School of Education
Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership
The Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership will prepare you to excel in professional staff leadership roles in colleges, universities, and other related environments.
Program Details
- Official Degree Name
- Master of Education
- Format
-
Online
- Credit Hours
- 30
- Program Start
- Start Anytime
- Application Deadline
- Apply Anytime
- Average Time to Degree
- 1-2 Years
Why Get Your M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership at DeSales University?
Learn from some of the best higher education leaders in the region. Engage in meaningful coursework. Build relevant skills to advance your career. Choose from specialized tracks for roles in management, student affairs leadership, or design your own three course track.

Program Highlights
Preparation for Specialized Industries
- The landscape of Higher Education is changing fast. Knowing how to manage, organize and lead is a specialized skillset. With an M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership from DeSales, not only will you have the technical knowledge in your specialty, but you’ll also be empowered to succeed as a leader.
Professional Development Opportunities
- The Higher Education Leadership master’s program offers an integrated learning experience. Students are required to complete a practicum course including an internship or capstone project to develop hands-on, applicable skills. Students who would benefit from two internships, typically those without extensive professional work experience, have that option within the 30 credit program. Students working full-time outside of the program complete a capstone project that allows them to continue in their existing employment without disruption.
Multiple Pathways to Success
- Already have a master's degree? The graduate certificate in Student Affairs Leadership may be the right choice for you if you're looking to enter into the world of higher education administration.
What Will You Study?
The Master’s of Higher Education Leadership program at DeSales prepares you for college and university leadership roles. You can choose tracks in Management, Student Affairs Leadership, or a Self-Design option you develop with your faculty program director.
Courses you may take include:
- Supporting Diverse Learners
- Leadership & Administration
- College Student Development
- Budgeting & Finance
- Marketing, Enrollment, Retention
M.Ed. Higher Education Leadership
Meet the Faculty


Concentrations & Certificates
Swipe below to discover more!

Program Concentrations
Learn MoreConcentration
Student Affairs Leadership
Student affairs leaders play a key role in creating a safe and supportive learning environment for students.
This track is for those seeking a role in student services, student accessibility, and other student-focused roles.
Courses You May Take Include:

Concentration
Management
Offered in partnership with the DeSales MBA program, this concentration focuses on strategic thinking, institutional financial sustainability, human resource issues, and program and project management.
Courses You May Take Include:

Concentration
Self-Design
The self-design option allows you to create your own 3-course concentration with your faculty program director. Choose from MHE courses, courses from the Management concentration, or any other pre-approved graduate course.
Courses You May Take Include:


Graduate and Post-Master's Certificates
Learn MoreGraduate Certificate
Higher Education
The Graduate Certificate in Higher Education is designed for professionals looking to advance without pursuing a graduate degree. It’s ideal for those looking to transition into higher education careers. Gain knowledge and skills for higher level higher education administration jobs.
Courses You May Take Include:

Post-Master's Certificate
Student Affairs Leadership
This post-master's certificate is designed for those with graduate degrees looking to advance or change careers in this field. It may also be useful for supporting your path to a doctoral program in higher education. Be prepared to work in student development-centered support services and campus life areas.
Courses You May Take Include:

Outcomes & Careers
Notable alumni of the DeSales University M.Ed. program have successful careers in higher education administration. Many graduates go on to serve in leadership positions or receive promotions shortly after graduating.
Our nationally-ranked program provides a degree or certificate high in integrity, helping professionals advance in the higher education field.

Admission Requirements
- Current resume (not required for certificates)
- Completed application
- Official transcripts
- Meeting with Program Director

Facts & Figures
#212 Best Online Master's in Education Programs
- U.S. News & World Report
#36 Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania
- Niche
Program FAQs
We have rolling admissions for this program, meaning you can apply at anytime, and start at anytime of year. If you would like to start this program in the summer or fall semester, the annual first-round application review deadline is April 15.
Yes, you can take this program 100% online! It is a convenient option for those already working full-time in higher education or those working full-time in another field who wish to make a career change.
Yes! Our students come into the program with varied levels of professional experience in general and higher education professional experience specifically. You can use this program to accelerate your career and differentiate yourself from other candidates for promotion. You can use the program to fill in gaps in your knowledge and to explore career areas in higher education that you have not previously considered.
Yes! Graduate assistantships are paid, 20 hour per week campus work experiences. They provide hands-on experience in higher education units and functional areas. Students are employed in these experiences over the course of their time in the program. The graduate assistantship cannot be a replacement for the required practicum course. However, with approval, students may use the site when it is time to complete the practicum experience.
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