Program Overview

Master's Degree (MS) in Higher Education

Overview

The Master's Degree in Higher Education is designed for individuals passionate about shaping academic institutions and supporting student success. Graduates often pursue careers as university administrators, academic advisors, or policy analysts, specializing in areas like student affairs, higher education leadership, and institutional development.

Program Details

• This master’s program serves those contemplating careers in higher education or already working in a college or university.
• It may also be organized as a foundation for doctoral study.
• Students may choose:
  • to examine the history, sociology, philosophy, and/or comparative and international analyses of post-secondary settings, broadly defined; or
  • to concentrate their studies in a specific aspect of the field of higher education, including student affairs, administration and leadership, law and policy, comparative and international studies, or academic affairs.
• This degree program is also compatible with a number of graduate certificates, including Comparative and International Education and Research Methods in Education.
• Offered by the College of Education
• Credit Hours: 36
• Credential: MS
• Tuition / Credit Hour:
  • Resident: $825.50
  • Non-Resident: $2,060.50

Admission Requirements

Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed, those will also apply.

Application Requirements

Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed, those will also apply.

Application Deadlines

Domestic

• Fall: 07/24/2026
• Spring: 12/12/2025
• Summer: 04/18/2026

International

• Fall: 04/15/2026
• Spring: 09/15/2025

Funding Options

As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program.