Higher Education Administration
Earn your master's or doctoral degree in
higher education administration
Become a Campus Change Agent
The Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) at the George Washington University is your gateway to transforming the future of higher education administration and policy. You'll be prepared for leadership and decision-making roles for administrative, academic, or research positions in diverse educational settings, such as student affairs, university relations, international programs, and more, both within institutions and external higher ed agencies and associations.
Our standout faculty includes both accomplished educators and seasoned practitioners who bring real-world insights into the classroom, ensuring that you receive a well-rounded and practical education. You'll gain insights beyond textbooks, merging innovative coursework with real-world practice through internship and fellowship opportunities with prestigious institutions in the DC Metro area.
Explore programs to choose the one that fits your career goals:
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Why GSEHD at GW?
Access Washington, D.C.
GW’s location in D.C.—the epicenter of policy, practice, and research—provides you with the distinct advantage of being a neighbor to (and potential collaborator with) prestigious organizations including the Department of Education, American Council on Education, ACPA and NASPA, American Educational Research Association, as well as a variety of colleges and universities.
Apply Your Leadership Expertise
GSEHD’s programs are designed to empower you to help college students learn and grow by applying the leadership skills you gain in various social, academic, and economic contexts. With a focus on real-world problem-solving that uses educational leadership concepts and tools, the knowledge you gain can make an immediate impact on your career.
Accessible & Flexible
Courses are offered in afternoons, evenings, or weekends to accommodate busy professionals, and so you can pursue internships or other professional opportunities.
Expand your career opportunities by enrolling in a joint degree program. Earn a Master’s from GSEHD and a JD from GW Law School, or an MBA from GW Business School.
Programs at a Glance
Master's Degree
Become 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. Deepen your expertise by selecting a focus in: Administration, Policy and Finance, International Education, Social Justice, or Student Affairs.
Doctorate Degree (EdD)
The HEA doctoral program leverages its location to foster a community of scholar-practitioners, to provide ample professional and research opportunities, and to demonstrate our commitment to prioritizing diverse educational experiences. Designed for working professionals, the research-focused program prepares senior leadership and executive management decision-makers for a variety of diverse, high-level positions.
MBA / Master's Degree
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 has established dual degrees in which you are able to hone analytical skills that examine the intersection between business, technology, social, political, economic, and institutional factors that shape higher education administration, policies and their underlying conditions.
JD / Master's Degree
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. To answer such demands, GW has established joint degrees in which you are able to hone analytical skills that examine the intersection between legal, social, political, and institutional factors that shape the administrative landscape.
Programs at a Glance
Master's Degree
Become 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. Deepen your expertise by selecting a focus in: Administration, Policy and Finance, International Education, Social Justice, or Student Affairs.
Doctorate Degree (EdD)
The HEA doctoral program leverages its location to foster a community of scholar-practitioners, to provide ample professional and research opportunities, and to demonstrate our commitment to prioritizing diverse educational experiences. Designed for working professionals, the research-focused program prepares senior leadership and executive management decision-makers for a variety of diverse, high-level positions.
MBA / Master's Degree
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 has established dual degrees in which you are able to hone analytical skills that examine the intersection between business, technology, social, political, economic, and institutional factors that shape higher education administration, policies and their underlying conditions.
JD / Master's Degree
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. To answer such demands, GW has established joint degrees in which you are able to hone analytical skills that examine the intersection between legal, social, political, and institutional factors that shape the administrative landscape.
You May Be Eligible
No Application Fee
GRE is Not Required
Scholarships Available
Learn more about benefits that may apply to you, depending on the program you choose >
What I have learned continues to allow me to support and educate our future leaders, citizens, and movement builders during their college years. Furthermore, my applied knowledge and education has given me the confidence to lead complex organizations and advise colleagues at the most senior levels including university presidents, chancellors, and governing boards.
DR. DAVID SURRATT (EdD '14)
Higher Education Administration
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