Graduate Studies

Master's in Higher Education Leadership & Certificate Programs

Prepare to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing higher education environment with a master's degree in higher education leadership.

Program Overview

Widener’s master’s program in higher education leadership prepares you to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing higher education environment, with specific focus on either higher education leadership or student affairs leadership.

If you currently work in higher education and want to advance your career or are looking to transition from another career path, our graduate program builds your leadership capabilities to work in areas such as student affairs, enrollment management, institutional effectiveness, faculty professional development, institutional advancement, resource development, governance, and administration.

You may also be interested in exploring our master's and certificate in counselor education with a specialization in student affairs.

Program Options

View the academic catalog for Loading... requirements.

Master’s degrees are flexible, part-time programs designed for working professionals. The curriculum includes online coursework that can be completed at a pace that fits your lifestyle.

Students who complete the Master's program in Higher Education Administration can apply their credits to the three-year, fast-track Doctor of Education program.

Beginning graduate students may enter the Loading... and complete coursework in three consecutive semesters. The five courses are determined by advisement, which allows students to customize the certificate based on specific professional development needs and career goals

Admissions Information

  • Complete the application form.
  • Submit a resume.
  • Submit a personal statement.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors, or college professors.
  • Have an official transcript sent from all previous graduate and undergraduate programs.

We accept applications for students to begin in the fall, spring, or summer terms. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Program Highlights

Our master’s program in higher education leadership prepares you to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing higher education environment.

Customized Approach & Personal Attention

You’ll benefit from a vital mentoring environment with accomplished faculty committed to providing a high level of personal attention to better align coursework with career goals and help you become a scholar and effective leader. Our customized approach tailors your studies to support an area of focus, interdisciplinary collaboration, and study abroad options.

Career Growth & Change

Most students have been in their professional roles for a few years and enroll because they want to advance in their career and further develop their leadership capacity by growing professionally through the master’s program. In addition, the program serves students transitioning to higher education from other careers paths.

Clubs & Organizations

Higher Education majors have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across and outside of campus to expand their network, including the Higher Education Student Association (HESA), Kappa Delta Pi, and many more.

Faculty

Our professors' leadership and research are shaping the education field.

Your Inside Track to Success

Your Inside Track to Success

Outlook & Outcomes

Potential Careers

  • Director of Academic or Administrative Unit
  • Assistant or Associate Dean
  • Admissions Counselor
  • Advising and Student Success Professional
  • Advancement Professional (Development & Alumni Relations)

Recent Employers

  • Arcadia University
  • Eastern University
  • Delaware County Community College
  • Peirce College
  • University of Pennsylvania

Student Stories

Jose-Luis Vasquez stands on platform in front of high school graduates in caps and gowns

"What I’ve learned through the MEd program is the skills to succeed, whether it is organizational administration, coaching and developing leaders, or even the vernacular to know what is going on in the world of higher education."

Jose-Luis Vasquez

Class of 2021

Take the Next Steps

Apply

We’re glad you made the decision to apply. All applications and supplemental materials are submitted through the online application system. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.

Center for Education