Master’s in Higher Education Administration Online Master of Science (MS) Degree Program
Program Overview Why get a master’s in higher education administration online?
Recent shifts in learning technology, complex policy and more have increased the need for innovative, fiscally responsible leaders. Southern New Hampshire University's Master of Science (MS) in Higher Education Administration degree explores everything from strategic leadership to data-driven resource management, so you can successfully balance student demands with organizational needs.
Skills you'll learn:
- Data-based strategies to address challenges
- Program evaluation techniques
- Policy analysis at all levels
- Decision-making practices
- Institutional leadership approaches
- Budgeting and resource allocation tactics
Courses & Curriculum Master’s in higher education administration online classes that teach you to take charge
Gain deep insight into the history and theories that have shaped higher learning in the United States, while gaining the know-how to take confident action.
Master's in higher education administration online courses
In this 36-credit program, you'll learn the communication, management, organization and technical skills required of today's higher education leaders.
Courses may include:
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: January 06, 2025 | March 24, 2025
Next term starts:
Oct. 14, 2024
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Learn From Instructors With Industry Experience
Our faculty carry with them decades of experience in higher education. By bringing real-world insights to the classroom, they can help position graduates for success in a field that's always changing.
Dr. Kimberly J. Salgado has nearly two decades’ experience in higher education administration. She's deeply passionate about research and has most recently given presentations entitled “Online Faculty Behavior Research Study & Findings” and “Online Tactical Listening & Conflict Resolution Research.”
Position
Associate Dean, Education and First Year Experience
Joined SNHU
2016
Education
- EdD in Higher Education Administrational Leadership from Immaculata University
- MBA from Western International University
- BS in Business Administration from Northeastern State University
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
It's easy, fast and free.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online graduate tuition
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288
If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377
If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Career Outlook What can I do with a master’s in higher education administration online degree?
Depending on your specific role, your duties as a higher education administrator could vary. You may work directly with students or, instead, act as an informed leader who moves forward an agenda amidst conflicting pressures and perspectives.
Industries
Higher education administrators are often employed in the following areas:
Lead initiatives in curriculum development, academic policies, and faculty support and development.
Work in higher ed's hottest topic – online delivery models. Beyond the technical logistics, you'll consider how to best support students learning remotely.
Lead the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at your organization to ensure access and representation for your school's employees and students.
Ensure students have the best possible experience by identifying opportunities for improvement in areas of student support, academics and extracurriculars.
Recruit students who you think will thrive at your institution and guide them to degree completion.
Schedule course offerings and plan logistics for class space. Help students enroll in courses, in addition to preparing diplomas, transcripts and other academic records.
Increase in roles for postsecondary education administrators through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
Median annual pay for postsecondary education administrators as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
Frequently Asked Questions
A master's in higher education administration is a graduate degree that prepares professionals to help advance a postsecondary institution in critical ways.
An MS in Higher Education Administration teaches students how to:
- Be strategic leaders
- Create cultures of student success
- Apply data-driven resource management
Southern New Hampshire University's program was built to help administrators face 21st-century challenges in postsecondary education.
When people think of jobs in higher education, they usually imagine professors. But with classes to be scheduled, students to be supported, clubs to be organized and initiatives to be funded, many other roles are needed to keep a college or university operating smoothly.
If you want to work in higher education, but aren't interested in teaching, you might want to consider higher education administration. Some job titles include:
- Academic dean
- Admissions director
- Director of financial aid
- Institutional research director
- Provost
- Registrar
- University president
- VP of academic affairs
You can earn a specialized degree to get the knowledge you need to succeed in these positions. SNHU, an accredited, nonprofit university, offers a master's in higher education administration that you can earn completely online. We also have some of the most affordable online tuition rates in the nation, alongside dedicated staff and faculty who prioritize student support.
Only you can decide whether or not a degree is worth it. The face of higher education is changing tremendously. Colleges and universities need innovative leaders who can help advance institutions through modern solutions.
If you know you want to pursue a career in higher education, a master's can certainly help you reach your goals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical entry-level education for postsecondary education administrators is a master's.1
With that in mind, you should pick a program that fits your goals, budget and lifestyle. SNHU is an accredited, nonprofit university offering an online master's program that focuses specifically on higher education administration. The online format allows you to have more flexibility in completing your degree, and we have some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. Plus, our advisors are known for their first-class support.
If you want to become a higher education administrator, gaining experience in the education field and earning a master's degree is a great start.
Many academic institutions require a master's degree for their administrative positions. Southern New Hampshire University offers a specialized MS in Higher Education Administration that you can complete entirely online. This 12-course graduate degree program focuses on building skills in budgeting and financial management, law and regulation, program evaluation, marketing, leadership and beyond. Even better? SNHU has some of the lowest online tuition rates in the United States.
Having prior experience in higher education is also helpful in becoming a higher education administrator. If you currently work in elementary or secondary education, earning a graduate education administration degree could help you make the transition to a postsecondary setting.
By many standards, higher education is a good career choice. Here are some of the benefits of pursuing a career as a higher education administrator:
- Salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), postsecondary education administrators earned a median annual salary of $102,610 in May 2023.1
- Job growth. The BLS also reported that postsecondary education administrator jobs were expected to grow on pace with the national average for all occupations.1 About 15,300 openings for postsecondary education administration are projected, on average, annually through 2032.1 Employers predominantly include state, local and private colleges, universities and professional schools, as well as junior colleges.1
- Innovation. One of the benefits of the accelerated shift to online education is that it can help create employment opportunities free of geographic barriers. What's more, innovations in education present new, dynamic challenges for qualified professionals to shape the future of their field.
- Personal rewards. A career in higher education can be personally rewarding. At SNHU, we know firsthand how much education can improve the lives of learners.
Additionally, the BLS noted that higher degree attainment is linked to higher salaries and lower unemployment rates.1
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/data-on-display/education-pays.htm (viewed Apr. 11, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.