Georgetown University Online Master's in Higher Education Administration

The School of Continuing Studies at Georgetown University offers a fully online Master of Professional Studies in Higher Education Administration (MPS-HEA). Graduate students can choose a focus area in administration or student affairs or develop a customized focus path. The program offers a global perspective, training students to explore current issues in higher education through research and analysis. Students then examine the effects that globalization has on academic affairs, institutional governance, organizational operations, student affairs, and university enrollment.

Georgetown University operates from a Jesuit teaching model, encouraging students to ponder topics concerning social justice in relation to ethical decision-making. As future higher education administrators, participants will examine current issues and the avenues vital to creating an ethical culture in their institution. Students also learn to communicate and collaborate effectively with the Georgetown University global community. As well, students have the opportunity to complete up to two higher education practicums through elective courses. Those who choose this opportunity spend one to two semesters in a higher learning institution, gaining experience as a higher education administrator and a better understanding of HEA career possibilities through hands-on experience.

Core courses delve into the historical development of the American higher education system, the global approach to higher education, ethical decision-making, higher education institutional governance, management, and structure, the types of higher education institutions and their differing operating models, and the role of student affairs professionals. Additionally, all students complete a capstone course in their final semester, completing an applied research project or an in-depth research paper and demonstrating mastery of the theoretical and practical concepts learned throughout the program.

The MPS-HEA prepares graduates to propel institutions forward while maintaining their educational quality and institutional values. They will be able to apply creative and analytical thinking skills to make evidence-based recommendations backed by research, integrate learned practices, theories, and research with higher education administration practices to solve complex problems, and analyze and interpret data and current trends and apply these to planning and decision-making in their administrative roles.

Coursework for the graduate higher education administration program is online, with no GRE/GMAT or work experience required. Prospective students may start the program in the fall, spring, or summer and complete the degree in two years of year-round study. The degree must be completed within five years. Prior education must include a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. With the application, prospective students must submit unofficial or official transcripts, recommenders’ information for two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

MPS-HEA courses are delivered asynchronously through the Canvas online learning management system (LMS). At times, courses may include videoconferencing, allowing participants to engage live with faculty, peers, and guest lecturers, participate in class discussions, deliver presentations, collaborate, and ask questions. Canvas is supplemented with other online learning tools such as VoiceThread, PollEverywhere, and TurnItIn. Each course requires six to nine hours of work each week. Student services may include academic advising and support, mental health counseling, equity services, financial aid services, library and bookstore services, career counseling, and technical support.

The online Master’s in Higher Education Administration program includes two core courses, four foundational courses, and five elective courses. Core and foundational courses include Ethics and Leadership in Higher Education; American Higher Education; Global Higher Education; Organization and Administration in Higher Education; Student Affairs: Orientation to the Profession; and Capstone.

Elective courses include Faculty Governance and Academic Administration; Budgeting and Financing in Higher Education; Planning and Resource Management in Higher Education; Student Assessment/Evaluation; Enrollment Management: Student Lifecycle; Higher Education Policy; and Higher Education Practicum, which may be taken once or twice.

Georgetown University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).