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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
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.

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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.

View the course catalog

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

Eric Hagan's headshot
Eric Hagan
Assistant Professor, Director of Center for Teaching Excellence; Interim Director of Education Leadership
610-282-1100, x1689
McFadden Room, Trexler Library
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R. Scott Mattingly's headshot
R. Scott Mattingly
Associate Dean of Academic Life/Assistant Professor of Education
610-282-1100, x1408
176 Dooling Hall
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Concentrations & Certificates

Swipe below to discover more!

category

Program Concentrations

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Concentration

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:

  • College Student Development
  • Supporting Diverse Learners
  • College Student Services
track

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:

  • Marketing, Enrollment, Retention
  • Strategic Thinking & Leadership
  • Empowering Human Potential
  • Project Management Essentials
track

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:

  • Marketing, Enrollment, Retention
  • College Student Development
  • Empowering Human Potential
  • Supporting Diverse Learners
track
category

Graduate and Post-Master's Certificates

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Graduate 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:

  • Law, Ethics, Standards
  • Higher Education
  • College Student Development
  • Supporting Diverse Learners
track

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:

  • College Student Development
  • Marketing, Enrollment, Retention
  • College Student Services
track

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.

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Admission Requirements

  • Current resume (not required for certificates)
  • Completed application
  • Official transcripts
  • Meeting with Program Director
Visit Admissions Tuition & Fees
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Facts & Figures

#212 Best Online Master's in Education Programs

- U.S. News & World Report

#36 Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania

- Niche

Facts & Figures

Program FAQs

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