Master of Science in Higher Education

Prepare to move your education career forward.

Position yourself to be an education leader with an online master's degree in Higher Education that's designed around recognized professional standards. You'll focus your studies on building skills that align with your career goals. Graduates of this program will be prepared to take on a variety of faculty or administrative roles within Higher Education institutions, continuing education programs, nonprofits, or research and policy organizations.

Outcome goals and graduates’ proficiency levels

We have not yet collected enough information to publish learning outcome data for this program.

Master of Science (MS) in Higher Education specializations

  • Adult Education1
  • Enrollment Management1
  • Higher Education Leadership and Administration1
  • Integrative Studies1

Quality and Professional Relevance

  • Capella's Enrollment Management specialization is endorsed by Noel-Levitz, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in higher education recruitment and retention
  • Through an exclusive partnership with Noel-Levitz, Capella's Enrollment Management specialization is the only online offering that leads to both a master's degree and a professional certificate in Enrollment Management.
  • Capella's School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). NCATE-accredited programs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for the preparation of P-12 teachers and other professional school personnel. Graduates of these programs are highly regarded by many school districts, licensing authorities, and teaching professionals.

Expected Program Outcomes

  1. Lead and collaborate globally and with culturally diverse stakeholders.
  2. Apply foundational knowledge of higher education systems, theory, and processes to address professional challenges and change.
  3. Apply critical thinking to provide data-driven solutions to higher education challenges and opportunities.
  4. Apply technology to enhance practices and create innovative solutions.
  5. Integrate principles of ethical decision-making into professional practices.
  6. Engage in reflective practice that leads to continuous growth and improvement.
  7. Employ effective communication skills.
  8. Apply relevant research to improve one's professional practice.

1This specialization is not intended to lead to teacher certification. Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.

School of Education Master's Degree Graduates

Data from graduates across all Education masters programs have been combined for these Career Outcomes results.

Master's degree graduates from Capella's School of Education report satisfaction with their tasks and responsibilities and with salary and benefits. Two thirds of the respondents work in education - 38% in higher education and 28% in P-12 education.

Satisfaction with Capella Eduation Master's Graduates

Percentage of respondents who answered "satisfied" or "very satisfied"
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2011 – Q2 2012.

Many of our School of Education master's degree alumni report advancing in their careers or receiving a salary increase. They also indicate they have assumed a leadership role or received a promotion.

Improvement in Skills & Abilities Education Master's Graduates

Percentage of respondents who indicated they had accomplished each item
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2011 – Q2 2012.

School of Education Master's Degree Graduates

Data from graduates across all Education masters programs have been combined for these Student Experience results.

Most graduates of the School of Education master's degree programs report that earning a master's degree has helped them meet program and career goals. They are likely to recommend Capella to friends and family.

Satisfaction with Capella Eduation Master's Graduates

Percentage of respondents who answered affirmatively
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2011 – Q2 2012.

School of Education master's degree graduates say that they gained valuable skills and abilities which are applicable in a range of professional settings.

Improvement in Skills & Abilities Education Master's Graduates

Percentage of respondents who rated themselves as "proficient" or "distinguished" on ability to demonstrate the skill or ability on the job.
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2011 – Q2 2012.

Expense, completion, &
career information

Expected time to completion:

Not enough data to report at this time.

On Time Completion Rate:

Not enough data to report at this time.

SOC codes:

  • 11-9033 (Education Administrators, Postsecondary)
  • 25-1000 (Postsecondary Teachers)

Program cost:

Average: $18,000

Books:

$1,197–1,596

Fees:

$50

Median Debt:

  • Not enough data to report at this time.
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Alumni Success Story Quote

Photo of Talonda Thomas, MS Talonda Thomas, MS

"When I started my master's program, all of a sudden everything was completely tailored to what I needed in my classroom and what I should be doing with my students."

Watch Talonda's story »