.
After successfully completing this program, you will be qualified for roles like Vice President of Enrollment Management, Dean of Admissions, and Director of Student Financial Aid, among others.
One of the unique features of LSU’s program is its blend of theoretical and practical teaching. You will have the opportunity to learn from both experienced researchers and professionals actively working in the field of higher education administration. The class sizes, kept to a maximum of 25 students, ensure that each student receives ample attention.
The program adopts a holistic view, aiming to give you a complete understanding of the challenges faced by all participants in higher education, from students to faculty to alumni.
Before graduating, you will need to pass a written exam that covers all the material from the program. It’s important to note that this exam should be taken during your final study module.
The admission process is straightforward. You will need to:
- Apply through the LSU Graduate School.
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, whether in the U.S. or internationally.
- Maintain a GPA of at least 3.00, either overall or in the final 60 credit hours of undergraduate study, and for any graduate coursework you might have already undertaken.
- Submit a written statement detailing your goals and intentions for the program.
- Provide three letters of recommendation.
- GRE scores are not mandatory, however, if you have taken the GRE exam and believe it could enhance your application, you can choose to submit the scores.
Florida International University
Online M.S. in Higher Education Administration
The 36-credit online Master of Science (M.S.) in Higher Education Administration program at Florida International University (FIU) is designed to produce graduates capable of filling diverse roles in colleges, universities, and other educational institutions. Offered by the College of Arts, Sciences and Education in collaboration with FIU’s Student Affairs division, the program combines academic coursework with practical assistantship experiences for a comprehensive educational journey.
The program aims to prepare you for administrative roles within educational institutions, be it in student affairs, academic affairs, or other administrative sectors. Additionally, the program equips you with a strong foundation for doctoral-level study in higher education.
FIU’s program in Higher Education Administration enables you to navigate and comprehend the evolving field of higher education. It offers insights into the operations of colleges and universities, as well as the experiences of key groups like students, staff, and faculty. Given FIU’s distinction as one of the largest Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the country, located in the multicultural backdrop of South Florida, students evolve as scholar-professionals in a richly diverse setting.
The program’s guidance and instruction come from both seasoned higher education professionals and full-time professors. FIU, being a majority-minority institution, offers students an immersive experience in a higher education environment representative of future academic settings.
Some of the courses that you will take include:
- Introduction to Higher Education Administration
- History of Higher Education
- Foundations of Educational Research
- College Student Development Theory
- Legal Issues in Higher Education Administration
- Organization & Administration of Student Affairs
- Crisis Management in Higher Education
- College Student Life and Cultures
This is a full-time program and students typically undertake two courses each mini term. With its cohort-based structure, students progress alongside their peers, taking predetermined courses each semester. The goal is to complete the degree in a span of three semesters.
Recognizing the importance of practical experience, the program includes a practicum course, allowing you to amass hands-on experience in varied administrative and student affairs domains.
Upon successful completion, you will be primed for roles within educational establishments, including but not limited to:
- Academic Advisor
- Career Counselor
- Admissions Officer
- Enrollment Manager
- Academic Coordinator
- Financial Aid Counselor or Administrator
- Assistant/Associate Dean of Students
- Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
Furthermore, you might find employment opportunities right at FIU or they can capitalize on the national employment prospects introduced during the program.
The admission prerequisites are as follows:
- An undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Submission of official transcripts in sealed envelopes from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- A 1-2 page personal statement outlining your academic aspirations, professional goals, and rationale for choosing the master’s program at FIU.
- Two recommendation letters are needed, from college instructors/professors or employment supervisors.
- A current, comprehensive resume.
- A scheduled Zoom interview with the Program Director is the final step in the admission process.
- GRE scores are not required.
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Online Master of Arts Higher Education Administration
Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a 36-credit online Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. This program is designed to prepare you for roles in administrative and student support sectors of colleges and universities. It combines both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to equip you for professional advancement.
During your tenure in the program, you will be able to enhance your leadership skills and gain comprehensive insight into the various challenges that colleges and universities face. Additionally, the program provides the flexibility to select elective subjects, allowing you to explore areas such as financial management, student admissions, risk management, and more.
Some of the courses that you will take include:
- College Student Development
- Social Issues in Higher Education
- The Law and Student Affairs
- Program Design and Strategies for Special Populations in Higher Education
- Crisis Management for Higher Education Administrators
- Financial Administration in College Sports
- Mentoring Students for Success
Upon completion of this program, you will be expected to:
- Strategic Orientation: Understand the intricacies of strategic planning and management.
- Communication: Show proficiency in both oral and written communication, presenting information in a structured and analytical manner.
- Information Literacy: Demonstrate the ability to effectively source and utilize information from various mediums.
- Critical Thinking: Show enhanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
To ensure a holistic learning experience, this program requires the completion of a master’s project and an internship, enabling you to practically apply your academic knowledge.
The benefits of opting for Fairleigh Dickinson University include being mentored by esteemed faculty members with considerable industry experience. The online nature of the program offers the convenience of studying at your own pace, without compromising on the quality of education.
Other main features of the program include:
- Comprehensive online delivery, catering to diverse schedules and learning preferences.
- The development of crucial leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills pivotal for a successful higher education career.
- A mandatory 3-credit internship ensuring practical exposure.
- An opportunity to earn an additional graduate certificate in one of three specialized areas.
- Access to seasoned faculty with significant industry experience.
- Competitive tuition rates, considering the financial constraints of recent graduates and professionals.
If you are interested in applying, the following are the application requirements:
- Submission of the graduate application form.
- Provision of official academic transcripts.
- Furnishing a current and detailed resume.
- A personal statement describing your academic aspirations and reasons for choosing this program at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
- Ensure that you possess a four-year degree from an accredited institution, with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
- GMAT or GRE scores are not a required for admission to this program.
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master’s in Higher Education Administration
If you are considering a deeper dive into the world of higher education, Southern New Hampshire University’s Master of Science in Higher Education Administration is designed just for you. This program equips you with the tools to navigate and lead within academic institutions, ensuring you are ready to tackle both current and future challenges.
Here’s what you will gain from the program:
- Mastering Leadership Strategies: You will understand the essence of leadership that can move colleges and universities forward, ensuring they remain vibrant centers of learning in the 21st century.
- Creating a Culture of Success: You will grasp the importance of nurturing an educational setting where every student can thrive, ensuring they get the best out of their educational journey.
- Making Data-Driven Decisions: The world of academia isn’t just about lectures and books; it’s about using data to make informed choices. You will learn the art of harnessing information for the betterment of an institution.
The program consists of 36 credits and covers a broad spectrum of topics to give you a comprehensive understanding of higher education. Some areas of study are:
- Current Trends in Higher Education: Explore the modern-day aspects of education, getting insights on how they play a role in molding the contemporary student.
- Evaluating Programs: Understand the blueprint of an effective educational program, and learn how to make them even better using structured methods.
- Enrolling the Right Students: Discover the strategies of attracting and retaining students, understanding the intricacies of marketing and financial aid.
- Budgeting and Finance: Get acquainted with the mechanisms of educational budgeting and financial decision-making.
- Guiding Change: Sometimes, to progress, change is necessary. Learn how to introduce positive shifts in an institution’s direction while considering multiple viewpoints.
Equipped with this degree and prior experience in education, you will be primed for various roles in the academic sector. Whether your passion lies in working directly with students or steering an institution’s broader strategy, there’s a place for you in higher education.
Southern New Hampshire University believes in breaking down barriers to education. So, when you are ready to apply:
- Simply fill out our straightforward application.
- Provide details of your undergraduate journey.
- GMAT or GRE scores are not a required.
SNHU accept applications throughout the year, so you have the flexibility to start at a time that suits you best.
Is a Masters in Higher Education Administration Worth it?
A Master’s in Higher Education Administration (MHEA) can be a valuable asset for those seeking to advance in administrative roles within colleges and universities.
Whether a Master’s in Higher Education Administration is worth it depends on your goals, career aspirations, the current professional scenario, and your personal circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:
- Career Aspirations: If you are aiming for mid-to high-level administrative positions in colleges and universities, an MHEA can provide the specialized knowledge and credibility required for those roles. Many universities and colleges prefer or even mandate advanced degrees for leadership positions in departments like student affairs, admissions, academic advising, and more.
- Skill Enhancement: The program usually covers a wide range of topics, from leadership and organizational theory to budgeting and enrollment management. These skills are applicable in various administrative roles within academia.
- Networking: MHEA programs often provide opportunities to network with professionals in the field, which can open doors to job opportunities or collaborations.
- Passion for Education: If you have a genuine interest in shaping educational policies, enhancing student success, and contributing to the growth of educational institutions, this degree can be an enriching path.
- Evolving Landscape of Higher Education: The world of higher education is undergoing significant change, influenced by factors like online learning, changing demographics, and fluctuating government funding. A master’s program can offer insights into these changes.