Higher Education Administration
BE THE LEADER
HIGHER EDUCATION
NEEDS NOW
Become a campus change agent
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, equity-minded leaders to shape the future of higher education. Whether you’re advancing your career or transitioning into the field, GW’s Higher Education Administration programs empower you to support student success, champion institutional effectiveness, and navigate the complex challenges facing colleges and universities today.
Learn in the Heart of Higher Ed Policy
Take advantage of GW’s location in Washington, D.C. .—a global hub for policy, research, and innovation—with unique opportunities to connect with national education organizations, leading institutions, government agencies, and international policy leaders.
Empower Your Career, Elevate Institutions
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.
Join a Community Committed to Impact
Learn from distinguished faculty who are both renowned scholars and seasoned practitioners, offering personalized mentorship grounded in real-world experience. You'll join a diverse, mission-driven community committed to social justice, civic engagement, and transforming higher education through inclusive leadership.
Bridge Theory and Practice
Gain hands-on experience through internships and applied learning opportunities that prepare you to address real-world challenges in higher education, including college access, student borrowing, equity, leadership, and the evolving landscape of higher education.
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.
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
What’s it like to study Higher Ed Admin at GW? Get the inside scoop from one of your future professors.
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
