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HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION M.A.

Aug. 16, 2023

Next Start Date

10

Courses Required

$655

Cost Per Credit Hour

30

Total Credit Hours

Online Courses

Learning Formats

Get Involved in Critical Decision Making

So, you’re interested in the Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration offered by the College of Applied Human Sciences? Awesome! In this online program, students have hands-on experience applying higher education theories to real-world challenges. They gain the knowledge and skills needed to be transformative higher education leaders who address the most pressing issues affecting colleges and universities and postsecondary students.

Students in the Higher Education Administration MA program are prepared to work in Student Affairs professions. Student Affairs Professionals work in admissions and enrollment management, advising, student success, diversity, equity, and inclusion, visitors’ centers, residence life, fraternity and sorority life, campus recreation, financial aid, student conduct, and more.


College professor standing in front of a podium in an empty classroom.

The MA in Higher Education Administration program offered by the College of Applied Human Sciences is a fully synchronous online program, with evening meeting times to accommodate working professionals or full-time students with graduate assistantships. Courses are taught by full-time faculty as well as senior higher education leaders. The program is designed for new professionals looking to gain entry into the field as well as career changers and other higher education professionals who are interested in obtaining Higher Education Administration credentials to create opportunities for advancement within the university setting. Finally, some students are interested in pursuing research, policy, or postsecondary teaching in Higher Education Administration. They pursue the MA as a stepping stone to Higher Education doctoral programs.

Our students form a community of learners committed to bettering the academic and social experiences of students and improving higher education institutions. Higher Education Administration students can also join WVU HESA, our program’s student organization. HESA serves as both a social hub and professional network for current students and program graduates.


Additional Start Dates:
May 15, 2023 and August 16, 2023

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Gary Phillips, Your Personal Online Admissions Coach

"Being a WVU graduate and a first-generation college student, I’m happy to be back to help you navigate the WVU System. Something WVU Online wants to do is assist you in creating your sense of community and continuity, making sure you have the answers to any and all questions."

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Higher Education Administration M.A. Admission Requirements

  • An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum GPA of a 3.0.
  • Apply with the online Graduate Application. In advance, prepare the following items for the “Supplemental Materials” section of the online application:
    • Personal statement, describing past work experience and goals for graduate study in higher education administration. Be sure to include the specific major to which you are applying, interest in assistantships, relevant experience, and program goals. At the end of your personal statement, please include complete contact information and description of professional/academic relationship for three references.
    • Resume. This should include relevant education and work experiences.
    • One Academic Writing Sample. Please include an academic writing sample to showcase your ability to write research or other academic papers in the program.
  • Pay graduate application fee
  • Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) and
    1. Mail to: WVU Office of Graduate Admissions One Waterfront Place PO Box 6510 Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
    2. or Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu

The Higher Education Administration Program admits students to the Master of Arts program on a rolling basis.

Apply Now

Student Spotlight

Learn more about student experiences in the Higher Education Administration M.A. program.

Chris Carpenter profile.

Chris Carpenter

"I had no idea I was becoming a part of such an inclusive university. The instruction is first class and I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful that I am a student at WVU."

Read More About Chris

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827. Please contact the WVU Financial Aid Office at (304) 293-5242 or financialaid.wvu.edu for additional information.


The Higher Education Administration M.A. requires 30 credit hours to complete. Cost per credit hour is $655.
$19,650 – Residents and Non-Residents

Credits Cost
1 $655
3 $1,965
6 $3,930
9 $5,895

Courses and Curriculum


Higher Education Administration M.A. Requirements

Common Core (12 credits)

Course Title Credit Hours
HIED 648 History of American Higher Education 3
HIED 649 Contemporary Issues in Higher Education 3
HIED 650 Higher Education Administration 3
HIED 651 College Student Development 3

Research Core or other Approved Courses (6 credits)

Course Title Credit Hours
HIED 693L Quantitative Data Management Education 3
HIED 762 College Student Research 3
EDP 612 Introduction to Research 3
EDP 613 Statistical Methods 3
EDP 617 Program Evaluation 3
SCFD 615 Qualitative Research Methods 3

Electives (9 credits - Example Courses Listed Below)

Course Title Credit Hours
HIED 650 Diversity Issues - Higher Education 3
HIED 652 Assessment in Higher Education 3
HIED 654 College Student Affairs 3
HIED 656 Higher Education Budget/Planning 3
HIED 693B Higher Education/Popular Culture 3
HIED 693C Politics & Policy 3
HIED 693E International - HIED 3
HIED 693K Land-Grant Colleges/Universities 3
HIED 710 Leadership & Organization 3
HIED 752 Governance of Higher Education 3
HIED 754 Women/Gender Issues HIED 3
HIED 756 Higher Education Finance 3
HIED 760 Curriculum Development/Reform - Higher Education 3
HIED 785 Higher Education Internship 3

Required Capstone (3 Credits)
Capstone consists of placement at internship sites, monthly group discussions of how theory informs practice, weekly journaling, and portfolio development. Requires meeting with instructor in prior semester.

Your future in Higher Education Administration

To learn more about what achieving a degree in Higher Education could mean for your future, please download our guide.

The Benefits to Choosing Our Program

  • Students complete classes 100% online
  • Part-time or full-time enrollment options
  • Courses can be taken from any geographic location
  • Flexible program of study (2-8 years to complete the program)
  • Advanced learning platform technologies
  • Courses taught by full-time faculty and senior administrators

Why Choose a Career in Higher Education Administration?

This program is designed to enhance leadership skills and prepare students for academic administration and student affairs positions. Using a personalized program of study, students will become familiar with the intricacies of higher education institutions and build particular knowledge and skill-sets within a core area that is of interest to them.

Career Outlook for Higher Education Administration

Students who graduate from WVU Online with a degree in Higher Education Administration may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree.

  • Academic Support
  • Accessibility Services
  • Admissions/Enrollment Management
  • Fraternity & Sorority Life
  • Housing and Residence Life
  • Student Conduct
  • Student Organizations

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will this program take to complete?

This 30-credit hour online program can be completed within two to eight years either as a part-time or full-time student. Working with an advisor, students complete a program of study that includes a capstone experience.

Who should study Higher Education Administration?

  • Individuals who want to make a difference and are committed to student success.
  • Individuals who want to build connections between universities and communities/alumni.
  • Individuals who are passionate about diversity and equity.
  • Individuals who are interested in supporting a positive student experience.

What are some careers that this degree will prepare me for?

This degree will prepare you for the following careers:

  • Higher Education administrator
  • Student Affairs professional in admissions and enrollment management, advising, student success, diversity, equity, and inclusion, visitors’ centers, residence life, fraternity and sorority life, campus recreation, financial aid, student conduct, and more
  • Higher Education consulting

Can I continue my academic journey after obtaining this degree?

Yes. Some graduates may choose to pursue their Ph.D. in Higher Education or their Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration.

WVU Online

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Occasionally a student will encounter an issue with an online course that he or she doesn’t know how to resolve. Should this occur, please visit the link below.

Internal Student Complaint Process

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WVU Online
West Virginia University
PO Box 6800
Morgantown, WV 26506-6800


Phone: (800) 253-2762
Email: WVUOnlineInquiry@mail.wvu.edu

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