Higher Education Administration, MS Online

Overview

Higher education administration is a unique field that combines administration, leadership, advising, and assessment skills. People in this field care about students and their personal, academic, and career success. The MS in Higher Education Administration prepares students to support students truly. The coursework provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of higher education administration and prepares students to work in two- and four-year colleges and universities. Graduates pursue careers in academic advising, admissions and enrollment management, fundraising, career placement, financial aid, student affairs, and related fields.

Students can complete this degree in as little as 10 months if they attend full-time and take two courses per term, or they can attend part-time and one course per term.

The GRE is not required to apply for the program.

Real MS Graduates Tell Their Stories

New England College’s MS in Higher Education Administration offers a collaborative, supportive professional learning environment. We’ve interviewed several graduates so you can learn more about what it’s like to study for your MS at NEC. Watch these interviews to hear some of our MS in Higher Education Administration graduates talk about their experience first-hand.

Coursework

Developed for individuals juggling multiple responsibilities, the program is delivered 100% online and covers topics such as retention, leadership, organization and administration, inclusive excellence, and assessment. Issues of equity are integrated throughout all courses. Coursework includes readings, discussions, and engaging assignments that allow students to immediately apply what they are learning to their current or future work. The program culminates in a capstone project that not only allows students to demonstrate what they have learned in the program (instead of a comprehensive exam) but also provides an opportunity to address an issue in their workplace or problem of interest.

Program Learning Outcomes

In this program, you will be able to:

1. Identify and articulate implications of contemporary issues for higher education administration;
2. Apply administrative, leadership, and management practices to the variety of organizational structures found in diverse institutions of higher education;
3. Employ a broad range of higher education resources and research for problem-solving, program planning, program implementation, or assessment;
4. Connect theory to practice, applying course learning to professional work experiences;
5. Make data-informed decisions and recommendations related to professional practice;
6. Develop and hone effective personal and organizational leadership skills;
7. Effectively advise and help students individually and in group settings;
8. Develop skills and knowledge required to work with diverse individuals and organizations and foster inclusive communities;
9. Demonstrate effective and inclusive written and oral communication skills, and;
10. Think critically to identify, strategize, and solve issues within higher education.
11. Design strategies and interventions to address diversity, equity, and inclusion in educational organizations

Return on Investment

Pursuing graduate education is a commitment of time and money. As such, NEC has developed a curriculum for students to develop key skills and knowledge to support career advancement, helping students obtain jobs with increasing responsibilities and higher salaries.

During the program, students learn:

• How colleges and universities work
• The impact of changing student demographics on higher education
• Strategies for advising students
• How to develop policies, programs, and services that retain students
• How to lead at all levels of higher education
• Ways to ensure equitable outcomes for all students
• And more

New England College’s MS in Higher Education program surpassed my expectations in every aspect. The staff and faculty are exceptionally positive, caring, and communicative, providing invaluable support and guidance. Their flexibility and abundant resources ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed on their own terms. Moreover, the program’s commitment to inclusivity creates a truly supportive environment. The genuine care and dedication of the staff, directors, and teachers make this program stand out, fostering a sense of belonging and inspiring student growth. I highly recommend New England College’s MS in Higher Education program to anyone seeking a transformative academic experience.
Rachel Luebbert, Admissions Representative, Daytona College

“This is a really important program not only because it encourages progressive advising tactics for promoting equity in a college setting, but it also provides a solid ground for graduate students to learn about the legal and historical backgrounds of the higher education industry.”
Austin Sorrette, Student Success Coach, York County Community College

“The program includes practical classes and coursework that really apply to the field and careers in higher ed. The work was challenging but also manageable. The faculty from NEC and from other colleges are great.”
Kristie Baldwin-DeCew, Assistant Professor of Education, Landmark College

“The program prepared me to become a professional and to understand how things operate behind the curtain.”
James Patten, Director of Compliance, Westminster University

“The program is only a year to complete, I loved that timeline! I LOVED working with Gavin, he was so invested in me as a person, student, and professional. Each class was unique, and I have used every class differently throughout my career.”
Meg Darrigo, Coordinator of Student Access, University of New England

“The curriculum is broad-based enough to be useful in a variety of situations involving a wide variety of constituents across campus. Each class does a deep enough dive to provide context, history, and present-day application.”
Ken Miller, Assistant Vice President for Public Safety, Rollins College

“In higher education, there is more often than not one degree of separation, and NEC’s program made that really clear and valuable to my networking.”
Heather McCarthy, Assistant Director of Housing Operations, Williams College

“I often recommend the program to others, stating how much they will learn about higher ed and the roles, responsibilities, and assessments that take place to keep students actively engaged in school.”
Elizabeth Brennan, Director of Academic Advising, New England College

“The NEC MSHEA program is an extensive and informative program that provides a thorough understanding of the field of higher education. It supports learners from various backgrounds and meets the scheduling needs of those who are current full-time employees.”
Meredith Sullivan, Assistant Director of Academic Advising, New England College

“I had one of the best professional networking experiences in university by joining the MSHEA program.”
Whitney Prospere, Teaching Fellow, Excel Academy Charter Schools

Recognition and Rankings

NEC Ranked Top Online College in New Hampshire

New England Colege in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best Online Colleges in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by Forbes Advisor, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

NEC Ranked Top Online Degree Program

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading online college in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by Intelligent.com, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

NEC Ranked Top College in New Hampshire

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by EduRank, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

Program Director

Gavin Henning, PhD, a professor of higher education at New England College, directs this program. He is a past president of ACPA–College Student Educators International and a past president of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS). His 30 years in higher education have included roles in residence life, assessment, and institutional research. He presents and consults frequently, and his most recently published books include The Impact of Sense of Belonging in College and Reframing Assessment to Center Equity. He is the recipient of the 2023 NASPA George D. Kuh Outstanding Contribution to Literature and Research. Gavin earned his PhD in Education Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of New Hampshire.