Master's Program (MS)

Program Mission

The mission of the Higher Education Administration master’s program is to provide academic preparation and professional development to individuals who are currently in, or interested in, entry- level positions of leadership in four-year, community, and technical colleges and universities. A comprehensive program of study focuses on the preparation and development of reflective, ethical, and transformative practitioners and academicians.

Click to view a 10 minute informational video (opens in a pop-up window) about the master’s program in Higher Education Administration.

Program Overview

The Higher Education Administration master’s degree program develops higher education leaders. The program prepares students for entry-level positions in community, technical, and four-year colleges and universities. Students interested in careers as future administrators receive a comprehensive program of study that explores academic affairs, student affairs, and administrative affairs. Courses offered in the program develop knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for success in higher education. Individuals currently in, or interested in, leadership positions in higher education will find this program flexible and accommodating to their needs.

Unique Features

1. Courses are delivered by St. Cloud State University faculty, and adjunct faculty with higher education experience.
2. Each three-credit course is completed in three weekends.
3. Courses are primarily offered on weekends during the academic year (Friday evening and all day Saturday). Summer courses are offered in various formats.
4. The practicum may be served at the individual’s home institution. If that is not possible or appropriate, placement will be arranged.
5. Courses are offered consecutively during the semester so students are able to concentrate on one administrative topic at a time.

Master’s Degrees Lead to Professional Growth

Current employment trends indicate that a master’s degree gives graduates a decided edge in their careers. Often, a master’s degree is the difference between having a job and having a career.

Consider the following:

• The average salary of those with a master’s degree is 21.6 percent higher than the average salary of those with an undergraduate degree.*
• Employment opportunities for persons with master’s degrees continue to grow with our evolving job market.
• There will be a 26 percent projected increase nationally, and 32 percent projected increase statewide, in the need for new post-secondary administrators. This translates into a numeric change of 32,353 and 748 respectively over a 10-year period.**
• There will be 30,000 replacement openings nationally, and 579 replacement openings statewide, for post-secondary administrators, over a 10-year period.**
• These figures translate into an annual need for 6,235 post-secondary administrators nationally, and 133 post-secondary administrators statewide.**

Program Plans

Plan A—Thesis (36 credits)

Plan B—Written Comprehensive Examination (36 credits)

Plan C—Project/Portfolio (36 credits)

*Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Current Population Reports 2001, series P70-51.
**On January 9, 2006, a labor market analysis was conducted by Bruce Steuernagel, Labor Market Analyst for MnSCU. These are the projected employment and job openings for post-secondary administrators from 2002-2012.