Obtaining a master’s in higher education is essential for anyone who wants to take on academic leadership roles. With a master’s degree, an applicant can confidently apply for a number of opportunities that will only become available after they earn their master’s.
Once earned, it’s possible to move into academic administration positions at colleges, universities, and other institutions of learning. The curriculum for a master’s in education will help students gain insights and knowledge concerning the more technical areas of student affairs, organization, finances, communication, and leadership.
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These are all things that a graduate can use in various capacities, industries, and careers. This means a graduate can do a lot more with an online master degree than just work in academic administration. Still, the world of academia comes with a huge number of opportunities a graduate can pursue. For example, someone attending a higher education program can start to seriously consider positions that include:
- Admissions Dean
- Financial Aid Director
- Financial Aid Specialist
- Student Services Dean
- Finanicial Aid Consultant
- Provost
- Alumni Relations Director
If a student utilizes any of the reputable online accelerated master’s programs, they can finish their degree much faster. And, the faster they obtain their master’s, the faster they can start the process of moving up to better positions and salaries.
However, obtaining an online programs master also allows graduates to pursue other careers. For example, an independent education consultant doesn’t have to work in an educational institution, but they can work with one. The degree offers some flexibility, which means a graduate can do a lot with it, especially if they can think creatively to utilize the skills they’ve learned.
How We Ranked Most Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Higher Education
For the Fast Online Master’s ranking of the most affordable, accelerated master’s administration programs, editors focus on accredited colleges and universities. Programs are ranked in order of tuition rate (check with institutions’ financial aid department to verify). Data comes from IPEDS and Niche.
1. Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University’s College of Education (GSU Ed Online) offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program in Education Administration that is among Georgia’s most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in higher education. Students may complete this 36 credit Master’s program with a Tier 1 (P-12) certificate as well.
Georgia Southern University’s accelerated master’s degree program includes these classes – learning theories and applications, technology for higher education leaders, the history of American education college student development and educational research, plus a practicum in education that is completed in a student’s last semester. Students graduating from Georgia Southern University’s master’s degree program enter the workforce in the areas of enrollment management, financial aid department, policy analysis, institutional research, or alumni administration, among others.
Visit the higher education administration program website.
2. Florida International University
The College of Arts, Sciences, and Education – within Florida International University’s (FIU Education Online) offers a Master of Science (MS) degree program in Higher Education that is ranked among the nation’s leading affordable online accelerated master’s programs in education according to bestvalueschools.org. This 36 credit Master’s Degree in Education from Florida International University can complete this graduate degree in only one year – including a required education practicum.
Florida International University’s Master’s Degree in Education includes these foundational classes in access and choice in education, legal issues in education administration, college student life and cultures social, philosophical, and historical foundations of education, and diversity and social justice in education, among others. This accelerated Master’s program prepares students for rewarding education careers in advising, enrollment management, education research, and reaching, to name a few.
Visit the higher education administration program website.
3. University of Houston Victoria
The University of Houston’s School of Education School of Education, Health Professions & Human Services offers a Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) in Adult and Higher Education with an academic emphasis in education that one of the leading online accelerated master’s programs in education available in the Texas education marketplace. The University of Houston’s Master in Master’s in Higher Education Online program requires no campus visits.
The University of Houston’s Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program requires 36 graduate semester hours with featured classes in educational leadership in organizations education history, program planning and development in education, and IT trends in education, plus an internship, to name a few. For UH’s accelerated Master’s in Higher Education Online program, career opportunities include education advisor administrator or a staff member in financial aid, among others.
Visit the higher education administration program website.
4. Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University’s (APS Online) Reich College of Education offers a Master of Arts degree (MA) program in Higher Education that is among the most affordable & well-respect online programs in education in the state. This Master’s degree in Higher Education from APS offers a concentration in ‘community college & university leadership’ and ‘adult and developmental education.’ The average completion time for this affordable and accelerated Master’s Degree in Higher Education Online program is 24 months for all students, even part-time students.
Appalachian State University’s accelerated Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program includes classes in the diversity in education, the history and law of American education, financial aid department, and research methods, to name a few. Note this degree has no thesis requirement; however, students must complete a written examination at the program’s end.
Visit the higher education administration program website.
5. University of Nebraska at Kearney
The University of Nebraska (UN Kearney Online) offers a Master of Science degree program (MS) in Education that is ranked among the most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in higher education available in the state of Nebraska. Additionally, the University of Nebraska’s Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program requires the completion of 36 credits, with most students completing the higher education degree in about 24 months.
The University of Nebraska’s accelerated Master’s degree in Higher Education requires candidates to complete coursework in student affairs organization and practice, theories of counseling, multicultural counseling, and group counseling, plus an internship in student affairs, and a counseling practicum, among others. Students who complete this Master’s in Higher Education Online program from the University of Nebraska enter the workforce as a career services director, financial aid specialist, academic affairs, admissions recruiter, orientation program coordinator, or academic advisor, to name a few.
Visit the higher education administration program website.
6. Central Washington University
Central Washington University’s (Central Washington Online) College of Education & Professional Studies offers a Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) in Higher Education that is among the western US’s most cost-effective online accelerated master’s programs in education. This 45-credit unit Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program from CMU is available entirely online, which offers students convenience and flexibility.
Central Washington University’s Master’s in Higher Education Online program includes foundational coursework in research in education, diversity leadership management, education law, program evaluation and assessment, finance in colleges and universities and college student development, plus an internship and the choice of an exam, thesis, or capstone project. Career options for graduates of this accelerated Master’s degree in Higher Education enter the education workforce in academic affairs, , athletics admissions, financial aid, or enrollment management, to name a few.
Visit the higher education administration program website to see all available online programs.
7. University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama’s (UA Birmingham Online) School of Education offers a Master of Science degree (MS) program in Higher Education Administration (HEA) that ranks among the top-rated affordable online accelerated master’s programs in education. The University of Alabama’s Master’s degree in education offers a 39-credit thesis track or a 36 credit non-thesis option with a practicum and capstone project.
The University of Alabama’s accelerated Master’s in Higher Education Online program requires these core classes – access and equity in education, organization, leadership and change, strategic partnership in academic affairs, the administration of education, and the history of education, to name a few. Students enrolled in this Master’s degree in Higher Education may participate in mentorship and assistantship opportunities at the University of Alabama.
Visit the higher education administration program website.
8. University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi’s (Ole Miss Ed Online) School of Education offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree program in Higher Education & Student Personnel that is among Mississippi’s leading online accelerated master’s programs in education. The University of Mississippi’s affordable Master’s degree in Higher Education requires enrolled students to complete a minimum of 30 graduate semester units to fulfill UM’s graduation criteria.
The University of Mississippi’s accelerated Master’s in Education Online program requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree, with three years of professional experience strongly preferred. The ten classes needed to earn the University of Mississippi’s Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program include cultural context of higher ed, power, persuasion and politics, organization and governance, contemporary issues in higher ed and program planning and assessment, among others. Graduates of this degree in education find rewarding work in financial aid, programming, fundraising, admissions, or athletics, among others.
Visit the higher education administration program website.
9. West Virginia University
West Virginia University’s (West Virginia Online) College of Education & Human Services offers a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration (MAHEA) that is ranked among the leading affordable online accelerated master’s programs in education. This 30 credit Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program from West Virginia University requires the completion of ten classes but offers two start dates in January and May each year.
Applicants to West Virginia University’s Master’s in Higher Education Online program must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited school, college, or university, plus a GPA of at least 3.0. Featured coursework for this accelerated Master’s degree in Higher Education includes contemporary issues in education, college student development, and the History of American education, plus a required capstone project, to name a few. Career opportunities include instructional coordinator, the education profession, and the education administrator for postsecondary schools, among others.
Visit the higher education administration program website.
10. North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University’s (NC State Online) College of Education offers two of North Carolina’s most innovative online accelerated master’s programs in education with its Master of Education or Master of Science degrees in Adult, Workforce & Continuing Professional Education. This Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program offers rolling admissions through the calendar year.
These accelerated Master’s in Higher Education Online program options require 36 credits for the M.Ed. program or 39 credits (and a thesis) for the Master of Science program. Classes for North Carolina State University’s Master’s in Online program include instruction strategies in education for adults, the adult learner, and assessment and evaluation, to name a few. Career opportunities for these accelerated Master’s degree in Higher Education include education research, technology, coaching, resident life, or advising, to name a few.
Visit the higher education administration program website.
11. University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM Online) Graduate School offers one of Mississippi’s leading online accelerated master’s programs in education with its Master of Education degree program (M. Ed.) in Higher Education with an academic focus on student affairs administration. The University of Southern Mississippi’s Master’s degree in Higher Education offers degree candidates a two-year completion study plan.
This accelerated Master’s in Higher Education Online program from the University of Southern Mississippi requires the completion of 12 classes (or 36 graduate semester hours) which include, social justice in education, student development theory, and research, plus a practicum, to name a few. Graduates of USM’s College’s Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program enter the education workforce in the areas of residence life, career services, admissions, administration ore recruitment, to name a few.
Visit the higher education administration program website.
12. University of Houston
The University of Houston’s (UH Distance) College of Education (COE) offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program in Higher Education that is among Houston’s leading online accelerated master’s programs that can be finished in only 24 months, following a cohort model. This Masters in Higher Education Online program from the University of Houston provides the student with experiential learning opportunities that include professional development, internships, and assistantships at the university.
The University of Houston’s 36 credit accelerated Master’s in Higher Education Online program aligns with the CAS’s standards and the ASHE – the Association for the Study of Higher Education. Features coursework for this graduate degree includes cultural foundations of American education, educational policy, leadership for change, and an internship. Graduates of this Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program enter the workforce with the skills to address critical issues that impact postsecondary schools and their students.
Visit the higher education administration program website.
13. Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University’s College of Education (TTU eLearning) offers an accelerated Master’s degree in Higher Education that is also ranked among the leading online accelerated master’s programs in Texas and beyond. Texas Tech University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in education administration is a 36-credit graduate cohort program that can be finished in only 24 months, with synchronous and asynchronous classes, and a one-day orientation on campus in Lubbock.
Texas Tech University’s Master’s in Higher Education Online program is also recognized among Lone Star State’s most affordable graduate degrees in education. Sample coursework for this M.Ed. degree in education includes research design, budgeting & resource management, legal aspects & crisis management in higher ed, plus a capstone and internship, among others. Texas Tech University’s Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program prepares graduates for middle management with regard to teaching or leadership roles in an institution of education setting.
Visit the higher education administration program website.
14. University of Nebraska
The University of Nebraska’s (UN Lincoln Online) Department of Educational Administration offers two of Nebraska’s leading affordable online accelerated master’s programs in education with its Master of Arts degree (MA) program in Educational Administration or a Master of Education in Educational Administration or Educational Studies. The Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program offers students three concentrations from which to choose – student affairs administration (offered on-campus only), education, or community colleges.
Enrolled students in the University of Nebraska’s student affairs concentration of its accelerated Master’s in Higher Education Online program have the opportunity to apply for a university assistantship. Students graduating from the University of Nebraska’s Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program enter the education workforce in the areas of student affairs, resident life, admission directors, or a member of the school’s athletic staff, among others.
Visit the program website.
15. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota’s (UND at a Distance) College of Education & Human Development offers a Master of Science degree (MS) program in Higher Education that is among the state’s leading affordable online accelerated master’s programs in education. In addition, The University of North Dakota’s Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program offers students a completion timeframe of one to two years for its 30-credit graduate degree program in education administration.
The University of North Dakota’s ranked Master’s in Higher Education Online program offers two start dates each academic year. The university requires the completion of these core classes – program development, collegiate environments, the history of education in the country, and college students and the law, to name a few. The University of North Dakota’s accelerated Master’s degree in Higher Education prepares graduates for rewarding careers in financial aid, academic or career advising, enrollment management, or collegiate athletics, among others.
Visit the higher education programs website.
16. Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global (PUG Online) offers a Master of Science (MS) degree program in Higher Education that is recognized among the most affordable, leading online accelerated master’s programs in education. Purdue Global’s Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program offers degree candidates three concentrations from which to choose – college teaching, college administration/leadership, or student affairs.
Purdue University Global’s Master’s in Higher Education Online program requires degree candidates to complete fifty-quarter credits to graduate. Featured 12-week modules/classes for this degree include education finance, foundations of education, education organization and governance, and research methods, plus an internship that covers 120 hours, to name a few. This accelerated Master’s degree in Higher Education prepares students for rewarding careers in education working in community colleges, universities, or vocational centers, among others.
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17. University of Missouri
The University of Missouri’s (Mizzou Online) College of Education and Human Development offers one of the most well-respected online accelerated master’s programs in education in the Show-Me State, with its Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis with an academic emphasis in education. The total credit hours for this Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program are 33.
The University of Missouri’s accelerated Master’s in Higher Education Online program is delivered in eight-week modules, with a two-year completion time frame if taking one class per session. Featured courses include education finance, assessment, and college student development, among others. Graduates of this Master’s degree in Higher Education find rewarding education careers in student affairs, diversity programming, international student affairs, leadership, career services, and enrollment management, to name a few.
Visit the higher education programs website.
18. University at Albany
The University at Albany’s (SUNY Albany at a Distance) School of Education offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Higher Education Administration that is considered one of New York’s most innovative online accelerated master’s programs in education. This Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program requires enrolled students to complete a minimum of 36 graduate credit units. Students may opt to study abroad while completing the University of Albany’s graduate degree in education.
SUNY Albany’s Master’s degree in Higher Education includes foundational classes in quantitative methods in educational leadership organizational leadership and introduction to social analysis, plus an educational administration capstone, to name a few. Graduates can re-enter the workforce in rewarding careers in academic research affairs, collegiate athletics, financial aid, or student affairs, to name a few.
Visit the higher education programs website.
19. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama’s (UA Distance) College of Continuing Studies offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree program in Higher Education Administration, one of the nation’s leading online accelerated master’s programs in education, as reported by US News. This Masters in Higher Education Online program from the University of Alabama requires 36 credits at the graduate level to meet the university’s graduation criteria.
The University of Alabama’s accelerated Master’s Online program requires foundational classes in student development theory, learning with technology in education, perspectives on education administration, statistical methods in education, and financing education, to name a few. Career options for this Master’s degree in Higher Education span various education sectors in business/financial services alumni relations, enrollment management, or facilities management, among others.
Visit the higher education program website.
20. Oregon State University
Oregon State University’s College of Education offers one of the most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in education in Oregon with its Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) in Adult and Higher Education. This Oregon State University Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program has been designed to meet the needs of working learning and professionals, with a two-year completion timeframe.
Oregon State University’s 45 credit unit accelerated Master’s Online program includes coursework in instructional technology, needs assessment and research, adult learning and development, an organization and systems theory, plus an education internship, to name a few. There are three academic concentrations for this Master’s degree in Higher Education – workforce development, instructional design, and educational technology and post-secondary education with an option to refine this academic degree path further.
Online students: website
21. Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University’s (NAU Online) Department of Educational leadership offers an affordable Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) program in International Education Leadership that is among the leading online accelerated master’s programs in higher international education. This Northern Arizona University Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program offers individual study plans of thirty graduate credits, a comprehensive exam, and an internship required to meet Northern Arizona University’s graduation criteria.
Northern Arizona University’s Master’s Online program features classes social entrepreneurship in education, leadership skills, programs for access and opportunity in education, and education in the United States, among others. Graduates of NAUs accelerated Master’s degree in Higher Education find a rewarding position in education in research, design, and program evaluation with regard to international education, to name a few.
Online students: website
22. National University
National University’s (National Distance) Sanford College of Education offers a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration (MAED) that is ranked among the most affordable NCATE-accredited online accelerated master’s programs in the greater San Diego metro area and southern California. Coursework for National University’s Master’s degree in Higher Education offers convenience and flexibility for working learners as well as discounts for military members and veterans.
National University’s accelerated Master’s Online program requires degree candidates to complete 45 quarter graduate credits in classes that include leading and managing change, policy, and accountability, education law strategic planning, and analysis, plus a thesis, naming a few. Career opportunities for this Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program include alumni relations, a registrar consultant, an admissions counselor, or a student services representative, among others.
Online students: website
23. Michigan State University
Michigan State University’s (Michigan State Online) College of Education/Department of Educational Administration offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree program in Higher Adult ad Lifelong Education (HALE) that is one of the nation’s most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in education, according to US News and World Report. Students enrolled in MSU’s Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program is a 30-credit hour master’s degree have no campus visit requirements. Michigan State University’s accelerated Master’s Online program is self-paced and offers the convenience for working adults or the option to accelerate programming for interested students. Career opportunities for Michigan State’s Master’s Online program find rewarding careers in community colleges, nonprofit agencies, government agencies, international organizations, and the private sector.
Online students: website
24. Mississippi College
Mississippi College’s (MC Education Online) School of Education offers an accelerated Masters in Higher Education Online program that is among Mississippi’s leading online accelerated master’s programs in education. Mississippi College’s Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program requires degree candidates to take 31 credits at the graduate level to meet the college’s graduate criteria.
This accelerated Master’s degree in Higher Education from Mississippi College provides a vigorous exploration in administrative theory and practice, plus a practicum. Featured coursework for Mississippi College’s Master’s Online program includes law in education, basic effective leadership, and issues and concepts of personnel management in education administration, among others. Upon approval, students enrolling in this graduate degree from MC may transfer up to six of the required credits to meet program requirements.
Online students: website
25. Saint Peters University
Saint Peters University (SPU Online) offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree program in Education that is ranked among the most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in education in Garden State. Saint Peters University’s Master’s degree in Higher Education is delivered in flexible, convenient classes – and requires 33-credit to meet Saint Peters University graduation criteria. The curriculum for Saint Peters University’s Master’s in Higher Education Online program explores the theories of education, research, and administrative practices, among others.
Saint Peters University’s Master’s degree in Higher Education Online program takes classes in directed research in education, organizational behavior and administration, ethical decision making and social responsibility emerging legal issues facing administration, and accountability – assessment and accreditation, to name a few. Graduates of Saint Peters University’s accelerated Master’s Online program enter the workforce working for professional associations, accrediting agencies, public policy agencies, college/university administration, or regional coordination education organizations, among others.
Online students: website
Is an Masters in Higher Education worth it?
A Master’s degree in education is always worth it for those who want to pursue a career in academia. Often, an MS degree becomes an absolute necessity for people who want to advance in this field. Earning an accelerated master’s in education online also puts someone closer to starting on a doctorate if their goals include having one in the future.
Before heading into that very involved process, a student should make sure they go through a master’s in education online program as early and as soon as they can. Once again, the need to gain the degree quickly points to the benefit of applying for an accelerated master’s online.
While online accelerated master’s programs aren’t for everyone, they’re worth it for those who know exactly what they want. Online programs often offer a lot of flexibility, a fact appreciated by many adults who must work, take care of responsibilities, and still pursue their degrees.
What makes a traditional or accelerated masters degree online worth it comes from the fact that academia will expect applicants to have it. The degree also entitles the graduate to demand a better salary and more authority over their careers. The ability to demand higher wages is also an excellent reason to gain a master’s quickly.
How Much Can I Make with a Masters in Education?
Salary for someone with a master’s will depend on all the usual factors. Those include location, experience, position, whether the applicant works for a public or private school, and various other things. Nevertheless, the national median pay for postsecondary education administrators with a master’s in education is $97.5k. According to the OOH, the highest 10% of postsecondary education administrators earn more than $199.4k.
A graduate can also use their degree to take on managerial roles in certain sectors which can pay a great deal more than the average. For perspective, the median pay for training and development managers sits at $115.6k, and this represents a position obtainable by graduates with an MS in education.
A position with an executive title will typically offer more in salary and benefits. Directors, deans, administrative staff, and department chairs are the types of positions someone pursuing a master’s degree in education online should have their eyes on. These are the positions within academia that offer the most by way of career fulfillment, career advancement, and potential salary.
One thing graduates should keep in mind is that experience counts for a lot, especially when it comes to salary. The more work they put in as undergraduates and graduates, the better the position they will find themselves in when they want to move forward with their careers.
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