Master's in Higher Education Administration
Program Overview
Southern New Hampshire University's Master of Science in Higher Education Administration prepares candidates for leadership roles in higher education. The program emphasizes data-driven decision-making, strategic leadership, and a student success culture. Graduates will be equipped to address institutional needs, guide innovation, and shape the higher education conversation. The program can be completed in as few as 15 months and offers flexible online learning options.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Southern New Hampshire University's Master of Science in Higher Education Administration prepares candidates for the complex challenges of higher education. The program emphasizes strategic leadership, a student success culture, and data-driven resource management to advance colleges and universities in the 21st century. Graduates will be equipped to guide innovation, address institutional needs, and shape the higher education conversation.
Objectives:
- Analyze challenges in higher education using research and data
- Evaluate program effectiveness in serving underrepresented students
- Understand the relationship between higher education and policy at institutional, local, and national levels
- Apply industry standards to guide institutional decisions
- Develop leadership skills for effective communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Acquire budgeting and resource allocation skills to fund an institution's mission, vision, and strategic goals
Outline:
Course Schedule:
The program can be completed in as few as 15 months, with classes starting in May and September. Students have the flexibility to learn on their own schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Individual Modules with Course Descriptions:
- HEA 510: Philosophy and History of Higher Education
- Examines the historical, philosophical, and social influences that have shaped American higher education
- HEA 520: Contemporary Issues in Higher Education
- Analyzes current issues in higher education, such as changing demographics, technology, and intellectual shifts
- HEA 530: Data-Driven Decision-Making in Higher Education
- Teaches students to apply data-centric approaches to inform institutional decision-making
- HEA 540: Program Evaluation
- Provides skills in evaluating higher education programs using industry-standard theory and processes
- HEA 550: Higher Education Law and Regulation
- Examines key laws, policies, and concepts specific to higher education in the United States
- HEA 610: Enrollment Management and Marketing
- Covers the data-centric enrollment management process, including tactics for attracting, admitting, and retaining students
- HEA 620: Budget and Financial Management in Higher Education
- Develops skills in financial management of an institution, including tuition and fee revenue models, budgeting decisions, and government appropriations
- HEA 630: Leading Change in Higher Education
- Explores the responsibility of change agents in managing institutional responses to external and internal forces
- HEA 690: Capstone in Higher Education
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Online instruction with 24/7 access to course materials
- Support from day 1 to graduation and beyond
Faculty:
Faculty are experts in online higher education.
Unique Approaches:
The program focuses on practical application of skills, with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making and innovation.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Academic Affairs: Lead initiatives in curriculum development, academic policies, and faculty support
- Distance Learning: Work in online delivery models, supporting students learning remotely
- Diversity Management: Lead diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to ensure access and representation
- Student Affairs: Enhance the student experience through improvements in student support, academics, and extracurriculars
- Student Recruitment and Retention: Recruit students and guide them to degree completion
- Registrar's Office: Schedule course offerings, plan class space, and process student records
Opportunities and Outcomes:
The demand for distance learning has increased the need for higher education administrators to find innovative solutions for delivering quality education. Graduates of the program are well-positioned for job growth in this field.
