The George Washington University, Graduate School of Education and Human Development

Master's in Higher Education Administration

Transforming Student Communities

For today’s diverse student population, institutions need strong leaders to become the next generation of change agents determined to transform campus communities nationwide. Whether it is through an emphasis on the demographic variables that are predictors of student borrowing, the historical analysis of the contributions of the black power movement to higher education, changes in Greek life policy and practice, or the foundations of college student development, college student personnel professionals are prepared to take on this work.

GW's Master's degree in Higher Education Administration equips students with effective leadership and administration capabilities by combining coursework with professional practice in a multitude of settings in the DC Metro area through internship and fellowship opportunities. You will become immersed in innovative work to ensure that colleges are using inclusive and multicultural student affairs practices focused on promoting social justice, civic engagement, and equity. Higher Education Administration students deepen their expertise by selecting a concentration in Student Affairs Administration, General Administration, Higher Education Policy and Finance, and International Higher Education. Students in the HEA program focus on study abroad and international exchange policies and programs; enrollment management, admissions and recruiting strategies; academic advising best practices; intercollegiate athletics and club sports management; student engagement, event programming, and residential life; career services and development; Greek life policies and practice; and much more. In the final semester of the program, students complete a capstone project on a topic of their choosing related to a problem of professional practice. This provides a living portfolio of work directly related to their intended career path.

Students enrolled in the Higher Education Administration Masters program may pursue a joint degree with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Juris Doctorate. Courses can be applied toward earning the Master's degree and certificates.

Upon completion of the degree, students will be prepared for professional positions in student affairs, academic affairs, university relations, study abroad and international exchange programs, and more.

Why a GW Master in Higher Education Administration?

• Location: GW’s location in Washington, DC- the epicenter of policy, practice, and research - provides students with the distinct advantage of being a neighbor to national organizations including The Department of Education, American Council on Education, ACPA and NASPA, American Educational Research Association, and a variation of colleges/universities in size and affiliation.
• Diverse Student Body: From across the country and around the globe, bringing a wide range of professional experience, skills, and enriching knowledge.
• Convenient Schedule: Courses are scheduled once a week in late afternoons and evenings (Monday- Thursday) to accommodate the schedules of working professionals and for internship experiences.
• Study Abroad: Students in the Higher Education Administration program may have the opportunity to participate in short-term study abroad trips for course credit. These opportunities allow students to further their work as scholar-practitioners through exposure to and research of other international perspectives.