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Why earn a Master’s in Higher Education Administration? [infographic]

By Brooke Whitaker | August 20, 2021 | Comments 0 Comment

How valuable is a higher education administration master's degree?

For those working or pursuing careers in the complex settings of a university or college, a master’s in higher education administration degree is the perfect way to propel your career forward and gain the knowledge to address challenges confidently.

Degrees like the University of Louisville’s online Master’s in Higher Education Administration prepare you to navigate the evolving nuances, opportunities, policies, finances, and more that you encounter specifically within your higher ed career. Here at UofL, you can earn your degree 100% online, with courses that flex to meet your schedule, and graduate in less than two years (if enrolled full-time).

Check out our infographic “Why Earn a Master’s in Higher Education Administration” to find out more about how this degree can positively impact your future.

Why choose UofL for my higher ed administration master’s program?

The University of Louisville understands the various life and career priorities that many have to juggle. Our online higher ed administration master’s degree is flexible, 100% online, and accessible 24/7 so that you can fit coursework into your schedule, anywhere that works for you, from any internet-connected device.

UofL’s Online Master’s in Higher Ed Administration Highlights:

Skip the GRE. We make it easier to apply with no GRE score required.
Award-winning program. Our online program was ranked as one of the Best Grad Education programs by U.S. News and World Report for 2021, and top 10 from Best Colleges.
100% online. Fully online and flexible to your schedule so you can balance education with career and other life responsibilities—while still receiving the same diploma as if you were on-campus.
10 courses (30 credit hours). Earn your degree in as little as 2 years (full-time).
2 concentrations. Choose to focus in higher education or sports education.
Renowned faculty and curriculum. Learn from expert UofL faculty and experience the same curriculum as face-to-face students.

What will I learn as a master’s in higher education student? How will it propel me professionally?

UofL’s online master’s in higher ed administration dives into the institutions, practices and challenges of higher education with a focus on policy, inclusion and equity. Courses focus on examining the changing demographics of students, educational outcomes of college education as it relates to educational policy, how diversity shapes higher education, how higher ed leaders can be positive agents of change, how to manage finance with grants and education finance issues, and so much more.

With the median pay of post-secondary administration positions projected at $97,500 annually (bls.gov), there are a variety of careers that this master’s program can help you pursue. These careers include:

Academic Advisor
Asst. Director of Alumni Relations
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Associate Director of Public Relations
Business Affairs Office
Dean of Students
Director of Athletics
Director of Institutional Research

Executive Director, Academic Success
Grants & Contracts Manager
Instructional Design & Technologies Manager
Lab Manager
Multicultural Affairs Director
Registrar
Title IX Coordinator

Get started today! UofL’s online higher ed administration master’s program has 5 start dates throughout the year. Learn more about the program and application process.

UofL launches online leadership programs for healthcare and higher ed

By Ashley Jefferson | February 6, 2020

UofL is proud to announce the launch of two new online leadership programs. Both programs deliver current and future leaders of either the healthcare and higher ed industry skills they need to further their career.

Read on for details on the newly launched Master’s in Health Administration and Cert. in Organizational Change in Higher Ed.

Master of Science in Health Administration (Executive)

The healthcare industry continues to grow and change, with everything from advancements in technology to changes in the standards of patient care regularly shifting.

And it’s today’s health administrators who are responsible for leading the charge in embracing these changes.

The executive MSHA online program prepares healthcare professionals with 5+ years of experience to take on that challenge.

Healthcare is evolving. You should be too.

The curriculum expands on expertise in healthcare management areas like HR, economics, marketing and policy, as well as deepens understanding of processes, environments, structures and strategies that are disrupting the industry.

Notably, the program places a strong focus on assessments that emphasize solving authentic, real-life problems these executive-level students face within your current role.

Health Admin, Health Leadership, Lee Bewley, UofL Faculty

“This is the ideal time to pursue the online MSHA at UofL. We created this program to provide health care leaders with a high-quality learning experience. We focus on the most critical competencies necessary for effective organizational leadership and population health management.”

Lee Bewley, Ph.D., FACHE
Program Director, Associate Professor

Students can complete the 21 required courses in just 2 years.

If you’re ready to lead the future of health administration, learn more at the MSHA program page.

Offered through UofL’s School of Public Health and Information Sciences.

Certificate in Organization Change in Higher Ed

The Organizational Change in Higher Ed graduate certificate explores the skills needed to understand, manage and influence organizational change in college and universities.

Lead change within your university.

The coursework prepares post-secondary administrators, staff and faculty members to better understand and manage areas important to org changes in higher ed including legal issues, resource management, diversity and organizational improvement.

Higher Ed Cert, Org Change Higher Ed, Casey George, UofL College of Ed

“This program considers the vast amount of challenges universities face today. This certificate provides professionals in academic settings with the skills and experiences needed to become more effective administrators, while also encouraging data-driven decision making and assessments – the ideal ways to instigate change in postsecondary education.”

Casey George, Ph.D.
Program Director, Assistant Professor

The certificate is comprised of 4 graduate courses (12 credit hours), which students can complete in just under a year.

If you’re interested in taking on leadership roles in a higher ed organization, or know someone who might be, learn more at the certificate program page.

Offered through UofL’s College of Education and Human Development.

UofL Online Programs

The University of Louisville offers degrees and certificate programs 100% online, delivering quality online education to non-traditional students and professionals who need alternative learning delivery methods and want to earn a college degree or certificate to start or advance their career — from wherever and whenever it’s most convenient for them. Read more about our programs in our featured blog posts.

Higher Ed Administration Spotlight: Research by Dr. Meghan Pifer

By Ashley Jefferson | August 6, 2018

At its core, higher education is primarily focused on the growth and development of students. However, students are not the only ones to learn or to grow—nor should they be.

Continuous faculty development is an integral part of any successful institution. In fact, in today’s higher education environment, developing and enhancing learning and teaching methods is more important than ever. To that end, studies are conducted and distributed regularly to help foster more effective instructors.

Published in November 2017 and written in part by University of Louisville professor Dr. Meghan Pifer, “Developing Faculty in Liberal Arts Colleges: Aligning Individual Needs and Organizational Goals,” is a great example of such a study.

Dr. Pifer’s research covers everything from finding mentors to how entry-level faculty make the transition from sitting in the classroom to standing in front of the class. The study is based on faculty career development data across 13 institutions and the result is a compelling proposal for the faculty development in liberal arts colleges—both for the benefit of the professors and the institutions, and also the students they serve.

Who is Dr. Meghan Pifer?

Currently a professor with the University of Louisville’s School of Education and Human Development, Dr. Pifer has an extensive research background immersed in studying how individuality and work partnerships intersect and impact outcomes for each member of the team as well as the trajectory of an organization as a whole.

The publication of this book is a notable step in Dr. Pifer’s research career, and we look forward to seeing her continued positive impact on higher education.

Dr. Pifer’s ongoing contribution to the field of higher education makes her a valued member of the UofL team. Not only has she been a faculty member for the online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration (MAHEA) program since 2016, Dr. Pifer also teaches for the traditional program and serves as the Senior Assistant Director for the Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development.

About the Online MAHEA Program

The online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration program is largely oriented toward addressing challenges of leadership and administration within contemporary higher education, with concentrations in Administration, Teaching & Learning, Policy and Equity or Sports Administration.

The MAHEA program is part of a growing portfolio of Online Learning degrees and certificate opportunities. As a nationally-recognized, metropolitan research university, with a commitment to the intellectual, cultural and economic development of our diverse community of learners, the Online Learning programs deliver a long tradition of excellence—epitomizing the University of Louisville’s dedication to lifelong learning for both students and faculty.

UofL Launches New Concentrations in the Online Higher Education Administration Master’s Program

By admin | October 19, 2017

Finding your niche can be a crucial part of carving out a career in higher education. The online master’s in higher education administration program at University of Louisville recently incorporated three new concentrations into the curriculum to help students take the strong foundation they develop as they work through the core curriculum and add distinction to their degree through focused specialization.

Concentrations are available in three areas: Administration, Teaching & Learning, and Policy & Equity.

Administration Concentration

Hone the art and science of running a world-class institution. The Administration concentration curriculum focuses on post-secondary organizational contexts and explores the practices of administration, management, and leadership.

From the day-to-day administrative challenges of running a large organization with multiple facilities to the interpersonal opportunities to build relationships and help others pursue their own career goals, this concentration helps students build the skills and knowledge needed to earn the trust of their peers and help lead organizations through the 21^st century.

Teaching & Learning Concentration

Develop the skill set to collaborate with faculty and deliver academic excellence. By studying instructional design and strategy, as well as academic advising practices, students in this concentration learn to partner with faculty on their mission to offer a world-class education at their institution. Students are also prepared to understand and support teaching and learning in both instructional and administrative roles.

Policy & Equity Concentration

Navigate the ever-changing college landscape with a dedication to diversity and inclusiveness. Students in this concentration study policy as a theory, as well as the history of education policy, in order to chart a path forward that welcomes students from all backgrounds to pursue their goals.

Because policy does not always originate in the college or university, students in this specialization may pursue careers in professional organizations and advocacy and lobbying groups that seek to influence education policy at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Sports Administration Concentration

This specialization focuses on the intricacies of administration, management and leadership within collegiate-level athletic programs. Students in this specialization will learn about the context of sports in higher education and how to effectively manage sports teams by studying current industry trends and issues.

Online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration

Learn more about UofL’s Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration degree including descriptions of the courses involved in each concentration. Find your niche and apply today!

About UofL Online Learning

The University of Louisville currently offers online programs in various areas of study for adult learners who are not able to come to a physical campus, but want to earn a college degree or certificate and advance their career.

The University of Louisville is a nationally-recognized, metropolitan research university, with a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, as well as the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse community of learners.

Category: Higher Education Administration Programs