What Can You Do with a Masters in Higher Education?

What Can You Do with a Masters in Higher Education?
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:

Key Takeaways

  • With a master’s in higher education, you can get into a range of careers, such as counselors, human resource managers, and admission administrators.
  • Students in a master’s in higher education degree program learn how to influence student development, engage in administrative decision-making, and lead education initiatives.
  • Earning a master’s in special education gives graduates enhanced leadership skills, an increased earning potential, and career advancement opportunities.

Academia is a rewarding field with interesting career roles. A master’s in higher education is what could get you close to the more challenging, rewarding, and better-paying education roles. What can you do with a master’s in higher education? This article lists all the possibilities that are waiting for graduates who earn this degree.

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What can you do with a master’s in higher education?

With a master’s in higher education, you can get into a range of careers, such as counselors, human resource managers, and admission administrators. The degree helps you influence student development, engage in administrative decision-making, and lead education initiatives in academic institutions.

Here are some details of the various careers you can explore with a master’s in higher education:

CareerMedian SalaryWork ExperienceNumber of Jobs Opening (2022-2032)
Career Counselor and Advisor$61,710 per year1 year or more18,400
Human Resources Manager$136,350 per year5 years or more10,000
Admissions Administrator$102,610 per yearless than 5 years7,700
Athletic Director$71,311 per year2 years or more15,500
Instructional Coordinator$74,620 per year5 years or more5,300
School Principal$103,460 per year5 years or more3,300


Career Counselor and Advisor

A career counselor helps students excel in school and prepare for jobs after graduation. They also create opportunities for students to intern or job shadow. As a career counselor, you’ll also be responsible to update online resources and notify students about upcoming events. You may need a master’s degree for this job.  

Counselors usually work full-time, with a break when school’s out. The median salary of a career counselor and advisor is $61,710 per year.

  • Median salary: $61,710 per year
  • Work experience: 1 year or more
  • Number of jobs that will open (2022-2032): 18,400
HR manager doing an exit interview with an employee

Human Resources Manager

As an HR manager at a university or college, your job involves organizing and overseeing hiring staff and faculty tasks. This includes making recruitment plans, talking to potential candidates, and helping new hires settle in.

You’ll also evaluate staff performance, decide pay raises, and review workplace safety. Plus, you will be responsible for leading a team of HR staff. Human resource managers often follow a full-time schedule and work around 40 hours weekly.

The median annual wage of a human resources manager is $136,350 per year, and the field is projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032.

  • Median salary: $136,350 per year
  • Work experience: 5 years or more
  • Number of jobs that will open (2022-2032): 10,000

Admissions Administrator

As an admissions administrator, you’ll decide which applicants get accepted into your school and make sure your institute appeals to potential students.

You’ll be the first person students, parents, and teachers talk to about applying for a program. Your responsibility will be to provide applicants with information and advice about admissions. Usually, admissions administrators work full-time and may not get breaks during summer or winter.

The average median salary as an admissions administrator is $102,610 per year.

  • Median salary: $102,610 per year
  • Work experience: Less than five years
  • Number of jobs that will open (2022-2032): 7,700

Athletic Director

If you love sports and seek a higher-education career, an athletic director position might be the perfect fit. As an athletic director, you’ll create team budgets, advertise events, and monitor coaching performance. You’ll also attend conferences, recruit new coaches, and plan a fundraiser.

Athletic directors can work in various institutions, from college sports teams to professional sports organizations. They make an annual salary of $71,311.

  • Median salary: $71,311 per year
  • Work experience: 2 years or more
  • Number of jobs that will open (2018-2028): 15,500

Instructional Coordinator

Also called a curriculum specialist, an instructional coordinator helps evaluate the efficacy of teaching techniques and curriculum by school boards, federal regulations, and states.

They review learners’ test data and discuss curricula with college or university staff. Many curriculum specialists work in secondary and elementary school districts, professional schools, colleges, and universities.

As an instructional coordinator, you can earn a median salary of $74,620 annually. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job role is projected to grow by 2% from 2022 to 2032.

  • Median salary: $74,620 per year
  • Work experience: 5 years or more
  • Number of jobs that will open (2022-2032): 5,300

School Principal

Elementary, middle, and high school principals handle various tasks such as running school operations, creating lesson plans, hiring staff, and keeping the campus safe.

They also help review teaching techniques, update rules, and track student progress. Many school districts require principals to have a master’s degree in education.

School principals earn a median salary of $103,460 per year.

  • Median salary: $103,460 per year
  • Work experience: 5 years or more
  • Number of jobs that will open (2022-2032): 3,300
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What is a master’s in higher education?

A master’s in higher education is an advanced graduate degree that helps prepare students for leadership roles at colleges and universities. You can also use this degree in nonprofits, professional groups, or private testing centers.

Higher education master’s degree programs vary in curriculum between colleges and universities.


Degree Specifications

Master’s in higher education programs span 30 to 36 credits and can be full-time or part-time. Most students finish in two years if they study full-time.

Programs might follow hybrid, online, or on-campus formats. Most colleges and universities allow students to choose from a specific education concentration, like adult learning or administration. Others let you create your plan based on your career and educational goals.

What You’ll Learn

Students will take classes on research methods, history of education, student advising techniques, and college administration organization.

Some programs also require an internship or a practicum in a professional setting. In some cases, students may also be asked to finish capstone projects.

Student wearing graduation robes, while handing out his diploma
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Why Pursue a Master’s in Higher Education

Earning a master’s in higher education not only expands your knowledge, it also opens doors to rewarding career opportunities. From policy and administration to student affairs and academic support services, this advanced degree is designed to give you a deeper understanding of the complexities of higher education.

Here are some benefits students may enjoy while taking this course:

  • Enhanced leadership skills: This degree teaches you how to lead and manage teams effectively. This is particularly important if you want to work in higher education management.
  • Increased earning potential: A master’s degree can mean a bigger paycheck. Jobs in higher education that require a master’s often pay better.
  • Career advancement: Whether you want to grow in your current job or try something new in higher education, this degree can help. You may end up working in student support, admissions, advising, making policies, or giving advice as a consultant.
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Admission Requirements for a Higher Education Master’s Degree

To advance your career in higher education with a master’s degree, it’s important to first understand the admission requirements. Typically, education colleges and universities look for several key components in your application, such as:

  • Minimum GPA and transcripts: Most programs ask for official transcripts from the colleges you’ve attended. Usually, they’re looking for a GPA of 3.0 or higher from your undergraduate studies.
  • Writing sample: Students may need to provide a writing sample to show off their research and writing skills.
  • Statement of purpose: Schools often want an essay from applicants explaining why they’re interested in the program, why they’re a great fit, and how the degree fits into their career goals.
  • Letters of recommendation: Typically, you’ll need two to three letters from people who can vouch for your abilities. Professors and work supervisors are usually preferred.
  • Admissions interview: Some programs may require a one-on-one interview with a program representative or university official.
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Best Schools With Master’s in Higher Education Programs

Earning a master’s in higher education is perfect to help you prepare for a challenging and dynamic career in college or university administration or related fields. To help you choose the best program, we’ve rounded up a list of the best schools that offer a higher education master’s degree:

UniversityEstimated Cost Per CreditRequired Credits To GraduateAccreditationDelivery Format
Harvard University$1,622 per credit32 creditsNew England Commission Of Higher EducationOn-campus
University of Wisconsin-MadisonResident: $807.95 per credit; Non-Resident: $1,640.88 per credit30 creditsHigher Learning CommissionOn-campus, Online
Pennsylvania State University$833 per credit30 creditsCouncil for the Accreditation of Educator PreparationOn-campus, Online
Liberty UniversityResident: $415 per credit; Non-Resident: $415 per credit30 creditsSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesOnline

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for Higher Education degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $53,760
    Expenses: $26,277
    Starting Salary: $188,744
    Salary after 4 years: $217,658
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Harvard University ranks #1 globally by US News & World Report and #4 by QS World University Rankings 2024. It offers a one-of-a-kind residential master’s in education (Ed.M.) degree program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

    In this program, you’ll learn from top faculty, build a strong community, and prepare to lead in education. This one-year, full-time program offers five focused areas: Education leadership, policy, human development, teaching, and learning design.

    Whether you want to make an impact in early education, K–12, or higher education, HGSE is the perfect place to start.

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    2. Employees looking at the same laptop, while working together on a project
  2. #2

    University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Madison , WI
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #12 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #17 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #19 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/29

    Career Outlook for Higher Education degree at University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Cost of Degree: $12,251
    Expenses: $17,198
    Starting Salary: $83,819
    Salary after 4 years: $93,820
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The higher education (HE) master’s program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers students a wide variety of courses, covering administration, teaching, policy, organization, and research.

    The program allows you to choose from three concentrations: Student affairs administration, intercollegiate athletic administration, and two-year colleges. Students will also have a chance to finish field experiences. The final project for this program is a capstone project.

    After completing this master’s degree, you can work in leadership positions in colleges, universities, and technical colleges.

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  3. #3

    Pennsylvania State University

    #5 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Pennsylvania 2024 #3 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
    Other Rankings

    The M.Ed. in higher education program at Penn State helps students get ready for important roles in colleges and universities. It’s designed to meet different student needs, offering on-campus, online, and flexible options.

    One specific program is the Higher Education Residential M.Ed. With Graduate Assistantship. This two-year program at University Park includes full-time study. It requires students to compete for and secure a graduate assistantship in a Penn State office, mostly related to student affairs.

    Students in this program complete 18 required courses, 12 elective courses, and 6 focusing on a specific area of study.

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  5. #4

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for Higher Education degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $8,405
    Expenses: $19,987
    Starting Salary: $56,175
    Salary after 4 years: $64,781
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    If you’re looking for a flexible online option, Liberty University offers a master’s in higher education online. This is especially beneficial if you wish to continue working while studying or if you live far from campus locations.

    You can specialize in student affairs, educational leadership, instructional design, and technology. Some courses that students will study include economics and finance of higher education, and leadership in educational technology.

    This master’s program can easily be completed in one year. To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and at least a 2.7 GPA.

    Liberty University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Commercial Music
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fashion Merchandising
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BFA in Graphic Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Automotive Dealership Management
    • Communication
    • Data Analytics
    • Digital Marketing And Advertising
    • Economics
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Financial Planning
    • Green And Sustainable Management
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • International Business
    • Leadership
    • Marketing Analytics
    • Marketing: Sales Management And Professional Selling
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Real Estate
    • Strategic Marketing Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Business Education 6-12
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Christian Leadership And Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sports Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Conference And Event Management
    • Sports Administration
    • Sports Communication And Public Relations
    • Sports Outreach
    • Sports Venue Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computational Mathematics
    Degree Concentrations
    • Actuarial
    • Computer Science
    • Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting Information Systems
    • Data Networking
    • Database
    • Information Assurance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Application And Database Development
    • Data Networking And Security
    • Gaming Design
    • Web And Mobile Programming
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration And Management
    • Corrections And Human Services
    • Crime Scene Investigation
    • Criminal Psychology
    • Homeland Security
    • Juvenile Justice
    • Public Administration
    • Strategic Intelligence
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fire Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Government
    Degree Concentrations
    • National Security
    • Politics And Policy
    • Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Law And Policy
    Degree Concentrations
    • Pre-Law
    • Public Policy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Elementary Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Middle Grades English
    • Middle Grades Mathematics
    • Middle Grades Science
    • Middle Grades Social Science
    • Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in English Education 6-12
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Mathematics Education 6-12
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Middle Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • English
    • Math
    • Science
    • Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Physical Education 6-12
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Physics Education - Earth Science 6-12
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Social Studies Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Teaching English As A Second Language
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Biblical And Educational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cultural Engagement
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in English And Writing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Creative Writing
    • Journalism
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BEd in English As A Second Language
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Military Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • History
    • International Security
    • Professional
    • Resiliency
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Religion
    Degree Concentrations
    • Apologetics
    • Biblical And Theological Studies
    • Christian Counseling
    • Christian Ministries
    • Evangelism
    • Global Studies
    • Nextgen
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Media Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Strategic Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Worship Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Informatics-Healthcare Informatics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing (Rn To Bsn)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSRT in Respiratory Therapist
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Global Studies (Rn To Bsn)
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Addictions And Recovery
    • Christian Counseling
    • Criminal Psychology
    • Online Crisis
    • Development Psychology
    • Life Coaching
    • Military Resilience
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Aviation
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Aviation Maintenance Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Aviation Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Civil Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Industrial Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Students wearing graduation robes while walking together on campus grounds

Related Questions

Is it worth getting a master’s in higher education?

Deciding if a master’s in higher education is worth your time and money depends on your career goals. With this degree, you can get jobs such as postsecondary education administrator or instructional coordinator, which often pay well and come with benefits.

Is a master’s in education the same as a master’s in teaching?

No, even though they’re alike. A master’s in teaching is mainly about managing classrooms and teaching in elementary and high school settings. On the other hand, a master’s in education covers a wider range of topics, like administration, policy, and making curriculum.

How long does it take to earn a master’s in higher education degree?

A master’s in higher education needs 30 to 36 credits and takes full-time students about two years. If you’re part-time, it could take three years. You’ll be doing an assistantship or internship, a capstone project, and comprehensive exams in this program.

Conclusion

Pursuing a master’s in higher education opens a wide range of career opportunities for you. With a master’s degree from an accredited institution, you can gain the skills, knowledge, and experience required to excel in various roles within academic institutions.

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