The Program
The Higher Education Administration Master's Program prepares new and mid-career professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for career-establishment and advancement in the realm of higher education. The goal of the Higher Education Administration Master's Program is to prepare highly knowledgeable and skilled professional practitioners to work in a variety of mid-level administration positions in institutions of higher education, associations, national and international government agencies, and business and industry related to education.
While the course sequence builds content in complexity and depth, the program is self-paced. A third of the Higher Education Administration students pursue full-time studies at 9-12 credits per semester for degree completion in 3-5 terms. Other students, employed full-time, typically take 6 credits per term for degree completion in 5-7 terms. Courses are scheduled in the evening, Mon-Thurs, in 15-week sessions during the fall and spring semesters and in shorter, intensive summer sessions. Students may begin their program during any semester, although the required course sequence begins in the fall term. The Higher Education Administration Master's Program is offered at the Washington, DC, campus. The Higher Education Administration Master's Program offers only EdS and EdD doctoral cohort programs at the Virginia Campus in Ashburn, VA.
Program Outcomes
The degree requires 33 credits with an integrative exam or 36 credits without an exam. A master's thesis option exists. The program provides breadth of knowledge about the world of higher education plus depth of study in a particular career area.
- Introduction to higher education (two required courses)
- Information generating and processing (one required course)
- Concentrations (five courses, required or suggested as per concentration specifications)
- Applications electives (including practica and internships) (up to two courses)
- Leadership integration (one required course)
Electives, selected with an adviser's counsel, advance a student's individual interests. Practica provide supervised learning experiences in work areas related to a student's career development and aspirations.
Students who have completed an MA in HEA at GW within the past five years may complete an EdD degree in HEA with 36 additional credits and 12 credits of dissertation research.
Concentrations
Each of the six concentrations investigates an area of expertise within the postsecondary education field appropriate for career preparation and mid-career advancement.
Benefits of a Washington, DC Location
GW's location in Washington, DC provides unparalleled opportunities for HEA students. The DC university consortium provides a wealth of elective courses. Options for practica and internships can be secured at GW, the U.S. Department of Education, federal agencies, Capitol Hill, and associations. All are a short Metro ride from the GW campus. International and national education leaders regularly speak at HEA courses and events.
Program Support
The HEA program builds community among its students as well as enriches the degree experience through a variety of activities including Student Affairs Administration Brown-Bag Lunch Series and the HEA Student Association.
The Center for Educational Leadership and Transformation (CELT) sponsors the Meet the Leaders speaker series, Research Colloquia, Doctoral Advancement Seminars/ Dissertation Support Group, and the annual Educational Symposium on Research and Innovation (ESRI). Various institutes and educational clearinghouses enhance student experiences and serve as sources of employment for some students.
Credit Hours: 33 credits with an integrative exam, 36 credits without an exam
Program of Study
Admission Information for this Degree/Program:
Spring, Summer and Fall Admission Available
The HEA master's program is only offered at the main campus in Washington, DC - Foggy Bottom.
Tuition Support Information for this Degree/Program:
