Online Education Degrees in Higher Education

Accredited universities offer the following online Master's degrees and PhD programs in education with specializations in educational leadership and management skills in higher education.

Online Higher Education Degree Programs

Higher education plays a crucial role in the economic wellbeing, cultural life, and scientific achievement of our nation--not to mention the personal and professional development of each individual student. Higher education administrators take on considerable responsibility as the leaders of these institutions, developing and coordinating a range of academic programs.

Degree programs in higher education are specifically geared to train you in a variety of disciplines, ranging from instruction to curriculum development to educational management. Graduates of such programs often go on to become deans, provosts, and administrators. Higher education administrators are responsible for maintaining academic quality and reputation, coordinating and developing academic programs, managing budgets and financing, recruiting, hiring and managing faculty, establishing academic policies.

Master of Science or Master of Education (MEd) in Higher Education Degree programs are designed to prepare students for leadership positions in a college or university. Areas of specialization include:

• Student development
• Organization and governance
• Diversity and higher learning
• College leadership and organizational change
• Student services

Courses cover a range of topics pertinent to higher education leadership. Sample course titles include:

• Legal Issues in Higher Education
• Budgeting and Finance of Educational Institutions
• Management of Higher Education
• Educational Politics and History
• The Future of Teaching and Learning
• Curriculum Development
• Human Resources in Higher Education
• Distance and Online Learning Programs
• Educational Technology
• Grant Writing for Higher Education

Online master's degree programs typically offer opportunities for students to conduct independent research projects, complete internships, and network with other academic professionals.

PhD in Higher Education

A doctoral degree in Higher Education is appropriate for higher-level administrators, researchers, and education professors. In addition to the courses listed above, doctoral students complete courses in quantitative analysis and research methodology. The three- to six-year program culminates in an extensive original research project.

Higher Education Degrees Online

Higher education degree programs are increasingly available online, offering students greater flexibility. Those who attend online degree programs in higher education occasionally have to reside at the main location for a week or two if they are working towards a doctoral degree. But during the rest of the year, you can work towards your degree from the comfort of home.

Careers in Higher Education

A degree in higher education can be an important means of career advancement in higher education administration. A master's degree is the minimum qualification for a position as an academic dean, provost, or department chair; many higher-ranking administrators have a PhD.

Although no program can guarantee you exact starting salaries after graduation, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that the median income for postsecondary education administrators was approximately $85,870 in 2007. Job opportunities should be "excellent," according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fueled by a wave of retirements and a 12 percent increase in the number of jobs through 2016. With an advanced degree in higher education, one of those jobs could be yours.

Pursue your Higher Education degree today.

Benedictine University Benedictine University offers a liberal arts and professional education guided by Roman Catholic tradition. We prepare our students for a lifetime of leadership and responsible citizenry. Learn more about programs at Benedictine University. Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change The Benedictine University Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change (Ed.D.) program is intended for practicing professionals who wish to accelerate their career paths or who seek to join the higher education community as university, college or community college administrators. The program also prepares students for management positions in public and private educational agencies and associations. Studies emphasize leadership for educational and organizational improvement. The program provides both the perspective and the tools to anticipate and lead change in higher education. Coursework is topical in nature, interdisciplinary in focus and grounded in an inquiry-driven methodology characterized by critical thinking, analysis and self-reflection. The program readies students for the rigors and challenges of developing and implementing strategic plans, improving learning, managing resources, leading personnel, implementing policy and orchestrating change within an organization. View Accreditation Hide Accreditation Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

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