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. It also provides students the chance 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

Full-time students enroll in a cohort-based program with two years of hands-on graduate assistantship experience. Graduate assistantships include a full tuition waiver of up to 18 credits during the academic year.

Additional terms and conditions apply.

Part-time enrollment

Current college or university professionals who work full time in higher education environments can enroll any semester with rolling admission.

Career Outcomes in Higher Education Administration

After completing their master’s program, students who aspire to careers in educational leadership 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 doctoral programs in areas such as student affairs, educational policy, business management, and more.

Graduate Assistantship

Full-time students admitted to the master’s degree program are required to have a graduate assistantship at KU to matriculate. Assistantships typically require 20 to 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, a resume, and at least three references. Following admission decisions, invited students will participate in the assistantship process, including visiting campus and interviewing in person during Higher Education Graduate Assistant (HEGA) Days in mid-February.

Many assistantship opportunities exist on campus, and specific availability varies by year. Students in the program consistently have positions in such offices as residence life, student conduct, fraternity and sorority life, multicultural affairs, financial aid, academic advising, orientation and transfer programs, and admissions.

Career Outcomes in Higher Education Administration

After completing their master’s program, students who aspire to careers in educational leadership 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 doctoral programs in areas such as student affairs, educational policy, business management, and more.

Graduate Assistantship

Full-time students admitted to the master’s degree program are required to have a graduate assistantship at KU to matriculate. Assistantships typically require 20 to 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, a resume, and at least three references. Following admission decisions, invited students will participate in the assistantship process, including visiting campus and interviewing in person during Higher Education Graduate Assistant (HEGA) Days in mid-February.

Many assistantship opportunities exist on campus, and specific availability varies by year. Students in the program consistently have positions in such offices as residence life, student conduct, fraternity and sorority life, multicultural affairs, financial aid, academic advising, orientation and transfer programs, and admissions.


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 what to expect once you 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 for 2023 graduates
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 Road
Lawrence , Kansas 66045-3101