The Higher Education Administration graduate certificate program will develop you as a higher education leader in Minnesota, the nation or the world. The program will prepare you for leadership positions in four-year, community and technical colleges and universities. Whether you are interested in a future as a higher education administrator or you are working in higher education, you will receive a comprehensive study that explores academic affairs, student affairs and administrative affairs. 

Through the courses offered in the program you will develop the necessary knowledge, skills and dispositions for success in higher education administration. 

The 15-credit graduate certificate is designed for current and future professionals who want to gain leadership skills quickly.  It is also for individuals who already have a masters or doctoral degree in a non-related field who now wish to gain knowledge and skills for success in higher education administration.

Program Highlights

• Cohort course delivery methods vary each cohort: Fall 2018 cohort will take courses via an asynchronous format (connect online at a time and place most convenient to you), with some synchronous (meet online at a specified time) components.
• Coursework tailored for working professionals.
• Uses a cohort approach to help students build a professional network and learning community. 
• Prepares leaders in all areas of higher education.
• Students participate in a practicum experience to apply knowledge in a college or university setting.
• Designed to complete in less than one year.
• Offers job placement and career promotion assistance.

Program Distinctions

• Students gain cultural experience with an optional Education Abroad trip to Italy.
• As host to the annual Leadership Institutestudents learn the latest practices and research in the field.
• St. Cloud State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association

Student Organizations

• Graduate Student Organization
• Emerging College and University Professionals

Application Deadlines

Gainful Employment

Certain undergraduate and graduate certificates at St. Cloud State University prepare students for employment in specific fields and do not result in a degree. Federal law requires publication of data associated with those programs of study, including approximate program costs, program length, and employment statistics. The Minnesota State Chancellor's office has provided this report containing the aforementioned information for all required programs.

Applicants to this program must complete and attach the Gainful Employment Acknowledgement form as a part of their application for admission.