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Master of Science in Education Higher Education Leadership and Administration courses
Higher Education Leadership and Administration coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
- Capella sets the deadlines
- Weekly online interactions
- Learn on your time
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Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 46
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Course requirements
- Core 4 courses
- Specialization 4 courses
- Capstone 1 course
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
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ED5010
Core Foundations of Master's Studies in Education
4 quarter credits
This course provides learners with opportunities to acquire and use graduate-level skills, including the ability to critically examine and apply relevant educational theory to professional practice. Learners develop expertise in scholarly writing as well as explore the importance of multicultural perspectives and diversity in professional contexts. Finally, learners articulate and examine their professional purpose and its alignment with their specialization and career aspirations. Must be taken alone during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Education program. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5146
Core Assessment and Evaluation in Education
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the background, context, and practice of assessment of student learning and evaluation of educational programs. They apply their knowledge to design an equitable and inclusive assessment plan that can be implemented in the classroom; and school or organizational level to promote improvement and accountability.
4 quarter credits
ED5343
Core Multicultural and Inclusive Education
4 quarter credits
Learners evaluate multicultural theories by analyzing topics, such as cultural identity, cultural awareness, cultural competence, and apply these concepts to educational settings.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Core Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Learners read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, learners use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest.
4 quarter credits
ED5012
Specialization Course Overview of Higher Education
4 quarter credits
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.
4 quarter credits
ED6504
Specialization Course Leadership in Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Learners analyze and apply leadership theories and decision-making structures to higher education challenges. Learners investigate 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
4 quarter credits
ED5570
Specialization Course History, Issues, and Trends in Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Learners gain an understanding of the evolution of colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions. Learners investigate 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
Specialization Elective Choose an Elective
4 quarter credits
ED5572
Specialization Course Politics and Public Policy in Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the politics of competition of 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.
4 quarter credits
ED5574
Specialization Course Financial Management and Institutional Development
4 quarter credits
Learners examine higher education revenue sources and review expenses and cost drivers associated with institution management. Learners investigate 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. Additionally, learners examine the complexities of financial aid, institutional budget planning, and program management. Prerequisite: ED5012
4 quarter credits
ED6950
Capstone Capstone for Master of Science in Education
6 quarter credits
In the capstone course, learners demonstrate proficiency in the programs competencies by integrating learning from required courses to complete a final project. Must be taken during the learners final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: ED5538 or ED5730 or ED5440 or ED5712 or ED5808 or ED5570 or ED5574. For learners in MEd in Teaching & Learning ED5306 or RSCH7860, MS in Education innovation and Technology learners EDT5142 or ED5146.
6 quarter credits
Total
At least 46 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
This specialization is not designed to lead to license, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. Contact your school district for a determination on qualifications for salary advancement.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
Specialization course requirements
Complete at least 15 program points from the specialization courses shown below.
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ED6576
Specialization Elective Higher Education Program Administration
4 quarter credits
Learners explore the distinctions between leadership and management and identify the knowledge and skills needed to address higher education administrative challenges. Learners determine communication skills necessary at personal and organizational levels and strategies for articulating a shared vision. Additionally, learners explore current best practices in human resources leadership and management and their connections with ethical practices. Prerequisite(s): ED6504.
4 quarter credits
Specialization Elective
quarter credits
quarter credits
ED6504
Specialization Course Leadership in Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Learners analyze and apply leadership theories and decision-making structures to higher education challenges. Learners investigate 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
4 quarter credits
ED5574
Specialization Course Financial Management and Institutional Development
4 quarter credits
Learners examine higher education revenue sources and review expenses and cost drivers associated with institution management. Learners investigate 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. Additionally, learners examine the complexities of financial aid, institutional budget planning, and program management. Prerequisite: ED5012
4 quarter credits
ED5012
Specialization Course Overview of Higher Education
4 quarter credits
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.
4 quarter credits
ED5570
Specialization Course History, Issues, and Trends in Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Learners gain an understanding of the evolution of colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions. Learners investigate 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
Specialization Course Politics and Public Policy in Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the politics of competition of 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.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 45 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Capella University is not currently accepting applications for the MS in Education, Reading and Literacy specialization from Arkansas or Kentucky residents.
Capstone courses
In your final quarter, complete a capstone course for a total of 6 quarter credits.
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ED6950
Capstone Capstone for Master of Science in Education
6 quarter credits
In the capstone course, learners demonstrate proficiency in the programs competencies by integrating learning from required courses to complete a final project. Must be taken during the learners final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: ED5538 or ED5730 or ED5440 or ED5712 or ED5808 or ED5570 or ED5574. For learners in MEd in Teaching & Learning ED5306 or RSCH7860, MS in Education innovation and Technology learners EDT5142 or ED5146.
6 quarter credits
Total
At least 46 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
This specialization is not designed to lead to license, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. Contact your school district for a determination on qualifications for salary advancement.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
Core course requirements
Complete at least 24 quarter credits in the core courses category. Choose from the courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
ED5146
Core Assessment and Evaluation in Education
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the background, context, and practice of assessment of student learning and evaluation of educational programs. They apply their knowledge to design an equitable and inclusive assessment plan that can be implemented in the classroom; and school or organizational level to promote improvement and accountability.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Core Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Learners read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, learners use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest.
4 quarter credits
ED5010
Core Foundations of Master's Studies in Education
4 quarter credits
This course provides learners with opportunities to acquire and use graduate-level skills, including the ability to critically examine and apply relevant educational theory to professional practice. Learners develop expertise in scholarly writing as well as explore the importance of multicultural perspectives and diversity in professional contexts. Finally, learners articulate and examine their professional purpose and its alignment with their specialization and career aspirations. Must be taken alone during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Education program. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5343
Core Multicultural and Inclusive Education
4 quarter credits
Learners evaluate multicultural theories by analyzing topics, such as cultural identity, cultural awareness, cultural competence, and apply these concepts to educational settings.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 45 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Capella University is not currently accepting applications for the MS in Education, Reading and Literacy specialization from Arkansas or Kentucky residents.
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
Explore the Capella courseroom ->
How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.