Program Overview

Master's in Higher Education

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Higher Education is designed to prepare students for a career in administration or student services at a college or university. Colleges and universities face complex challenges as they serve increasingly diverse student bodies in a competitive environment. This program prepares graduates for a variety of positions at educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit institutions.

Program Details

• Program type: Master's Degree
• Format: Online
• Estimated time to complete: 1-2 years
• Credit hours: 30

Why Earn a Master's in Higher Education?

The program develops students as scholar-practitioners, challenging them to reflect critically about issues, problems, and ethical concerns facing decision-makers in higher education. As a Higher Education master's student, you will:

• Participate in a community of learners with students and faculty from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
• Develop, deliver, and assess educational programs and student support services through coursework grounded in research and best practices.
• Apply theory to practice to demonstrate how organizations, culture, and environment influence and shape student behavior.
• Take active learning roles through experiential opportunities designed to prepare graduates for professional positions in higher education and student affairs.
• Complete a scholarly project based on your area of interest in higher education.

Online Master's in Higher Education

• Core courses provide an understanding of higher education, including governance, institutional organization and culture, the roles of faculty, students, and administrators.
• Learn how to analyze quantitative and qualitative research data to improve educational outcomes.
• Students have the opportunity to apply theory to practice through an internship at a college or university.
• The Higher Education master's program culminates with a written capstone project.
• Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies.

Jobs with a Master's in Higher Education

Graduates of this program hold research, administrative, and leadership positions in community colleges, colleges, universities, and tribal colleges. They also hold positions at policy and research agencies, as well as state and federal government offices. Career opportunities include:

• Academic and career advising
• Admissions and enrollment management
• Athletics
• Financial aid
• Greek affairs
• Housing and residential life
• Orientation and first-year experience
• Student activities/student life
• Student unions

Online Master's in Higher Education Courses

• Diversity Across Higher Education (HE 503): Examines the diverse populations within higher education and encourages students to examine their own attitudes regarding diversity and openness to other cultures.
• Program Development (HE 511): Covers the learning theories that undergird the design and delivery of educational programs and services.
• Introduction to Applied Educational Research (EFR 509): Introduces applied research methodologies used to study education, covering quantitative and qualitative types of research.
• Professional Competencies in Higher Education Administration (HE 529): Prepares graduate learners for the transition to a professional position in higher education and/or student affairs.
• Collegiate Environments (HE 507): Discusses how student characteristics influence student educational and development needs, and the effects of the college experience on student learning and development.
• College Students and the Law (HE 513): Provides an overview of key legal issues that pertain to college students, using a legal frame and analysis.

What to Expect in UND's Online Higher Education Master's

• The program is 100% online, with no requirement to come to campus.
• The same online tuition rates apply regardless of legal residency.
• Asynchronous classes allow for flexible learning, with no set class times.
• Interaction with instructors and classmates occurs through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.
• Learning materials include lesson modules, streaming video content, virtual libraries, posted lectures, and online simulations.

Flexible Online Higher Education Master's

• The program offers a flexible format, allowing students to balance work, family, and other commitments.
• Students have access to resources and services tailored to their needs, including free online tutoring and unlimited academic coaching.
• The program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), with the same degree, classes, and transcript as on-campus students.
• Students have real interaction with professors, peers, and professionals in the field, as well as their own academic advisor.
• Full online access to virtual research libraries, writing centers, career services, and more is provided.
• 24/7 technical support is available for all online students.

Leaders in Education

UND students are prepared to be leaders in their field, motivating future generations. The university's goal is to provide students with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.