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Higher Education Leadership and Administration
Master of Science in Education
Want to make a difference in education? Take your passion to an administrative level with the online MS in Education, Higher Education Leadership and Administration program from Capella University.
The curriculum in this specialization can help you reach your potential and make an impact at the college level. Explore current theory and best practices to gain understanding of history, public policy, law and governance, finance and program administration. This program can help prepare you to advance in your career or pursue a doctoral degree.
Classes start July 8
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 4 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 1 Elective course
- Capstone
- 46 Total quarter credits (12 Max transfer)
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $12,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore higher education leadership and administration courses
- This degree requires a total of 46 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete four core courses, five specialization courses, one elective course and one capstone
| Course number & name | Course description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED5012 Overview of Higher Education | Learners study the impact of higher education on individuals and society. Learners also evaluate the history of higher education; examine the structure and scope of higher education institutions; and analyze the role of history, policy, and theory on current and future practices within the field. Additionally, learners review current higher education literature, issues, and trends. Learners continue to develop the Capella e-portfolio and career action plan. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Pre-requisite(s): ED5010 | 4 quarter credits |
| ED5570 History, Issues, and Trends in Higher Education | Learners gain an understanding of the evolution of colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions. Learners focus on the cultural, societal, and economic influences that have shaped the development of higher education curricula, culture, practices, and governance. Learners also relate historical events and milestones to current issues and trends in higher education. | 4 quarter credits |
| ED5572 Politics and Public Policy in Higher Education | In this course, learners examine the politics of competition for resources, the expectations of consumers and providers, and the role of state and local government in higher education institutions. Learners explore change theory and ethical implications for public policy. Pre-requisite(s): ED5012 | 4 quarter credits |
| ED5574 Financial Management and Institutional Development | In this course, learners examine higher education revenue sources and review expenses and cost drivers associated with institution management. Primary topics include tuition and fee revenue, government appropriations, gifts and grants, and investment income. Learners also study the growing expense of faculty and staff compensation, technology upgrades, and long-term debt service obligations. Other topics include the complexities of financial aid, institutional budget planning, and program management. Pre-requisite(s): ED5012 | 4 quarter credits |
| ED6504 Leadership in Higher Education | Learners analyze and apply leadership theories and decision-making structures to higher education challenges. Learners explore organizational structure, the culture and politics of higher education, and strategies for leading equity-minded practice in higher education. Learners develop a personal philosophy of leadership. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ED5012 |
What you'll study
The MS in Education, Higher Education Leadership and Administration integrates current recognized theory and best practices with practical application. Students pursue a specific concentration within their program, engaging in a curriculum that focuses on history, politics and public policy, law and governance, finance and development and program administration.
Successful graduates of this specialization are prepared to pursue leadership positions in colleges, universities and professional schools; community colleges; and educational support services. These specialization requirements are not designed or intended to meet professional licensure requirements for the education profession.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply relevant higher education theory and research to personal leadership skills and practice
- Manage change in higher education organizations
- Manage resources of higher education organizations
- Apply technology to implement data driven decisions
- Apply professional practices that support diversity, equity and ethical decision making for academic excellence
- Communicate and collaborate effectively as a leader in higher education
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
How much does the MS in Education cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$21,620
NO TRANSFER CREDITS
$470 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 46 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
This program is currently not approved for federal financial aid by the U.S. Department of Education (ED).
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“The field of education is constantly changing, so as a teacher, I need to constantly be learning as much as I can to stay on the top of my game, and then give my students the best education that I can.”
Michelle Emerson* – Master of Education graduate
*Actual FlexPath graduate compensated for appearing in Capella promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the MS in Education admission requirements?
Applicants to the Master of Science in Education program focused on Higher Education Leadership and Administration must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attended an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an MS in Education Higher Education Leadership and Administration degree?
Your education can help you pursue your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in Education, Higher Education Leadership and Administration degree.
Job titles to explore*
- Academic coordinator
- Admissions counselor
- Campus director
- Dean of students
- Director of admissions
- Director of financial aid
- Director of residence life
- Director of student services
- Director of student success
- Program director
- Registrar
Employment settings to explore*
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Educational support services
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.