Careers in higher education leadership offer a variety of fulfilling roles in areas such as admissions, advising, student engagement, career services, and faculty support. In addition to essential administrative tasks like creating budgets and managing staff, professionals in this field take charge of initiatives that build stronger communities at universities and colleges. For example, administrators and student affairs professionals may be involved in establishing on-campus employment programs, encouraging interdisciplinary faculty collaboration, or finding ways to increase retention and graduation rates.
Earning a graduate degree focused on the latest research and best practices in education policy helps to develop strategies that make an impact on an institution. A master’s in higher education administration and student affairs (HEASA) or a master’s in educational leadership could help you achieve your career goals while expanding access to opportunities and improving outcomes for students.
Master’s in HEASA vs. Educational Leadership
These two degrees involve many similar areas of study, but there are also differences between them that could determine which is a better fit for your career goals. Here are some key factors to consider:Advantages of Earning a Master’s in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs
An MA in HEASA equips professionals with the knowledge to build a career in developing and implementing university policies. An HEASA program examines the organizational decisions that promote operational efficiency while maximizing student engagement. You can discover strategic approaches to support underrepresented populations based on a critical analysis of the social forces affecting academic success. In addition, this program focuses on valuable skills in areas like:- Higher education administration best practices
- Student development
- Enrollment management
- Student engagement
- Institutional research
Benefits of Master’s in Educational Leadership
A Master’s in Educational Leadership prepares current or aspiring education professionals to lead in any academic setting, including primary, secondary, or postsecondary institutions. Educational leadership programs may offer concentrations or specializations such as:- Pre-K administration
- Early childhood education
- Learning and instructional design
- Learning technology
- International education
- Higher education
Choosing the Right Curriculum: HEASA vs. Educational Leadership
Students in HEASA and Educational Leadership programs both take courses that cover a wide range of important topics affecting educational institutions:- Assessment and evaluation
- Finance and budgeting
- Ethical decision making
- Organizational and operational strategy
- Educational Policy-making
- Regulatory compliance
- Research methodology
- The history of higher education
- The impact of technology on higher education teaching and administration
- Student development theory and best practices
- Increasing enrollment and retention
- Finance and budgeting for postsecondary institutions
- Welcoming and supporting diverse groups of students
- Using program evaluation and educational assessment tools to drive improvements
- Personal and ethical foundations
- Values, philosophy, and history
- Assessment, evaluation and research
- Law, policy, and governance
- Organizational and human resources
- Leadership
- Social justice and inclusion
- Student learning and development
- Educational Technology
- Advising and supporting
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
A master’s in HEASA or educational leadership is a professional degree program that features practical exercises in applying concepts to real-world situations. By taking courses on a part-time basis while working, you can immediately apply the professional development skills you learn to real situations. If you’re currently employed in an educational environment, you might even be able to use your own workplace as the focus for a research project. Those who work in other fields may still be able to gain hands-on experience by connecting with a local school.Career Outcomes and Salary
These master’s degrees each prepare graduates to succeed in leadership roles. Master’s in higher education administration and student affairs careers are specific to postsecondary education environments with an emphasis on providing support for students. Professionals with a master’s in HEASA could be qualified for positions such as:- Admissions Director
- Career Services Director
- Chief Academic Officer
- Director of Academic Advising
- Director of Alumni Relations
- Director of Assessment and Accreditation
- Director of Student Affairs
- Diversity Manager
- Financial Aid Director
- High School College Counselor
- Nonprofit Executive
- Provost
- Resident Life Coordinator
- Training and Development Manager
- University Registrar
- Assistant Principal
- Curriculum Designer
- Pedagogy and Curriculum Support Staff
- District Administrator
- District Superintendent
- Principal
About the Pace University MA in HEASA
Pace University’s 100% online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs program provides an overview of the challenges facing university leadership teams. MA HEASA students develop critical thinking and research skills to help them understand how institutional structures, policies, and practices impact students from varying socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds throughout their academic journey. The future-focused, NASPA-aligned curriculum is taught by administrative experts and designed to address contemporary issues in higher education and student affairs. Graduates are prepared to take charge of assessment and evaluation, meet performance objectives, and effectively run programs.Get Started
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To learn more about the MA in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs, fill out the fields in this form to download a free brochure. If you have any questions at any time, please contact an admission advisor at (866) 843-7201.