higher education students walking on campus

Higher EducationM.S.

Prepare for a career in administration or student services at a college or university.

Colleges and universities face complex challenges as they serve increasingly diverse student bodies in a competitive environment. By earning a master’s degree in higher education from the University of North Dakota you’ll be prepared for a variety of entry level and mid-management positions at educational institutions, government agencies and nonprofit institutions.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
2+ years
Credit hours:
36

Why earn a master's degree in higher education?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
March 15* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Oct. 15* | Dec. 1

*Priority deadline

Our program develops students as scholar-practitioners. We challenge master's degree candidates to reflect critically about issues, problems and ethical concerns facing decision makers in higher education.

As a higher education master's student, you'll:

  • Participate in a community of learners with students and faculty from diverse academic and professional backgrounds
  • Develop, deliver and assess educational programs and student support services through coursework grounded in research and best practices
  • Apply theory to practice to demonstrate how organizations, culture and environment influence and shape student behavior
  • Take active learning roles through experiential opportunities designed to prepare graduates for professional positions in higher education and student affairs
  • Complete a scholarly project based on your area of interest in higher education

Higher Education M.S. at UND

  • Core courses provide an understanding of higher education, including governance, institutional organization and culture, the roles of faculty, students and administrators.

  • Learn how to analyze quantitative and qualitative research data to improve educational outcomes.

  • Students have the opportunity to apply theory to practice through an internship at a college or university.

  • The program culminates with a written capstone project.

Careers in Higher Education

75

Job outlook for postsecondary education administrators through 2028

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

95K

Average advanced level salary for administrator roles such as head of multicultural student affairs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduates of our program hold research, administrative and leadership positions in at community colleges, colleges and universities and tribal colleges. They also hold positions at policy and research agencies as well as state and federal government offices.

College and universities offer a wide range of opportunities. Our graduates work in departments such as:

  • Academic and career advising
  • Admissions and enrollment management
  • Athletics
  • Financial aid
  • Greek affairs
  • Housing and residential life
  • Orientation and first-year experience
  • Student activities/student life
  • Student unions

UND Higher Education Alumni

Higher Education alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Chartwells Dining
  • Morningside College
  • Career Development Center
  • Career Services, Inc.

Higher Education M.S. Courses You Could Take

HE 503. Diversity Across Higher Education. 3 Credits.

The course intends to promote understanding of the diverse populations within higher education and to encourage students to examine their own attitudes regarding diversity and openness to other cultures. Examination of practice models for service delivery to diverse populations will help prepare students to develop management, leadership, and advocacy skills. The course will underscore the development of skills for working with individuals, small groups, and campus groups in relation to equity, diversity, and inclusion. On demand.

HE 511. Program Development. 3 Credits.

This course will examine the learning theories that undergird the design and delivery of educational programs and services. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to conduct needs assessments and outcomes assessments in-person and mediated environments. They will also learn and demonstrate program planning, development and implementation process. On demand.

EFR 509. Introduction to Applied Educational Research. 3 Credits.

An introduction to applied research methodologies used to study education. The course covers quantitative as well as qualitative types of research. The paradigms of both types of research will be contrasted and the application of the methodologies in actual research investigated. F,S,SS.

T&L 541. History of Higher Education in the United States. 3 Credits.

Study of major events and people shaping higher education in the U.S. Role, philosophy, and organization of institutions of higher education discussed.

HE 507. Collegiate Environments. 3 Credits.

The course will discuss how student characteristics influence student educational and development needs, and the effects of the college experience on student learning and development. This course also will examine collegiate environments and how students' person-environment interactions affect their development. On demand.

HE 513. College Students and the Law. 3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of key legal issues that pertain to college students. Using a legal frame and analysis, the focus of the course surrounds administrative decision making, effective practices, and organizational policy design and implementation. On demand.

Learn to Lead

UND provides a variety of options to develop your research and find your path to success.

Explore More Options

Connect with the faculty you'll work with at UND or explore other education majors:

Department Contact
Allyssa Baumbach
Graduate Advisor & Assessment Manager
allyssa.baumbach@UND.edu
701.777.6206

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