The Higher Education Administration program at the University of Louisville has been ranked #2 by the Best Online Master's Program in Higher Education. Also, among all the special categories, the program is ranked as the Best for Vets! Read More . . ..
In addition, among the educational administration online offerings, the Higher Education Administration program at the University of Louisville was also ranked #2 in the nation and received a national distinction for being most responsive to graduate student transfers into its program. Read More . . .
The MA in Higher Education Administration online program is now ranked #07 in the nation by BestColleges.com!
The Higher Education Administration (HEA) program at the University of Louisville offers a well-recognized scholar-practitioner academic experience focused on
Our program strives to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to make data-informed decisions, and initiate efforts of organizational change to improve higher education opportunities, outcomes, and institutions, with a focus on policy, inclusion, and equity.
The 30-hour Master's in Higher Education Administration Degree program at UofL is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in university and college settings. Our nationally recognized faculty apply their expertise as scholars and practitioners to connect classroom knowledge directly to real-world experiences. Students may choose a common track in higher education administration or select a concentration in Sport Administration to learn about the context of sports in higher education.
| Face-to-face Example Part-Time Student Pathway | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | First term half | Second term half |
| Fall, Y1 | 682 (Tues) | 693 (Tues) |
| Spring, Y1 | 694 (Tues) | 666 (Tues)/600 (variable) |
| Summer, Y1 | 680 (May online) | Elective (June online) |
| Fall, Y2 | 690 (Full term; Wednesdays) | Elective |
| Spring Y2 | 684 (Tues) | 697 (Full term; Wednesdays) |
The Higher Education Administration program at the University of Louisville has been ranked #2 by the Best Online Master's Program in Higher Education. Also, among all the special categories, the program is ranked as the Best for Vets! Read More . . ..
In addition, among the educational administration online offerings, the Higher Education Administration program at the University of Louisville was also ranked #2 in the nation and received a national distinction for being most responsive to graduate student transfers into its program. Read More . . .
Please check availability of the online program in your state.
The MA in Higher Education Administration is one of two graduate level programs offered within the College of Education and Human Development that can be completed entirely online.
The online format of the MA in Higher Education Administration is designed for distance learners who need the flexibility that's not offered by the on campus program. Online classes are offered through Blackboard -- a course management system used by UofL to facilitate online learning. Among other things, students use Blackboard to...
MA HEA Online Request More Info
The Higher Education program has given me a more broad view of how colleges and universities operate. I had experience in my specific field but the classes I have taken made me see things from new perspectives. This helps me to think critically in my job and put theories into practice in the workplace. The program is big enough that I have met a wide variety of other students with diverse experiences, yet small enough that I have gotten to know the faculty well and developed mentor relationships with them.
James Barnard, Higher Education Administration Student
The biggest benefit of online learning is that you can work to earn your degree from your own home while raising your family, working full time, or experiencing particular life circumstances that make commuting to campus difficult or impossible. At U of L, you are taught by the same world class faculty as our on campus students. You read the same textbooks, do many of the same assignments and earn the same degrees. The biggest difference is that you are able to do it in a way that best fits your lifestyle.
Be prepared for online learning. Online learning is learning that is facilitated in an online environment. Rather than attend class in a traditional classroom setting, online learning allows you to "go to class" when it's convenient for you whether that's 5am or 11pm.
Online learning is not for everyone. Successful online students...
For more information, view http://louisville.edu/online.
It's New and Starts Fall 2022! The MA Higher Education Administration degree is now offered in a cohort-based learning format starting in fall 2022. Offered once per year each fall, students ready for face-to-face instruction and a few online classes will learn from top faculty in the field and attend class just one night per week. Plus, the benefit of this format reaches beyond the classroom. The cohort-based learning format expands the students' perspectives, provides in-depth collaboration, and makes it easier to build a lifelong network and collegial relationships.
Students admitted to the cohort-based learning format will graduate in 18-22 months, enjoy various professional development events and follow a strategic pathway to graduation; an example is below.
Many courses are offered in condensed terms to allow students to take one course at a time. See the “Course Pathways” tab above for detailed information about course offerings and course format.
| Cohort-Based Format; Part-Time Student Pathway | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | First Half of Term | Second Half of Term |
| Fall 2022 | LEAD 682 (Tuesday PM; 8 weeks) | LEAD 693 (Tuesday PM; 8 weeks) |
| Spring 2023 | LEAD 694 (Tuesday PM; 8 weeks) | LEAD 666 (Tuesday PM; 8 weeks)/600 (variable) |
| Summer 2023 | LEAD 680 (May online; 3 weeks) | LEAD Elective (June online; 6-7 weeks) |
| Fall 2023 | LEAD 690 (Full term; Meets only 3-4 Wednesdays PM) | LEAD Elective (potentially online; 8 weeks) |
| Spring 2024 | LEAD 684 (Tuesday PM; 8 weeks); LEAD 697 (Full term; Meets only 3-4 Wednesdays PM) | (No new class; continue LEAD 697) |
LEAD electives will vary and include:
Applications are being accepted today at https://apply.louisville.edu/register/applygrad
Application Deadline: July 15
No GRE required; simply submit the following:
Note: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited school.
For details about program curriculum, visit the Graduate Catalog.
FAQs about the program's Internship requirement
| Practice Core | Hours |
|---|---|
| LEAD 666 Program Development and Assessment in Higher Education | 3 |
| LEAD 682 The Organization and Administration of Higher Educational Institutions | 3 |
| LEAD 693 College Students in the United States | 3 |
| LEAD 690 Professional Project in Higher Education | 3 |
| Advanced Core | |
| LEAD 680 Legal Issues in Postsecondary Education | 3 |
| LEAD 684 Educational Resource Management in Postsecondary Education | 3 |
| LEAD 694 Diversity in Higher Education | 3 |
| Specialization | |
| Elective 1 (approved by advisor) | 3 |
| Elective 2 (approved by advisor) | 3 |
| Exit Requirement | |
| LEAD 697 Organizational Improvement in Higher Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 |
| Practice Core | Hours |
|---|---|
| LEAD 600 Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics OR LEAD 666 Program Development and Assessment in Higher Education | 3 |
| LEAD 682 The Organization and Administration of Higher Educational Institutions | 3 |
| LEAD 693 College Students in the United States | 3 |
| Advanced Core | |
| LEAD 680 Legal Issues in Postsecondary Education | 3 |
| LEAD 684 Educational Resource Management in Postsecondary Education | 3 |
| LEAD 694 Diversity in Higher Education | 3 |
| Specialization | |
| SPAD 680 Athletics and Higher Education | 3 |
| SPAD 625 Sport Management and Leadership | 3 |
| Elective (approved by advisor) | 3 |
| Exit Requirement | |
| SPAD 692 Internship in Sport Administration | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 |
Prospective students must submit an online application to https://apply.graduate.louisville.edu/apply/ for admission to the University of Louisville.
To be considered for the program, each applicant must submit the following:
| Preferred Application Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| December 10 | Spring I | January |
| February 10 | Spring II | March |
| May 1 | Summer | June |
| August 1 | Fall I | Late August |
| September 10 | Fall II | October |
If you have questions about applying to the program, please email gradadm@louisville.edu
This program is open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.
Our faculty are nationally recognized with terminal degrees from among the highest ranked research programs (i.e., University of Alabama, Columbia University, Indiana University, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and University of Maryland). Our efforts in the areas of research, teaching, and service reflect our program priorities. Whether it be the study of former foster youth and their experiences in higher education, how complex tuition policies can hinder equity efforts, or learning how programs and policies may contribute to inequities in higher education, we are committed to learning and teaching about the intersections of policy, inclusion, and equity. Students often engage in research with and present with faculty at academic conferences including the Association for the Study of Higher Education, American Educational Research Association, the Association for Education Finance & Policy, and NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. The program, through the University of Louisville's Center for Economic Education, also houses and edits the Journal of Student Financial Aid, a peer-reviewed journal "featuring works of significance in all areas of postsecondary student financial assistance."
Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
502-852-4563
highered@louisville.edu
Dr. Jake Gross
Program Director
jpgros02@louisville.edu
502-852-8795
If you're seeking to advance your career or considering a career in higher education, the UofL MA in Higher Education Administration is the program of choice. Our graduates emerge as strong candidates for a variety of positions in universities and colleges across the country and are well-equipped to advance equity and inclusion efforts through the use of data-driven decisions and an in-depth understanding of policy. Check out the variety of roles and salary ranges at https://www.higheredjobs.com/salary
Full time students may be eligible for a limited number of graduate assistantships available in the CEHD and the Division of Student Affairs at UofL. It is the responsibility of the students to secure these positions. In addition to the financial aid opportunities offered by the University, the College of Education & Human Development also has information about other forms of financial aid.
Other financial aid opportunities available include graduate assistantships and other employment opportunities.
University employees enrolled in the MAHEA program and taking online classes are charged at non-bundled fee rates, which are $66 per class or $22 per credit hour.
Full-time employees are eligible to take up to two courses at UofL each semester tuition free. Full-time is defined as working 80% of full-time equivalency or greater. Part-time employees are eligible to take one course at UofL each semester tuition free. Part-time is defined as working 40-79% of full-time equivalency or greater.
View the Tuition Remission Policy for full details on eligibility, tuition coverage, and requirements.
I'll always be grateful to UofL and the College of Education and Human Development for my experience as a graduate student in the MA HEA program. As someone who came to graduate school after some time away from the classroom, the program's flexible course offerings and student-centered approach offered exactly what I needed. As a higher education professional, the opportunities to connect what we explored in our coursework to what we encountered in the workplace were particularly enriching. Most meaningfully, the program’s emphasis on creating more equitable and just educational spaces continues to inspire and motivate me in my current work as a doctoral student and instructor.
No matter your aspirations in the field, the MA HEA faculty members do a remarkable job of allowing you to explore your interests and support your growth. From day one of my admission to today, I feel as though I have access to a network of people who are invested in my success and committed to helping me achieve my goals.
Wyatt Driskell, Higher Education Administration Graduate
The Masters of Higher Education Administration program at the University of Louisville has prepared me for a lifelong career in higher education, and allowed me to take the next step on my journey of being a leader and administrator at an institution. With the option to complete the program entirely online, I was able to earn my degree at my own pace from wherever I was, which was extremely helpful for someone like me who travels quite a bit in their work. From the faculty and staff, who truly care about you and your career goals and serve as mentors throughout the entire program, to my fellow students, who are all at different stages on their journeys into higher education and many of whom work 9-5 jobs outside of higher ed, I felt connected and cared for throughout every step of the program, even though many times I was hundreds of miles away from everyone. With classes ranging from the history of education to diversity in higher education, and with an internship requirement that allowed me to explore some areas of interest outside of my current job, I feel ready to take that next step on my career path. I am truly so thankful for the HEA program for providing me with the skills and education necessary to lead in one of the top fields in the country, and for providing me with lifelong mentorships and friendships. No matter where you are located or what you want to do in higher education, the UofL Master of Art in HEA program will help you explore your passions while becoming the leader that the profession demands.
Kevin Buckley, Higher Education Administration Graduate
The Higher Education Administration program has opened my perspective on how colleges and universities of all types vary when it comes to their organization and administration. The professors’ backgrounds within higher education are diverse, and they do an excellent job of using their own experience as real-world examples of the hurdles faced by colleges and universities everywhere. The classes touch on a variety of interesting topics, all of which are helpful in understanding the complexities that span all areas of this field. This program delivers in developing its students professionally and preparing them for careers in higher education.
William George, Higher Education Administration Student
I found my experience in the MA in Higher Education Administration program at the University of Louisville to be invaluable. The curriculum and professors are both relevant and adaptable to students’ specific interests and fields within higher education. Perhaps the best part of this program was its ability to give me multiple different perspectives (legal issues, organizational structures and theory, and resource management, specifically) that I can use to study and then address challenges in higher education. While I would have learned these perspectives in the field eventually, having quality academic preparation has certainly given me an advantage.
Annie Fitzpatrick, Higher Education Administration Student
As a nontraditional student pursuing my graduate degree full-time, I reviewed all the programs that were available to me both in the classroom and online. The MHEA was a perfect fit for my goal to transition into the field of higher education administration. I have been inspired by my classmates and engaged by the faculty in this program.
Christine Payne, Higher Education Administration Graduate
As a recent graduate from the Higher Education Administration program I can honestly say that the program equipped me with the tools necessary to be successful in my career. The faculty and staff in the program are pioneers in higher education and afford students like myself the opportunity to work alongside them and help create new knowledge and research. The faculty and staff provided me with knowledge of how colleges and universities function from various perspectives. I was also given mentorship that allowed me to meet the leaders in my field and taught me those transferable skills that made me employable after graduation. I can say with the upmost confidence that I am a proud graduate of the Higher Education Administration program and would not be in the position that I am without the program.
Jonathan Hughes, Higher Education Administration GraduateIn what order should I take courses?
We recommend students start with LEAD 682, continue with LEAD 693, continue then with LEAD 600 or 666. The last course students take is a capstone, LEAD 697. Students have options within the middle of their course work.
I have some credit hours from another program/university. Can the credit be transferred?
Once you are admitted to the program, you may request to transfer up to 6 credit hours if your UofL advisor approves the request. Transfer requests are then submitted to the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies.
The master's program in Higher Education Administration offered through the Educational Leadership, Evaluation, and Organizational Development (ELEOD) department is intended for those already employed or seeking to be employed in staff or administrative positions in colleges and universities. Our primary focus is on higher education institutions and administrative practices, with an emphasis on policy, inclusion, and equity. The MAHEA program offers concentrations in Administration, Teaching & Learning, Policy & Equity, and Sports Administration. While many of the questions our students and faculty are interested about higher education are related to postsecondary students’ opportunities and outcomes, the Higher Education program does not explicitly focus on the area of student affairs administration. In addition, the MAHEA program does not follow Council or the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) requirements for master's level preparation in student affairs. Students who enroll in the Higher Education Administration program may take up to two courses in the CSP program as part of their MAHEA electives.
The master's program in CSP prepares a student for administrative positions in student affairs according to standards embraced by the student affairs profession as set forth by the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS Standards). The program focuses on the skills, competencies, knowledge, and experience needed to work effectively with college students, to be an effective educator in the out-of-class curriculum of the college or university, and to competently administer student affairs programs and services. The length and content of the program are determined by the CAS standards; the design of the program and the curriculum is intended to meet appropriate educational objectives and to prepare our graduates to be competitive with graduates from other CAS compliant graduate programs.
Additional information about the CSP program can be found here:
http://louisville.edu/education/degrees/med-cps-csp
Are GRE scores required for admission?
No. GRE scores are no longer required for admission.
Yes.
Not directly. This degree prepares people work in various capacities in university administration, typically leading and supporting all the aspects of the university that do not directly result in teaching (e.g., student success, orientation, advising, recruiting, financing, project leadership, and more). At the same time, many students with higher ed degrees support teaching in different ways or have occasional opportunities to teach. For example, higher ed professionals as a part of their work might teach courses on the orientation to college or college success skills (often aligned with work in student success centers or academic advising offices) or service learning courses (often aligned with work in work in volunteer, study abroad, or student life offices). The degree does not fulfill requirements for P-12 teaching certification requirements, but many other programs in the college do!
Tell me about the internship requirement
More FAQs about the program's Internship requirement
The internship (LEAD 690) provides you with the opportunity to work in a different setting related to higher education. You will complete, under the supervision of the course instructor and a site supervisor, a significant project or projects that allow you to apply what you learned from your program of study and potentially explore a career of interest. The internship activities typically cannot include projects within your current scope of responsibilities. We usually recommend the internship come in the middle to later half of a student's course plan. The class requires a minimum of 105 contact hours. You should contact your advisor one semester before you plan to take the internship course to discuss what you are considering.
How long does this program take to complete full or part time?
Classes in the program are 8-weeks. Students seeking to complete the program full-time will enroll in 3 classes or 9 credit hours per semester and graduate in 3 or 4 semesters. Part-time students enroll in 2 classes per semester or 6 credit hours and graduate within 18 months - 2 years.
Are the classes asynchronous or do they have virtual meeting times?
The classes are asynchronous providing students with the flexibility needed, however, faculty offer virtual sessions and are available for one-on-one meetings.
The University Career Center (UCC) assists all students plus provides our College with a designated Career Coach. Furthermore, we encourage our students to join the MA HEA Linked In and/or Facebook Groups to network and connect with one another and alumni. The field of higher education and the employment opportunities are robust and everchanging. Check out the Higher Ed Jobs site at
https://www.higheredjobs.com/?locale=en_US
Do UofL staff receive tuition assistance?
University of Louisville employees enrolled in the UofL MAHEA program and taking online classes are charged at non-bundled fee rates, which are $66 per class or $22 per credit hour.
Full-time employees are eligible to take up to two courses at UofL each semester tuition free. Full-time is defined as working 80% of full-time equivalency or greater. Part-time employees are eligible to take one course at UofL each semester tuition free. Part-time is defined as working 40-79% of full-time equivalency or greater.
Please Note:
View the Tuition Remission Policy for full details on eligibility, tuition coverage, and requirements.
In Summer 2021, the Master of Art in Higher Education Administration degree shifted to a 30 credit hour program and with two concentration options. The Higher Education Administration concentration requires completion of 24 hours of core courses (core consists of practice and advanced classes) and 6 hours of electives. The Sports Administration Concentration requires completion of 27 hours of core courses and 3 hours of electives.
This page contains details about the concentrations, course schedules, and course pathways.
The Higher Education Administration recommended course pathway below aligns with regular course offerings. Students, however, can adapt their course schedules as needed at any time. Students are encouraged to consult the electives projected course schedule (above) to plan around availability of electives of interest.
When admitted, students will talk with their advisor and complete a formal Program of Study form outlining their projected pathway through the curriculum.
The most accurate Schedule of Courses is available online at https://htmlaccess.louisville.edu/classschedule/setupsearchclassschedule.cfm.
To plan your courses, you can also consult the projected Higher Education Administration course schedule linked here. Please note projected schedules can change, so consulting the Schedule of Courses each semester is important.
Our program offers unique fall, spring, summer, and winter term courses.
Electives are typically offered on a rotating basis every even and odd year, with one elective offered in the 2nd term of each semester. See below for a projected electives schedule
| HEA Projected Electives Schedule* | |
|---|---|
| Electives are typically offered in the 2nd term of each semester Summer 2nd term (~June) Spring 2nd 8 weeks (~Mar-Apr) Fall 2nd term (~Oct-Dec) | |
| Semester | Course |
| Odd Year Spring | LEAD 689: Advising |
| Odd Year Summer | LEAD 686: Two Year College |
| Odd Year Fall | LEAD 687: Education Policy & Equity |
| Even Year Spring | LEAD 683: College Teaching |
| Even Year Summer | LEAD 607: Leadership or LEAD 681 Philosophy of Higher Education (Alternating) |
| Even Year Fall | LEAD 678: American College & University |
*This is the projected schedule as of Summer 2022, though changes may be made each semester. Please note projected schedules can change, so consulting the Schedule of Courses each semester is important.
If you're seeking a Graduate Assistantship (GA), there are several opportunities within the CEHD and with other units on campus. GA positions are paid, allow you to gain work experience and provide you the opportunity to apply your learning from your coursework. Read this entire page for details.
For GA opportunities within the CEHD, visit https://louisville.edu/education/financialaid/assistantships/graduate-assistantships-and-university-fellowships
If you're ready to apply for a GA position within the CEHD, apply online at https://louisville.edu/education/financialaid/assistantships/ga-application
CARDS St.A.R.S.CARD St.A.R.S. (UofL’s Cardinal Student Affairs Recruitment and Selection program) welcomes admitted and prospective students to spend an informative time learning about our College Student Personnel (CSP) and Higher Education Administration (HEA) graduate programs and assistantships. Each February, the Master of Art in Higher Education Administration (MAHEA) program offers a session to review Graduate Assistantships. Visit this link for details https://louisville.edu/studentaffairs/vp-office/employment/stars
Graduate assistantships are designed as para-professional positions for career preparation. Students in assistantship positions desire to pursue a career in student affairs in higher education. This is the primary goal for the assistantships listed below.
GA positions are offered directly by other units including REACH and the Financial Aid Office. Check out these opportunities below.
Title: Various
Oversight: UofL REACH Center
The University of Louisville REACH Center is seeking GAs. The various job descriptions and application is located at https://reach.louisville.edu/employment/#gsa. If you're a current graduate student seeking a GA position, apply today! The GA position offers in-state tuition at the general student rate, a $15,000 stipend, and student health insurance.
Title: Graduate Peer Counselors
Oversight: UofL Financial Aid Office
Responsibilities:
Assist students and parents over the phone and in person with filling out the FAFSA, understanding university policies and procedures regarding financial aid, and/or with general financial aid questions.
Complete various forms to verify student’s information for financial aid processing. Assist office staff with organizing files, data imaging, correspondence with internal and external constituents, and completing queries regarding the aid process.
Assist Financial Aid staff with the various presentations at UofL, surrounding high school and community events. After 6-8 months opportunities potentially made available to work on special projects that include, but are not limited to working with the scholarship, loan, or satisfactory academic policy teams.
Benefits:
Qualifications:
