Higher Education Administration
Engage. Practice. Lead.
About
Our Higher Education Administration concentration empowers leaders and policymakers with a focus on social justice, diversity, inclusivity, collaboration, and reflective practice. Explore how you can make a difference in K-12 and higher education transformation by engaging with and applying innovative learning opportunities.
Students in the Higher Education Administration concentration can cater their focus of study that best serves their professional aspiration. With the help of an advisor, they are able to tailor the program to their individual interests through a combination of coursework, guided experiences, and a master’s project or thesis.
Careers
The vast majority of our students move into a career related to higher education within a few months of graduation. Preparation for a career in Higher Education Administration is designed through a combination of coursework, guided experiences, and a master’s project or thesis. Students can tailor a focus of study that best serves their professional aspirations. Students, together with their advisor, design a program of study fitted to their individual interests and professional goals.
- College or University Administrator
- Academic Advisor
- Enrollment Manager
- Student Affairs Coordinator
- Financial Aid Director
- Registrar
- Admissions Counselor
- Career Services Director
- Residence Life Director
- Institutional Researcher
Special Opportunities
Pursuing the master's degree will create the opportunity for you to:
- Learn in a flexible environment that includes on campus and online class offerings.
- Gain contextual knowledge and applicable leadership skills in Higher Education Administration for the next step in your career.
- Address real-world challenges and issues in higher education.
Invest in Success
Graduates of our program are empowered to impact their communities and change the world.
The HEA program not only gave me a deep understanding of all aspects of our higher education systems, but it also provided me many opportunities to explore and grow in my specific subfield.
Travis Shank Master of Arts in Educational Studies, 2022
Core Faculty
Faculty in the Higher Education Administration concentration within the Educational Studies M.A. program are recognized experts in the education field. With close to 50 publications, a range of presentations, various research and practice interests and a depth of training and education experiences, the concentration's distinguished faculty members are well-positioned to train tomorrow's leaders in the field of higher education.
Everrett A. Smith
Associate Professor, Higher Education
Smith’s research contributes to the understanding of the factors that influence financial and governance decisions in higher education.
Suzanne Marie White
Assistant Professor - Educator
White's research includes human connection and social connection, student-parent relationships, fostering connection and belonging in K-12 schools, parent/community engagement, marginalized students and college access, K-16 education policy and more.
Karley Ann Riffe
Assistant Professor
Riffe’s research centers around the idea that the collective decisions, actions, and work of individuals within colleges and universities form the foundation of organizational change.
Jarrod Druery
Assistant Professor
Druery’s research utilizes qualitative methods and liberatory theories to explore collegiate experiences of Black men as well as campus initiatives and cultural practices supporting their engagement, belonging, retention, thriving, and graduation.
