Higher Education Administration
BE THE LEADER
HIGHER EDUCATION
NEEDS NOW
Become a campus change agent
Earn an advanced degree in Higher Education Administration
At the George Washington University’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD), we prepare bold leaders to drive meaningful change in higher education.
Located in Washington, D.C.—a global hub for policy, research, and innovation—GW offers unparalleled access and opportunities for mentorship and collaboration with top educational institutions and organizations.
Our Higher Education Administration programs combine rigorous coursework with hands-on internships and learning opportunities to help you build both a strong theoretical foundation and practical leadership skills. You’ll learn to apply educational concepts and tools to real-world challenges, such as college access, student borrowing, inclusive leadership, and the evolving landscape of higher education.
Prepare to support student success and institutional effectiveness across a wide range of settings—including student and academic affairs, university relations, international programs, and policy-driven agencies—all while building the expertise to make an immediate impact in your career.
Guided by distinguished faculty who are renowned scholars and experienced practitioners, you’ll gain the confidence and expertise needed to lead with impact. You’ll join a dynamic community committed to promoting social justice, civic engagement, and inclusive excellence.
Get the Inside Scoop
Complete the form below to learn more about degree requirements, course descriptions, tuition, and more.
Explore Our HEA Programs to Find the One that Matches Your Career Goals
- Master's Degree
On-Campus (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)Deepen your expertise by selecting a focus in:
-Administration
-Policy and Finance
-International Education
-Social Justice
-Student AffairsBecome immersed in innovative work to ensure that colleges are using inclusive and multicultural student affairs practices focused on promoting social justice, civic engagement and equity.
Learn more about the Master's in Higher Education Administration >
- Doctorate (EdD)
On-Campus (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)The Higher Education Administration doctoral program is designed for experienced professionals ready to lead change at the highest levels of postsecondary education. This research-focused program blends rigorous academic study with real-world application to prepare scholar-practitioners for senior leadership roles across colleges, universities, government agencies, and higher education organizations.
- Dual Enrollment: MBA + Master's Degree
On-Campus (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)Earn your Master's from GSEHD and MBA from GW Business
The field of higher education administration demands further training in business administration, and vice versa. To respond to current challenges for higher education administrators, policy makers, and consultants, GW's dual degree program allows you to hone analytical skills that examine the intersection between business, technology, social, political, economic, and institutional factors that shape higher education administration.
- Dual Enrollment: JD+ Master's Degree
On-Campus (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)Earn your Master's from GSEHD and Juris Doctorate (JD) from GW Law
The close connection between law and higher education administration and policy is well established and is increasingly leading law students into seeking careers in higher education legal counsel, judicial affairs, Title IX compliance, and student rights and responsibilities. With GW's joint degree program, you'll hone analytical skills that examine the intersection between legal, social, political and institutional factors that shape the administrative landscape.
GW’s Higher Education Administration program has provided me with a strong theoretical foundation and critical lens to better understand the complex issues facing today’s college campuses. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained have not only deepened my perspective but also given me the confidence to navigate emerging challenges and lead effectively across diverse institutional settings.
- Nanako Tojo, Master's Program
Designed for Working Professionals
Courses are offered in afternoons, evenings, or weekends to accommodate busy professionals, and so you can pursue internships or other professional opportunities.
GRE is Not Required
The GSEHD Admissions team completes a wholistic review, considering extracurricular activities, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
No Application Fee
There’s no risk to applying to GSEHD, only reward! So what are you waiting for? Apply today!
Funding Available
Explore opportunities for GW, GSEHD, and external scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options.
New: Save 20% with Federal Service Scholarship
If you are a current U.S. federal civilian employee or a federal employee/contractor affected by the 2025 federal workforce reductions, you may be eligible for GSEHD's Federal Service Scholarship, which provides a 20% tuition discount.
- Eligible programs: Master's & EdD in Higher Education Administration
- Deadline: Apply for Fall 2025 enrollment by June 1
- Additional limitations may apply
GW’s Higher Education Administration program has provided me with a strong theoretical foundation and critical lens to better understand the complex issues facing today’s college campuses. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained have not only deepened my perspective but also given me the confidence to navigate emerging challenges and lead effectively across diverse institutional settings.
- Nanako Tojo, Master's Program
Your Future in Higher education
The ever-evolving field of higher education requires exceptional leaders for administrative, academic, and research positions on college campuses, national associations, and government agencies. On a college campus, career opportunities can range from professors to university presidents, and innumerable leadership positions in between. There are also external opportunities, such as policy researcher or advocate, and senior positions within government or higher ed related organizations.
Potential positions include:
- Academic Leadership
- President, Provost, Dean, Department Chair, etc.
- Student Affairs:
- Director or Dean (student life, admissions, financial aid, or other areas related to student success)
- Professor
- Institutional Research: senior researcher; use data analysis to inform institutional decision-making and improve outcomes for students
- Policy and Advocacy: director of government relations or senior officer in governmental sectors; shape higher education policy and advocate for issues affecting higher education institutions and students
