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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.
Apply today with no application fee.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
| 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 |
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:
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
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.
$470 per credit, $150 resource kit, 46 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
Capella Tuition Cap
$12,000 Total Tuition
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$12,000 Total Tuition
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
The cost below is an example based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates. The coursework total assumes no transfer credits have been applied when a student enters into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. This rate is the same nationwide and may change depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost of tuition |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $470/credit
|
$21,620.00 |
| Est. savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-9,620.00 |
|
Est. total with Capella Tuition Cap* |
$12,000.00 |
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
“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.
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
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.
Applicants to the Master of Science in Education program focused on Higher Education Leadership and Administration must provide the following information for admission:
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:
Learn more about international student admissions.
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.
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
If you’re curious about taking the next step in your education, there are simple ways to help clarify the path forward.
Gain skills to help pursue your professional goals by learning the latest teaching theories and strategies.
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*
Employment settings to explore*
*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.
