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Earn Your Master's in Leadership

with a specialization in Higher Education

Take The Next Step

Please fill out the short form below and someone will contact you shortly to discuss the opportunities at Concordia University Chicago.

By completion and submission of this form, I consent to receive communication from a representative of this institution by phone, text or email regarding the educational program request.

Advance Your College Administration Career with a Master’s in Higher Education Leadership

Skilled higher education leaders are in great demand as colleges and universities face more competition and financial constraints than ever before. Professionals in this field must also be prepared to guide schools and students into the distance-learning era as online courses and degree programs continue to grow.

The online Master of Arts in Leadership: Higher Education Specialization program from Concordia University Chicago focuses on creating leaders who achieve excellence through the ethical, effective and efficient delivery of services. Students will master the latest tools, techniques and strategies that are essential for leaders at postsecondary academic institutions.

Graduates of the Master’s in Higher Education Leadership degree program have the opportunity to continue their education at Concordia University Chicago with a PhD/EdD, Leadership:  Higher Education Specialization.

Attending a faith-based institution is a great blessing. Being a Christian it is important to grow spiritually and keep Biblical aspect while dealing with Business personnel. Being a leader of the Graduate student association I experienced that every event and project that I have worked on requires good ethics and taught me to be an ethical leader.

- Kanwal Irfan
Lahore, Pakastan
MBA ’20

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Master's in Higher Education Leadership Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the master’s in higher education program leadership will have expertise in:

  • Leadership and Excellence
  • Strategic Leadership and Planning
  • Ethical and Social Leadership
  • Evaluation and Research for Counselors
  • Law and Higher Education

Take the Next Step in Your Higher Education Leadership Career with an Online Master's

Concordia University Chicago offers a variety of specialized degrees in many industries, including healthcare, business, education and human services. The online Master’s in Leadership: Higher Education Specialization is designed to prepare graduates with information on the latest research and theory in their chosen field, as well as practical, real-world applications of that knowledge.

Among the topics covered in this master’s in higher education leadership program are:

  • Institutional Advancement and Development in Higher Education
  • Historical and Societal Issues in Higher Education
  • Fiscal and Social Responsibility in Higher Education
  • Governance and Leadership in Higher Education
  • Knowledge Management for Higher Education

Program Details

The MA in Leadership: Higher Education Specialization program includes 33 credit hours of online coursework, including a leadership capstone experience in the final semester. With one course per eight-week term, students will complete the degree program within two years.

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44.3%

of educational administrators

hold a master’s degree, according to the CGS/GRE Survey of Graduate Enrollment & Degrees for Fall 2020

Career Outlook

Those who work in higher education leadership oversee student services, faculty research and academics at colleges and universities. They may be in charge of the entire university system or large departments such as the registrar’s office, student life or admissions.

Demand is high for qualified professionals in this field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% increase in employment of postsecondary education administrators between 2021 and 2031.

Earning an MA in Leadership: Higher Education Specialization prepares graduates for jobs such as:

  • Academic Advisor
  • Continuing Education Specialist
  • Alumni Relations Director
  • Director of Research
  • VP of Student Affairs

Salaries vary widely depending on the exact position and the location of the school. According to BLS data from May 2021, the median salary for postsecondary education administrators was $96,910. The top 10% of postsecondary administrators earned over $190,770 annually.

Effective higher education leadership helps better the lives of students and prepare the leaders of tomorrow while ensuring that academic institutions operate in a way that is efficient, ethical and sustainable. Earning a leadership Master’s in Higher Education positions you to take on an important and influential role in this critical field.

Explore Career Insights for Higher Education in Your Location

MA, Leadership: Higher Education Leadership Specialization: 33 Credit Degree Program

MA, Leadership: Higher Education Leadership Specialization Courses
ID CourseCredits
OLDR 6000Leadership and Excellence3
OLDR 6001Strategic Leadership and Planning3
RES 6620Introduction to Research3
OLDR 6002Ethical and Social Leadership3
HLDR 6800Law and Higher Education3
HLDR 6810Institutional Advancement and Development in Higher Education3
HLDR 6820Historical and Societal Issues in Higher Education3
HLDR 6830Governance and Leadership in Higher Education3
HLDR 6840Fiscal and Social Responsibility in Higher Education3
KMIL 6020Knowledge Management for Higher Education Leadership3
OLDR 6004Leadership Capstone3

Tuition & Financial Aid

If there is no interruption in your course of study at Concordia University Chicago, you are guaranteed there will be no increase in tuition rates. Contact us to confirm the current tuition and fees for the MA in Leadership: Higher Education Specialization program. Students who enroll in the online master’s in educational leadership program as a degree candidate are eligible to apply for federal financial aid.

Active-duty military service members, veterans and eligible dependents can take advantage of financial programs available to assist in paying for a college education. For more information, please visit our website.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission into the online master’s in higher education leadership program at Concordia University Chicago, students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Prospective students are required to complete the free online application and submit required admissions materials:

  • Complete the free online application and submit all required admissions materials:
    • Objective Statement – Write a brief statement outlining your education and career goals and explain how an online master’s in higher education degree from Concordia University Chicago will help you fulfill those objectives.
    • Official Transcripts – Provide one official, sealed transcript from each institution that has granted you a degree. Full admission requires a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better for bachelor’s degrees and 3.0 or higher for master’s degrees.
    • Letters of Recommendation – Send two letters of recommendation from individuals who are able to comment on your academic proficiency, professional competencies and personal character.

International applicants may be required to submit additional supporting materials, such as proof of English language proficiency, a copy of their passport and a foreign transcript evaluation from an approved credentialing service. For full requirements, visit the Admission & Tuition page. 

There is no application fee and no GRE requirement to apply for the online higher education leadership MA program at Concordia University Chicago.

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Request Info!

Please fill out the short form below and someone will contact you shortly to discuss the opportunities at Concordia University Chicago.

By completion and submission of this form, I consent to receive communication from a representative of this institution by phone, text or email regarding the educational program request.

CUC_horz_tagline-white

Request Info!

Please fill out the short form below and someone will contact you shortly to discuss the opportunities at Concordia University Chicago.

By completion and submission of this form, I consent to receive communication from a representative of this institution by phone, text or email regarding the educational program request.

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Our Mission

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.

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For more on Concordia-Chicago’s on-campus programs, visit here.