Potential Careers
- Director of Academic or Administrative Unit
- Assistant or Associate Dean
- Admissions Counselor
- Advising and Student Success Professional
- Advancement Professional (Development & Alumni Relations)
Prepare to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing higher education environment with a master's degree in higher education leadership.
Master's
Certificate
100% Online
30
2 years
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.
View the academic catalog for Loading... requirements.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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."
The Higher Education Leadership program is unique in that it is an intimate and personalized approach to completing a graduate degree and advancing your career. The faculty are committed to student success, expanding your expertise, and ensuring a sense of belonging. There may be many programs to choose from, but there is only ONE Widener!
Zora Wolfe, an associate professor in Widener’s Center for Education, shares ways for parents, students, and educators to smoothly transition to online learning.
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We accept applications for students to begin in the fall, spring, or summer terms.
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
To visit Widener is, often, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.
We offer a variety of virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.
Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!
Visit our online application system to complete your app and share supplemental materials. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013
503 East 13th Street
Chester, PA 19013