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Master of Science in Higher Education Administration

Lead, Serve, and Transform Higher Education

The Master of Science in Higher Education Administration at Wiley University is designed for professionals who aspire to lead and serve within colleges, universities, and educational organizations. Grounded in Wiley’s mission of leadership and social good, the program prepares graduates to navigate the complex challenges of higher education with integrity, strategy, and purpose.

This fully online graduate program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to support student success, advance institutional effectiveness, and lead meaningful change across higher education environments.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Higher Education Administration is a 36-credit hour graduate program delivered fully online. The program is designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles across higher education, including student affairs, academic administration, enrollment management, institutional research, and related fields.

Students engage in advanced coursework that blends theory, research, leadership, and practical application to meet the evolving needs of colleges and universities.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration program will be able to:

  • Apply advanced leadership and administrative practices within higher education institutions

  • Analyze and address complex issues impacting student success, equity, and institutional effectiveness

  • Demonstrate ethical decision-making and responsible leadership in educational settings

  • Utilize research and data to inform policy, planning, and administrative decisions

  • Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders across academic and professional environments

Degree Requirements

  • Total Credits: 36 credit hours

  • Program Format: 100% online

  • Completion Time: Designed for working professionals

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing and progress toward degree completion.

Emphasis on HBCU Leadership and Professional Distinction
The Master of Science in Higher Education Administration at Wiley University places a strong emphasis on HBCU leadership, legacy, and excellence. Rooted in the rich tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the program prepares students to lead with purpose, cultural competence, and a commitment to equity and access in higher education. Through alignment with leadership development opportunities offered by the Higher Education Leadership Foundation (HELF), students are exposed to national networks, professional growth experiences, and pathways that connect them to an illustrious community of higher education leaders shaping the future of colleges and universities nationwide. This focus on leadership development and professional distinction is what makes the program uniquely impactful.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for:

  • Current higher education professionals seeking advancement

  • Individuals aspiring to leadership roles in colleges, universities, or educational organizations

  • Professionals working in student affairs, academic support, enrollment, advising, or administration

  • Those committed to educational equity, leadership, and student success

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration program must submit:

  • Wiley University Graduate Admissions Application (non-refundable $25 fee)

  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • A statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals

  • An interview as part of the admissions review process

Standardized graduate admission test scores (GRE/GMAT) are not required.

Applications are reviewed holistically, considering academic preparation, professional experience, and leadership potential.

Accreditation

Wiley University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees.

Why Choose Wiley University?

  • A historic HBCU with a legacy of leadership and academic excellence

  • Fully online graduate programs designed for working professionals

  • Faculty committed to student success and real-world application

  • A mission-driven institution focused on leadership, service, and social impact

Hear from our students

“This program has helped me grow both personally and professionally by giving me the support, training, and confidence to further my education and career path in higher education. The relationships within my cohort, the encouragement from professors, and the intentional structure of the program have made this experience truly rewarding. As a Wiley University graduate, it has been a blessing to be part of this historic program. I would encourage anyone considering it—especially nontraditional or first-generation students working full time—to answer the call. You won’t regret it.”

“This program has helped me align who I am personally with who I am becoming professionally. It strengthened my leadership voice, sharpened my strategic thinking, and affirmed my calling to serve in higher education, particularly within HBCUs. The flexibility, faculty support, and culturally affirming environment made it possible for me to persist while balancing work, family, and leadership responsibilities. As an alumna returning to Wiley University for graduate study, this experience has been deeply personal, generational, and transformative. I would encourage anyone considering this program to come ready to work, reflect, and lead—you will leave more confident, better prepared, and connected to a community that truly wants to see you succeed.”

"Participating in this program at Wiley University has been a transformative experience that has supported my personal, academic, and professional growth. The program provided encouragement, structure, and resources that helped me stay focused and committed to my educational journey. Throughout the program, I received consistent guidance and support from faculty and staff who were genuinely invested in my success, and their mentorship strengthened my confidence, helped me overcome challenges, and motivated me to keep moving forward. My experience at Wiley University has been deeply meaningful, and the university’s strong sense of community, accountability, and commitment to student success has made a lasting impact on me while preparing me for opportunities beyond the classroom."

"This program has helped me reach personal and professional goals I once thought were beyond my reach. It gave me the encouragement, structure, and confidence to keep going, even when things were difficult. At Wiley University, I found my voice, grew in confidence, and stepped beyond my comfort zone in ways that shaped both my mindset and career path. Wiley has not only supported my academic success, but also helped shape who I am becoming. To anyone considering this program, I would say: take the chance, keep the faith, and trust the journey—Wiley University will support you every step of the way."

"My journey at Wiley University began in 2019 in the Bachelor of Science in Business Organization program, where I learned to adapt and persevere through the challenges of higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic. That experience strengthened my resilience, discipline, and commitment to completing what I started, and continuing into the MAHE program has been a natural extension of that growth. The program has supported my personal and professional goals by sharpening my leadership skills, deepening my understanding of student development, and helping me apply theory in meaningful ways. With engaged faculty, structured support, and a learning environment that values both lived experience and academic work, Wiley University has helped me grow as an educator and leader committed to student success. My experience has been more than academic—it has been affirming, challenging, and deeply purposeful. To anyone considering the MAHE program, Wiley University is a place that will invest in you, honor your journey, and prepare you to lead with both competence and compassion."

"My experience at Wiley University has been deeply meaningful and transformative as I pursue my Master’s degree in Higher Education. This journey has been guided by God and strengthened by the support of my wife, daughter, students, and athletes, whose belief in me has fueled my purpose. Wiley University has given me both the academic foundation and clarity to see that my life experiences were not limitations, but part of a greater testimony. Raised through hardship and shaped by the love, sacrifice, and guidance of family, I have learned to lead with faith, resilience, and integrity. While football was once central to my journey, I now understand my true calling is to impact young people in the classroom and beyond, helping guide them toward success and purpose. My time at Wiley University has been more than earning a degree; it has been a season of growth, healing, and preparation for the work I am called to do."

"The Master of Science in Higher Education Administration program at Wiley University has been a transformative experience for me. As a first-time mother, balancing graduate school, work, and motherhood required discipline, selflessness, and perseverance, but Wiley University never made me feel like I had to choose between my personal life and my academic goals. The support and encouragement I received from professors, counselors, and deans helped me persevere and maintain high academic standards. This program challenged me to grow personally and professionally, and earning my master’s degree from Wiley University means so much because Wiley has always been home to me. I would encourage anyone considering this program to choose Wiley University if they want to be challenged, supported, and prepared for the next level."

Take the Next Step

Advance your career and make a meaningful impact in higher education.

Apply Now: https://futurewildcat.wileyc.edu/default.asp

For questions about the program or admissions, contact

Dr. Brandon Lacey, Dean of Graduate Programs and Online Studies

blacey@wileyc.edu or 903-923-1657

Dr. Racquel Cunningham, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs and Online Studies

rcunningham@wileyc.edu or 903-927-3300 x2425