Higher education administration is a unique field that combines administration, leadership, advising, and assessment skills.
You can learn about New England College’s 100% online Master of Science in Higher Education Administration during this virtual information session. Hear from the program’s director, Dr. Gavin Henning, as you learn more about this program and ask any questions you may have.
Tuesday, March 18, at 6:00 p.m. EST
Higher education administration is a unique field that combines administration, leadership, advising, and assessment skills. People in this field care about students and their personal, academic, and career success. NEC’s MS in Higher Education Administration prepares students to effectively support students. The coursework provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of higher education administration and prepares students to work in two- and four-year colleges and universities. Graduates pursue careers in academic advising, admissions and enrollment management, fundraising, career placement, financial aid, student affairs, and related fields.
Developed for individuals juggling multiple responsibilities, the program is delivered 100% online and covers topics such as retention, leadership, organization and administration, inclusive excellence, and assessment. Issues of equity are integrated throughout all courses. Coursework includes readings, discussions, and engaging assignments that allow students to immediately apply what they’re learning to their current or future work. The program culminates in a capstone project that not only allows students to demonstrate what they’ve learned in the program (instead of a comprehensive exam) but also provides an opportunity to address an issue in their workplace or problem of interest.
Students in the Higher Education Administration master’s program can complete this degree in as little as 10 months if they attend full time and take two courses per term, or they can attend part time and one course per term.
The GRE is not required to apply for the program.
| 100% Online | Efficient | Hands-On |
| Build your educational journey around your busy schedule. | Complete the program in as little as 10 months. | Demonstrate what you’ve learned through a capstone project instead of an exam. |
Earning a degree from a Higher Education Administration master’s program equips you with the specialized knowledge and skills to be a leader in the academic field. This can prepare you to take an active role in advancing and improving higher education and can help you make a unique impact on students’ academic journeys. NEC has developed a curriculum for students to develop key skills and knowledge to support career advancement, helping students obtain jobs with increasing responsibilities and higher salaries.
Students enrolled in NEC’s higher education administration master’s degree will learn to:
Obtaining an online MS in Higher Education Administration degree can open the door to numerous career paths within the academic world. While the duties of these roles differ, each position involves working to improve the academic experience for all students.
| Registrar
$67,350** |
Instructional Coordinator
$74,620* |
Provost
$169,100** |
| *Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2023
**Salary data from Payscale as of 2024 |
||
New England College (NEC) is a private, nonprofit college founded in 1946 to serve the needs of servicepeople attending college on the GI Bill after World War II and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Today, NEC is an innovative, military-friendly institution and one of the top five liberal arts colleges in New Hampshire.
NEC offers 60 associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as more than 20 master’s degrees and one doctoral degree program, all delivered by dedicated faculty focused on giving students opportunities to live what they learn. With access to many clubs, outdoor activities, natural areas, internships, and professor-led trips, NEC students have many ways to meet new people and try new things.
At NEC, the world is your classroom.
New England Colege in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best Online Colleges in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by Forbes Advisor, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading online college in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by Intelligent.com, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by EduRank, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
New England College’s MS in Higher Education Administration offers a collaborative, supportive professional learning environment. We’ve interviewed several graduates so you can learn more about what it’s like to study for your MS at NEC. Watch these interviews to hear some of our MS in Higher Education Administration graduates talk about their experience firsthand.
Pursuing graduate education is a commitment of time and money. As such, NEC has developed a curriculum for students to develop key skills and knowledge to support career advancement, helping students obtain jobs with increasing responsibilities and higher salaries.
During the program, students learn:
New England College’s MS in Higher Education program surpassed my expectations in every aspect. The staff and faculty are exceptionally positive, caring, and communicative, providing invaluable support and guidance. Their flexibility and abundant resources ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed on their own terms. Moreover, the program’s commitment to inclusivity creates a truly supportive environment. The genuine care and dedication of the staff, directors, and teachers make this program stand out, fostering a sense of belonging and inspiring student growth. I highly recommend New England College’s MS in Higher Education program to anyone seeking a transformative academic experience.
Rachel Luebbert, Admissions Representative, Daytona College
“This is a really important program not only because it encourages progressive advising tactics for promoting equity in a college setting, but it also provides a solid ground for graduate students to learn about the legal and historical backgrounds of the higher education industry.”
Austin Sorrette, Student Success Coach, York County Community College
“The program includes practical classes and coursework that really apply to the field and careers in higher ed. The work was challenging but also manageable. The faculty from NEC and from other colleges are great.”
Kristie Baldwin-DeCew, Assistant Professor of Education, Landmark College
“The program prepared me to become a professional and to understand how things operate behind the curtain.”
James Patten, Director of Compliance, Westminster University
“The program is only a year to complete, I loved that timeline! I LOVED working with Gavin, he was so invested in me as a person, student, and professional. Each class was unique, and I have used every class differently throughout my career.”
Meg Darrigo, Coordinator of Student Access, University of New England
“The curriculum is broad-based enough to be useful in a variety of situations involving a wide variety of constituents across campus. Each class does a deep enough dive to provide context, history, and present-day application.”
Ken Miller, Assistant Vice President for Public Safety, Rollins College
“In higher education, there is more often than not one degree of separation, and NEC’s program made that really clear and valuable to my networking.”
Heather McCarthy, Assistant Director of Housing Operations, Williams College
“I often recommend the program to others, stating how much they will learn about higher ed and the roles, responsibilities, and assessments that take place to keep students actively engaged in school.”
Elizabeth Brennan, Director of Academic Advising, New England College
“The NEC MSHEA program is an extensive and informative program that provides a thorough understanding of the field of higher education. It supports learners from various backgrounds and meets the scheduling needs of those who are current full-time employees.”
Meredith Sullivan, Assistant Director of Academic Advising, New England College
“I had one of the best professional networking experiences in university by joining the MSHEA program.”
Whitney Prospere, Teaching Fellow, Excel Academy Charter Schools
Professor, Higher Education; Director of MS in Higher Education Administration and Doctorate of Education Programs
Office: CEI 205
Phone: 603.428.2444
Email: ghenning@nec.edu
Professional website: gavinhenning.com
Expertise and Memberships
Educational Background
PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of New Hampshire
MA in Sociology, University of New Hampshire
MA in College and University Administration, Michigan State University
BA in Psychology and Sociology, Michigan State University
Research Interests
Bio
Gavin is a college student educator with a reputation as an organizer, collaborator, and catalyst for educational change. His professional mission is to generate applied scholarship, bridge theory to practice, create systems and processes, and teach higher education professionals to foster college student learning and success. He has advanced this mission during his 20+ years in higher education in positions including professor, assessment practitioner, and student affairs educator. In his current positions at NEC, Gavin helps prepare the next generation of professionals to improve educational organizations. Gavin frequently consults and presents regionally, nationally, and internationally on the topic of assessment. His scholarship includes over 100 peer-reviewed presentations and over 90 invited presentations and keynotes regarding assessment. In addition, he has published articles and books on assessment including Student Affairs Assessment: Theory and Practice with Darby Roberts that serves as the foundational text for assessment courses in many higher education graduate programs. He has been recognized for his contributions to student affairs and higher education by receiving ACPA’s Annuit Coeptis award and Diamond Honoree awards.
All of the faculty who teach in the program are seasoned professionals and leaders in the field. They have published in journals and books, presented at national conferences, and consulted with colleges and universities across the country. They understand that students in the program are juggling a career, family, and life along with coursework. While faculty maintain high academic standards, they are empathetic and flexible.
Full-time students typically complete NEC’s higher education administration master’s program in as little as 10 months.
NEC’s online MS in Higher Education Administration program requires completion of 40 credits, as follows:
Higher Education Administration Course Requirements (40 credits)
Earning a higher education administration master’s degree can help you gain the acumen required to pursue various leadership roles in academics. Additionally, the knowledge and skills gained can allow you to pursue specialized administrative roles, making it possible to focus your career on a specific facet of the academic field.
You can enroll in NEC’s MS in Higher Education Administration program by applying directly on the university website. NEC doesn’t charge an application fee, and it doesn’t require standardized test scores.
A career in higher education administration allows you to leave an impact on academics that can move beyond the classroom. Let NEC help you prepare to meet this moment with full confidence.