Online Degree in Higher Education Programs

An online degree in higher education is offered at the graduate degree level, i.e. the higher education master degree and the higher education PhD degree level.

Specializations in online higher education master degree programs include educational leadership and educational management in higher education. The role of higher education administrators is to take work with students in colleges and universities to help them meet their academic, professional, personal, cultural and social goals. Their job is to serve as leaders in developing and coordinating various academic and social programs in the higher education environments. Online higher education degrees are offered online as a means of offering flexibility for students who want to advance their careers and academic skills and knowledge. Careers with a higher education doctorate degre include working in colleges, universities, community colleges, vocational colleges, technical college and other tertiary and post secondary institutions. This often requires knowledge of adult education theory, also known as andragogy. Both the online higher education master degree and the online PhD in higher education provides coursework in this area of study.

Search for Online Higher Education Graduate Programs

Locate Higher Education Degree Programs in your area

Selected Online Degree in Higher Education Programs

Capella University - Online

• MS - Leadership for Higher Education
• PhD - Leadership for Higher Education

Kaplan University

• MS in Higher Education - College Administration and Leadership
• MS in Higher Education - College Teaching and Learning
• MS in Higher Education - Online College Teaching
• MS in Higher Education - Student Affairs

Argosy University Online

• EdD in Community College Executive Leadership

Jones International University

• M. Ed. in Higher Education Leadership and Administration

Grand Canyon University

• Ed. D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Higher Education Leadership

Abilene Christian University

• Master of Education in Higher Education Affairs

Ashford University

• MA / Education - Higher Education

Higher Education Training and Courses

Higher education degree programs are designed to prepare student sin various disciplines including educational leadership, educational management, and curriculum design and development. The Master of Science in higher education and the master of education in higher education degree programs are both aimed at preparing students for leadership positions in colleges and universities. With an online degree in higher education, students can specialize in:

• Student development
• Organization and governance
• Organizational change
• Higher education and diversity
• College leadership
• Student services

Higher education course requirements might include various topics such:

• Legal issues in higher education
• Human resource management in higher education
• Educational politics and history
• Trends in teaching and learning
• Curriculum design and development
• Budgeting and finance of higher education institutions
• Grant writing for higher education
• Management of higher education institutions
• Online and distance learning programs
• Educational technology

Some online higher education degree programs require student to complete an internship, independent research project, or thesis, master's degree programs. A PhD in higher education is ideal for students who wish to work higher-level administration, research, and teaching positions. Courses at the higher education doctoral level may include quantitative analysis and research methods in addition to other core requirements.

Higher Education Careers

Graduates with a degree in higher education often go to serve as higher education administrators, department chairs, deans, provosts, etc. Higher education administrators maintain academic quality and reputation. For careers in higher education, administrators develop and coordinate academic programs. In addition, they are responsible for managing budgets and finances, recruiting, hiring and managing faculty and staff as well as establishing and maintaining academic policies.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

A degree in higher education is important for advancing in a career in colleges and universities. The United States Department of Labor reports that the median income for post secondary education administrators is over $86,000. Career opportunities are promising, based on the fact than many people are choosing to continue on with post-secondary education. Jobs are expected to grow by at least 12% over the next several years.