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School of Education & Health Sciences

Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership

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Why Pursue a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership at North Central College?

You want to step to the higher education forefront and make an impact on the community. You have the drive to go beyond the basics and a desire to see and hear innovative practices that colleges are implementing to impact students' lives. The Master of Arts in Higher Education will not only provide you the space for self-exploration, but also the practical experiences to dive deeper into a variety of areas. You will learn all the tools you need to utilize your gifts and advance your higher education career.

 

Program Overview

The education world is moving at a fast pace, so we are committed to delivering a unique curriculum that teaches you how to bring thoughtful change into future-thinking institutions. Our degree is designed to help you understand and lead within higher education.

Degree Features

  • Virtual Speaker Series that focuses on your career and personal development. Faculty and higher education professionals provide training on emerging trends in higher education.
  • 100% online program offers flexible asynchronous courses designed to fit your busy schedule.
  • Comprehensive curriculum that looks to the future by offering courses in trending higher education leadership topics.

Learning Outcomes

  • You will learn about campus culture, college students, and fiscal management while concurrently practicing the skills to teach, practice, and apply principals of creative problem solving, conflict resolution, and leadership and ethics.
  • You will be coached by a range of expert higher education leaders in creating personal and professional development plans.

 

Cost of Attendance and Scholarships

Graduate students are eligible for up to $20,500 in the federal direct unsubsidized loan annually; this includes Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

North Central offers several scholarships and awards to help reduce tuition costs by up to 20%!

Cost of Attendance >

 

Scholarships >
 

 

 

How to Apply

Launch your degree in the Fall, Summer, or Spring semester! Click below for more information regarding deadlines and application instructions. 

START YOUR APPLICATION

Higher Education Leadership, M.A.

This 100% online program is designed to prepare candidates to step to the higher education forefront and make an impact on the student community. Candidates will learn about campus culture, college students, and fiscal management while concurrently practicing the skills to teach, practice, and apply principles of creative problem solving, conflict resolution, leadership and ethics.

A minimum of 36 credit hours: 15 credit hours of core courses, 15 credit hours in Higher Education Leadership courses and six credit hours of electives.

Core Courses

Higher Education Leadership Courses

Elective Courses

Two of the following:

Speaker Series

Higher Education Leadership students are required to attend at least two of the Speaker series events throughout their time in the program. The Speaker Series events are offered virtually/online on Saturday mornings – once each fall and spring academic semester. These Speakers Series events allow our Higher Education professionals to engage in conversations around current topics in higher education. Recent topics have included:

  • Competency Based Education
  • Disruptive Practices in Higher Education
  • Dreamers and Higher Education
  • Excelling as an Assistant/Associate Dean
  • Leadership and Character
  • Leading Strategic Change in Academic Institutions
  • Navigating a Path to Leadership in Higher Education
  • Open Education Resources
  • Panel Presentations Featuring Leaders in Higher Education
  • The Role of the University in a Changing World
  • Supporting Diverse Students in Third Spaces
  • Supporting First Generation Students
  • Trauma-Informed Practices
  • University/Colleges and Community Collaborations

Virtual Speaker Series

The virtual Speaker Series provides an opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions on relevant higher education topics and network with experienced college professionals. It is designed to supplement classroom learning and go deeper into the challenges and issues that students and institutions face today.

Building Your Higher Education Network

The virtual Speaker Series allows students to connect to the North Central community and develop relationships with faculty and classmates. It provides a space to learn from higher education experts, but also collaborate with colleagues on practical application methods.

Past Speaker Series topics include:

  • Social Listening to Advance Enrollment and Fundraising
  • Freedom of Speech on Campus
  • Starting a Social Media Student Champion Group
  • University Shootings: Prevention Strategies 
  • Leading Strategic Change in Academic Institutions
  • Dreamers and Higher Education
  • Disruptive Practices in Higher Education
  • The Role of the University in a Changing World

Speaker Series Details

  • Each virtual Speaker Series event is 1.5 hours long and will take place on a weekday.
  • Students will not be charged tuition/fees for their attendance and there is no limit to the number of speaker series events that students attend.

Graduate Online Learning

We pride ourselves on giving personal attention to our students. Our faculty are committed to getting to know their online students and work diligently to foster community within the program. Our online programs are personal but flexible. They are rigorous and challenging, yet supportive and encouraging. Our online students will not only walk away with a meaningful degree but also a community.

Learn more about graduate online learning at North Central College.