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ONLINE EDUCATION DEGREES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Accredited universities offer the following online Master's degrees and PhD programs in education with specializations in educational leadership and management skills in higher education.

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Featured Online Schools
- AIU Online
- Capella University
- George Washington University
- Jones International University
- Kaplan University
- Touro University
- University Alliance
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Phoenix
- The University of Scranton
- Walden University
- Western Governors University

Home | Online Degree Programs | Education Degrees | Higher Education Degrees

Online Higher Education Degree Programs

Higher education plays a crucial role in the economic wellbeing, cultural life, and scientific achievement of our nation--not to mention the personal and professional development of each individual student. Higher education administrators take on considerable responsibility as the leaders of these institutions, developing and coordinating a range of academic programs.

Degree programs in higher education are specifically geared to train you in a variety of disciplines, ranging from instruction to curriculum development to educational management. Graduates of such programs often go on to become deans, provosts, and administrators. Higher education administrators are responsible for maintaining academic quality and reputation, coordinating and developing academic programs, managing budgets and financing, recruiting, hiring and managing faculty, establishing academic policies.

Master of Science or Master of Education (MEd) in Higher Education Degree programs are designed to prepare students for leadership positions in a college or university. Areas of specialization include:

Student development
Organization and governance
Diversity and higher learning
College leadership and organizational change
Student services

Courses cover a range of topics pertinent to higher education leadership. Sample course titles include:

Legal Issues in Higher Education
Budgeting and Finance of Educational Institutions
Management of Higher Education
Educational Politics and History
The Future of Teaching and Learning
Curriculum Development
Human Resources in Higher Education
Distance and Online Learning Programs
Educational Technology
Grant Writing for Higher Education

Online master's degree programs typically offer opportunities for students to conduct independent research projects, complete internships, and network with other academic professionals.

PhD in Higher Education

A doctoral degree in Higher Education is appropriate for higher-level administrators, researchers, and education professors. In addition to the courses listed above, doctoral students complete courses in quantitative analysis and research methodology. The three- to six-year program culminates in an extensive original research project.

Higher Education Degrees Online

Higher education degree programs are increasingly available online, offering students greater flexibility. Those who attend online degree programs in higher education occasionally have to reside at the main location for a week or two if they are working towards a doctoral degree. But during the rest of the year, you can work towards your degree from the comfort of home.

Careers in Higher Education

A degree in higher education can be an important means of career advancement in higher education administration. A master's degree is the minimum qualification for a position as an academic dean, provost, or department chair; many higher-ranking administrators have a PhD.

Although no program can guarantee you exact starting salaries after graduation, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that the median income for postsecondary education administrators was approximately $85,870 in 2007. Job opportunities should be "excellent," according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fueled by a wave of retirements and a 12 percent increase in the number of jobs through 2016. With an advanced degree in higher education, one of those jobs could be yours.

Our Featured Education Partners:

Kaplan University

MS Higher Education/College Administration and Leadership
This specialization, which prepares you for leadership positions at postsecondary institutions, is designed for professionals with current or past experience in higher education.
MS Higher Education/College Training
This comprehensive, entirely online MS program teaches the advanced knowledge and skills you need for a leadership position in higher education.
MS Higher Education/Student Services
Work closely with accomplished faculty and diverse classmates in this challenging online program.

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Learn more about programs at Kaplan University.

Capella University

MS in Education - Leadership for Higher Education
MS in Education - Postsecondary and Adult Education
PhD in Education - Leadership for Higher Education
PhD in Education - Postsecondary and Adult Education

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Learn more about programs at Capella University.

Jones International University Online

M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership and Administration
The higher education specialization focuses on the progress of the higher education sector, effective leadership strategies, and understanding how adults learn. This rigorous curriculum reviews relevant literature and prepares students to apply theory to real-world situations.

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Learn more about programs at Jones International University Online.

Argosy University Online

EdD in Community College Executive Leadership

Learn more about programs at Argosy University Online.

Abilene Christian University - Online

Master of Education in Higher Education Affairs
Love working on college campuses? This highly specialized online degree program offers the instruction and skills you need to build a successful career in a variety of higher education institutions.

Learn more about programs at Abilene Christian University - Online.

Oregon State University
Oregon State University offers the following degrees, certificates and licensures for education:

Ed. M. Adult Education
Ed. M. Education (Mentored Masters)
M.A.T. Elementary Education, Endorsement – Early Childhood Education
Ph.D./Ed.D. Education – Emphasis in Community College Leadership
Continuing Teaching Licensure

OSU Extended campus offers several degrees, certificates and licensures in the education field to meet your needs. Whether your aspiration is to work with adult learners in educational or workplace settings, become a community college leader, specialize in teaching English to adult second language learners, or to enhance your professional development, you can attain these goals without a major lifestyle change. Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.

Kaplan University

- MS Higher Education/College Administration and Leadership
- MS Higher Education/College Training
- MS Higher Education/Student Services

Capella University

- MS in Education - Leadership for Higher Education
- MS in Education - Postsecondary and Adult Education
- PhD in Education - Leadership for Higher Education
- PhD in Education - Postsecondary and Adult Education

Jones International University Online

- M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership and Administration

Argosy University Online

- EdD in Community College Executive Leadership

Abilene Christian University - Online

- Master of Education in Higher Education Affairs

- Educational Administration
- Educational Administration
- Teacher Education

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