Higher Education Admin Online Programs

Earn Your PhD Online At UofL

By Conner Mackowiak | November 11, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

The University of Louisville (UofL) recently launched the online PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development (PhD ELOD) with a Specialization in Higher Education Administration (HEA), the first online PhD program offered by UofL. This program was specifically designed with seasoned higher education professionals in mind and was deliberately curated to prepare these individuals for administrative leadership roles within their current or future higher education institutions. Given the evolving state of higher education, there has never been a greater demand for experienced professionals to lead universities into the future.

This program combines rigorous research training, strategic leadership skills and hands-on research lab experience to create a well-rounded higher education leader. Our status as a Carnegie R1 University combined with nationally recognized faculty will allow you to thoroughly research topics like Student Experience and Campus Environments, Equity and Experiences in Postsecondary Education and more.

Furthermore, this PhD program is specifically designed for you to complete your PhD without putting your career on hold. The 60 credit hour program combines online flexibility with immersive in-person experiences, like the in-person Summer Intensive at UofL’s campus, or the annual ASHE conference. These experiences create opportunities to bond with your cohort, expand your network and present research in front of your higher education peers.

This program is meant for those who want to build, lead and inspire the future of higher education. Much will be required of students in this program, but extensive and difficult work is what makes the mantle of PhD meaningful. Learn how to earn yours today and join our inaugural cohort here.

Want to learn more about our program? Join our 11/12/25 info session at 12:00 p.m. EST, hosted by Program Director Dr. Casey George! RSVP here: https://uofl.me/4oXQ74H

Program Director, Dr. Casey George

New Program Launch: Online PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development – Specialization in Higher Education Administration

By Conner Mackowiak | September 10, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newest online program, the PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development (ELOD) with a Specialization in Higher Education Administration! This program provides a comprehensive, executive-style program for senior-level administrators at higher education institutions.

With an emphasis on research, this program empowers educational leaders to address the most pressing challenges across postsecondary systems, blending rigorous research training, real-world knowledge application and a supportive cohort experience. Students will emerge with skills in data-driven decision-making, analytical methods and strategic leadership to advance innovation, shape policy and create lasting change across the academic landscape while advancing their higher education career. This program offers a strategic combination of online courses (with asynchronous and synchronous sessions) and in-person immersive experiences, hands-on qualitative and quantitative research opportunities and learning guided by nationally recognized faculty.

The Online PhD with a specialization in Higher Education Administration can elevate a student’s experience and prepare them for career advancements as an education researcher, faculty member, higher education curriculum or policy consultant and specialist in various non-profit, private and government organizations. Students can also pursue upper-level administrative positions in line with their current expertise and career progression, such as Dean of Student Affairs, Vice President of Faculty Affairs, Vice Provost of Digital Access, Provost, President and more. In this competitive landscape, a PhD can distinguish a student as a thought leader who can bridge research and practice to drive system-wide innovation. Let us explore how the Higher Ed Administration PhD can help you make the impact you have envisioned.

If you’re interested in this program, click here to learn more!

Name Change: Introducing the Online Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs

By Conner Mackowiak | May 5, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

The University of Louisville (UofL) is proud to announce that the online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration has been officially renamed to the online Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs.

The Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs is for people in higher education seeking to advance their careers or those pursuing their first professional position within a postsecondary institution. This degree can give you the educational administration experience you need to prepare for leadership roles in a university setting. This program offers students three specialized concentrations, designed to prepare individuals for meaningful careers or enhance their current roles in higher education:

Administration Concentration (30 Credit Hours, Online): Perfect for experienced professionals seeking to advance in higher education leadership and administration.

Sport Administration Concentration (30 Credit Hours, Online): Tailored for individuals passionate about the intersection of athletics and higher education, preparing them for impactful roles in sports leadership in higher education.

Student Affairs Concentration (36 Credit Hours, Not Offered Online): Ideal for those starting their careers in student affairs, providing hands-on, practitioner-focused training. For more information about this in-person concentration contact Jake Gross (jacob,gross@louisville.edu).

If you would like to learn more about this program and how it can set you up for success in higher education, click here.

For more information about UofL’s online programs, contact a member of our enrollment team at 502.852.8565 or visit louisville.edu/online.

why earn a master's in higher ed blog header

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.

Category: Higher Education Administration Programs