“The faculty are dedicated to developing the next generation of education leaders. My peers were equally influential, offering new perspectives and support—I wouldn’t be where I am today without that community.”
Brandon McCallister, M.S.Ed., GED'24
Preparing thoughtful headers for lasting change in higher education.
The M.S.Ed. in Higher Education program prepares students to become impactful leaders across the higher education landscape. Students gain a deep understanding of how higher education is structured, governed, and funded while preparing for leadership roles in colleges, universities, nonprofits, and government agencies. With a personalized study plan, graduates are equipped to drive positive change and make a lasting impact on education worldwide.
Program Details
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Rolling Application Deadline
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Fall Entry Term
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Full or Part-Time Enrollment Format
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10 Courses
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1 Year Duration (Full-Time)
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On Campus Modality
Overview
The Higher Education M.S.Ed. program offers a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum designed for individuals seeking leadership roles in colleges, universities, nonprofits, and education-related government agencies. Students explore a wide range of critical topics, including access and equity in higher education, student development, postsecondary administration and management, organizational change, curriculum and instruction, the economics and financing of higher education, and education policy at the local, state, national, and global levels.
Coursework is rigorous and engaging, with an emphasis on reading, writing, and active participation in discussion-based seminars. Students apply theory to practice through interactive case studies, collaborative projects, and work-based learning experiences. The program encourages students to develop a personalized plan of study tailored to their professional goals and academic interests.
Full-time students can also gain valuable, hands-on administrative experience through competitive, paid graduate assistantships in a variety of campus departments and student service units.
Graduate Assistantship
Full-time students in the Higher Education M.S.Ed. program are encouraged to seek graduate assistantships as part of their professional development. These positions typically require 15-20 hours of work per week and provide valuable hands-on experience in administrative and academic settings.
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Application Requirements and Deadlines Tuition and Fees Financial Aid
Hear From Our Alumni
Hear From Our Alumni
Brandon McCallister, M.S.Ed., GED'24
Upcoming Events
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Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
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Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
Curriculum
The Higher Education M.S.Ed. curriculum provides a broad, foundational understanding of how colleges and universities function. Students gain core knowledge of the field while tailoring their academic experience through specialized areas of focus, which include but are not limited to:
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- University Administration
- Public Policy
- International Higher Education
- Research, Methods, and Inquiry
- Higher Education Foundations
Students may take up to 3 elective courses from any graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, provided the courses are at the 5000 level or above. While many students choose electives within the Higher Education division to align with their professional goals, those exploring interdisciplinary interests must consult with their academic advisor before registering for courses outside Penn GSE. For more information on courses and requirements, visit the Higher Education M.S.Ed. program in the University Catalog.
Part-time Master's Students
Part-time students must be registered for at least 1 CU each fall and spring term, up to 2 CUs per term. Enrolling in coursework during the summer terms is not required. Most M.S.Ed. courses are offered between 10am and 6:30pm. Some courses are offered from 7pm to 9pm.
Do you have questions about the plan of study?
We are here to help! Contact the program staff below:
Program Manager: Ross Aikins, raikins@gse.upenn.edu
Program Coordinator: Noel Lipki, nlipki@upenn.edu
Higher Education master’s degree candidates must pass a comprehensive exam in order to graduate. The exam requires students to apply their foundational knowledge of higher education. To qualify to take the examination, students must have completed at least six Higher Education course units, or be enrolled in at least the sixth course unit. The exam is given in both the fall and spring terms.
Note: Any substitutions for required courses must be approved by your advisor and/or the Division Chair.
Outcomes
Graduates are well-positioned for roles in higher education administration, policy, nonprofit leadership, and government agencies—ready to drive change and shape the future of postsecondary education around the world.
Alumni Careers
- Admissions and Academic Support Services Officer, Stanford University
- Admissions Counselor, Vanderbilt University
- Assistant Director of College Counseling, Germantown Academy
- Assistant Principal, New York City Department of Education
- Consulting Associate, AGB Institutional Strategies
- Financial Aid Advisor, University of California, Santa Barbara
- Higher Education Analyst, Huron Consulting Group
- Program Manager, Career Services, Yale-NUS, Singapore
- Ph.D. Student, Harvard University
- Ph.D. Student, University of Southern California
- Research Analyst, RAND Corporation
- Student Engagement Coordinator, George Mason University
Apply Now
A graduate degree from Penn GSE opens up whole new worlds, intellectually as well as professionally. If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader—or aspire to be one—Penn GSE is the place for you.
Affliated Faculty
Our affiliated faculty are valued members of the Penn GSE community and are leaders in their fields and disciplines across higher education and in the private sector. In addition to teaching students, many of our affiliated faculty also contribute to curricular development, research, and serve as student mentors.
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Frank Roth
Contact Us
Do you have questions about the application, financial aid, or requirements? We're happy to help!
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