Potential Careers
- Director of Academic or Administrative Unit
- Assistant or Associate Dean
- Admissions Counselor
- Advising and Student Success Professional
- Advancement Professional (Development & Alumni Relations)
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.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Master's
Certificate
Format
100% Online
Credits
30
Avg. Time to Completion
2 years
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Higher Education Leadership Graduate Program
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.
Higher Education Leadership ((MEd) Program Information
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.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Higher Education Administrators
Why Study Higher Education Leadership at Widener?
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.
Student Stories
Our Faculty
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!
Recent News
Widener Education Professor Shares Tips for Transition to Online Learning
Zora Wolfe, an associate professor in Widener’s Center for Education, shares ways for parents, students, and educators to smoothly transition to online learning.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
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.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We accept applications for students to begin in the fall, spring, or summer terms.
Financial Aid
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
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.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
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.
Graduate Assistantships
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.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
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.
Widener Scholarships
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.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
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%.
Program Cost
Graduate Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Center for Education
-
503 East 13th Street
Chester, PA 19013
- 610-499-4345
