Because education is the avenue through which people enact tangible change in the world, colleges and universities remain some of the most impactful institutions in existence.
But in order for higher education institutions to ensure student success, there must be dedicated leaders in place who can advocate for transformative change.
From admissions teams to student life professionals, from enrollment managers to researchers, the field of higher education administration employs diverse professionals who are all passionate about advanced education initiatives.
Let’s explore this truly significant field and unpack some of the opportunities that a graduate degree in higher education administration will give you.
What is Higher Education Administration?
A multifaceted and results-oriented field, higher education administration is a unique discipline related to the much larger umbrella of administration and management. Higher education administration involves the coordination of various academic programs, departments, and activities for higher education institutions.
What's the bottom line? Higher education administration is a niche field designed for professionals who are passionate about leadership and community within the sphere of higher education.
The ultimate aim of higher education administration is to improve student experiences and ensure success, and professionals who are interested in breaking into the field of higher education administration should consider obtaining a graduate degree in the field.
There are different higher education administration degrees that focus on various (and specific) spheres within higher ed, and we are here to explore two of them.
Types of Higher Education Administration Degrees
Programs within higher education administration differ and may incorporate different focus areas that compliment and match individual students' strengths and goals. You may want to obtain a master’s degree or a doctorate degree — depending on your specific area of interest.
Here are two impactful programs to choose from within higher education administration:
Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration (MA in HEA)
A Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration is a good fit for individuals who are invested in student affairs and who want to “give back” to the field. This path is well suited for professionals looking for non-teaching careers within higher education that still impact student life, such as institutional coordination, residential living, or educational consulting.
Graduates with a master’s degree in higher education administration gain critical knowledge of college student affairs and are prepared to work in various student-facing careers like academic advising, resident life, fraternity and sorority experiences, and more.
At West Virginia University, our online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration program helps students gain the knowledge and skills needed to be transformative higher education leaders who address the most pressing issues affecting colleges and universities and postsecondary students.
Doctor of Education Higher Education Administration (EdD in HEA)
A Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration is perfect for individuals who are either interested in pursuing a leadership/director position or who are passionate about breaking into the research- or policy-related side of higher education leadership.
West Virginia University’s EdD in Higher Education Administration is designed to prepare graduates for positions in higher education administration, faculty and research, and policy. The program is centered around a core of study designed to provide knowledge and insight across several critical areas of higher education.
In this hybrid program, students can specialize in academic affairs, curriculum and assessment, college student development, administration, organizations, and policy.
West Virginia University: Leading the Change in Higher Education Administration
At West Virginia University, we understand the true value that higher education institutions offer to people every single day. That’s why we are dedicated to offering multiple graduate higher education administration programs that are specifically designed to improve the field of higher education.
You have the opportunity to advance your skills, transform your career, and impact change in the field by achieving a graduate degree in Higher Education Administration at WVU — so, if you are ready to jumpstart your higher education administration journey today, you can start your online application.
Start your higher education administration career by earning your credentials; Download WVU's Higher Education Administration Guide.
