Master's in Higher Education Administration at KU


Students seated in a classroom engaging in discussion

Program Overview

The master's degree in higher education administration at KU is designed to prepare education professionals to thrive in administrative positions at colleges or universities. The graduate program allows students to extend and apply their knowledge of colleges and universities, and to learn from expert scholars and practitioners, as well as fellow classmates, who bring diverse leadership experiences to the program.

Enrollment Status Benefits

Full-time enrollment

Cohort-based program, with two years of hands-on graduate assistantship experience. Graduate assistantships include a full tuition waiver up to 18 credits during the academic year*.

*pending approval for the 2024-2025 academic year. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Part-time enrollment

Current college or university professionals work full-time in higher education environments and enroll any semester with rolling admission

Career Outcomes in Higher Education Administration

Students who aspire to pursue careers in educational leadership with their master’s program are likely to accept positions in areas similar to the following:

  • Academic Advising
  • Residence Life and Housing
  • Student Conduct
  • Financial Aid
  • Admissions and Enrollment Management
  • Health and Wellness
  • Student Involvement, Activities, and Leadership
  • Multicultural and Diversity Services
  • Orientation and Transition Programs
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life

Also, many graduate students who complete the master’s degree in higher education administration decide to pursue a doctoral program in areas such as student affairs, educational policy, business management and more.

Graduate Assistantship

Students admitted to the master’s degree program are required to have a graduate assistantship at KU to matriculate. Assistantships typically require 20-30 hours per week, and students will receive a tuition waiver*, health insurance, and a stipend (note: housing positions also receive room and board).

The graduate assistantship application requires a cover letter, resume, and list of at least three references. Following admission decisions, invited students will participate in the assistantship process, which includes the opportunity to visit campus and interview in person during Higher Education Graduate Assistant (HEGA) Days.

Many assistantship opportunities exist on campus and specific availability varies by year. Students in the program consistently have positions in offices such as Residence Life, Student Conduct, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Multicultural Affairs, Financial Aid, Academic Advising, Orientation and Transfer Programs, and Admissions. A list of available assistantships will be provided for students invited to participate in the assistantship process.

*pending approval for the 2024-2025 academic year. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Career Outcomes in Higher Education Administration

Students who aspire to pursue careers in educational leadership with their master’s program are likely to accept positions in areas similar to the following:

  • Academic Advising
  • Residence Life and Housing
  • Student Conduct
  • Financial Aid
  • Admissions and Enrollment Management
  • Health and Wellness
  • Student Involvement, Activities, and Leadership
  • Multicultural and Diversity Services
  • Orientation and Transition Programs
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life

Also, many graduate students who complete the master’s degree in higher education administration decide to pursue a doctoral program in areas such as student affairs, educational policy, business management and more.

Graduate Assistantship

Students admitted to the master’s degree program are required to have a graduate assistantship at KU to matriculate. Assistantships typically require 20-30 hours per week, and students will receive a tuition waiver*, health insurance, and a stipend (note: housing positions also receive room and board).

The graduate assistantship application requires a cover letter, resume, and list of at least three references. Following admission decisions, invited students will participate in the assistantship process, which includes the opportunity to visit campus and interview in person during Higher Education Graduate Assistant (HEGA) Days.

Many assistantship opportunities exist on campus and specific availability varies by year. Students in the program consistently have positions in offices such as Residence Life, Student Conduct, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Multicultural Affairs, Financial Aid, Academic Advising, Orientation and Transfer Programs, and Admissions. A list of available assistantships will be provided for students invited to participate in the assistantship process.

*pending approval for the 2024-2025 academic year. Additional terms and conditions apply.


Join our virtual info sessions and learn about our new full-tuition waiver.

Interested in a career supporting college students? We’re offering two free, virtual information sessions to learn about the M.S.E. in higher education administration. Program faculty will be in attendance to walk you through the admission requirements and current students will be available for a Q&A.

Thinking about higher education administration?

Let us know you’re interested in the program. We would love to connect with you to discuss the program’s curriculum, steps necessary for admission to KU, affordability options, and perhaps what to expect during your time on campus once you have become a Jayhawk.

Program coordinator

Dallas Doane
Need more specific information? Contact the program coordinator.
Email dallas.doane@ku.edu

Logan Bell

The faculty within my program are supportive not only in my curriculum, but also the aspects of career development in preparation for graduation. They provide opportunities to engage with research, develop projects and programs, and assist in career aspirations.


Logan Bell
Class of 2023

BRAG POINTS

#10
Public School of Education & Human Sciences
100%
Job placement or doctoral program admission rate
20-30
Hours of hands-on experience per week as GA


Joseph R. Pearson Hall
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
University of Kansas
School of Education and Human Sciences
Joseph R. Pearson Hall , Rm. 421
1122 West Campus Rd.
Lawrence , Kansas 66045-3101