Master of Arts in Leadership, Higher Education Administration Emphasis

Higher Education Administration Career Opportunities

  • Leadership Program Administrator
  • Student Services Dean
  • Admissions Administrator
  • Program Director
  • Academic Coordinator
  • Education Consultant
  • Career Services Advisor
  • Registrar
  • Bursar
  • Athletic Director
  • Philanthropy Manager
  • Diversity and Inclusion Manager
  • Training Coordinator

Transform the World of Learning with Online Master’s in Leadership, Higher Education Administration Emphasis

Is your goal a career where you can shape the lives of college and university students and staff? Do you want to take the lead on projects related to academics, operations, and student life? The Master of Arts in Leadership with an emphasis in higher education administration offered at Mid-America Christian University (MACU) in Oklahoma City will develop you into a servant leader who is ethically equipped to meet the challenges of higher education in a global society. You’ll be well-positioned for a stable and rewarding career with a degree in higher education administration. Employment for post-secondary education administrators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, adding about 14,500 openings annually, on average, over the decade. 

MACU, a bible-based university, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Master’s in Leadership, Higher Education Administration Emphasis Focused on Collaboration, Diplomacy

When you complete our program, you’ll be ready to apply collaboration and diplomacy principles to enhance the effectiveness of a higher learning institution and lead others in molding the next generation. Our six-week courses are designed to sharpen one aspect of leadership at a time. You’ll gain a solid leadership foundation through general leadership courses such as Leading Change, Organizational Behavior, Leadership Theory and Practice. With the higher education administration emphasis, you’ll take courses in education law, budgeting, and the adult learner. 

You’ll have the opportunity to advance your knowledge through quantitative and qualitative research, problem-solving, practical application, and mentorships with higher education professionals. With our graduate degree in leadership and higher education administration, you’ll be prepared to exercise fiscal responsibility, social equity, and strategic communication as a leader in higher education.

Because we are a faith-based university, each course has Biblical principles incorporated into the subject matter. A Master’s Degree at MACU will help you stand out as a servant leader who views the workplace and the world from a Christian perspective.

Program Information

An Affordable, Accelerated Path to a Master’s Degree in Higher Education

MACU has offered online learning since 2008, so we understand adult learners must be able to succeed in furthering their education without quitting their current job or sacrificing other commitments. We’re experts in offering affordable, accelerated online programs with the flexibility you’ll need to earn an advanced degree. 

You’ll never feel like a number. With a small teacher-to-student ratio, you’ll get the individual attention and support you want plus you’ll get to know your instructors and classmates. Your professors, all experts in their subject with real-world experience, will do everything they can to make you feel like a part of the MACU community. Although our degree in leadership and management in higher education is offered completely online, select courses may be offered on campus depending on student interest and faculty availability. 

Additional benefits of MACU’s online degree programs at the master’s level: 

  • Just one class at a time in a consecutive order
  • Full support from our experienced student services team
  • Career networking opportunities
  • Christ-centered education with opportunities for spiritual growth

As you prepare to begin your degree at MACU, our enrollment counselors are ready to assist you. Please take a look at this downloadable degree sheet, featuring an overview of MACU’s Leadership degree program. Don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing [email protected] or calling 888-888-2341 if you have any questions.

MACU Develops Servant Leaders

We are committed to providing opportunities for our students to grow in their professional, personal, and spiritual lives by offering an accredited Christ-centered education. Shaping students’ lives in higher education is a privilege, and employers know that they can trust MACU graduates to be compassionate and ethical servant leaders with a Christian perspective of the world. 

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Courses

Organizational Behavior

This course introduces the theories of behavior in human management. A critical analysis is performed on the contributions to the organizational behavior discipline and its research as applied to the business environment. The student will apply the theories of its research as applied to the business environment. The student will apply the theories of culture development, time management, job design, change, motivation, leadership development, communication, small group dynamics, and negotiation in the business setting.

COMM 5103

Advanced Professional Communication and Leadership Practicum

Advanced Professional Communication Leadership will provide a dynamic range of oral, written, and digital communication opportunities that will enhance student experience through diverse presentation methods. The course will posit opportunities for students to employ concepts, strategies, and content selected from individual areas of interest and adapt these labors into public and/or digital performances that demonstrate applied skills across multiple modalities.

ML 5143

Leadership Theory and Practice

This course explores the history and development of leadership theory as in the students’ current organizational settings. Although leadership and management are not the same, they are often confused. The unique features of each are studied along with practical application of case studies of current leaders as well as from history. Managers develop subordinates, leaders develop followers, and the most highly successful leaders develop leaders. Students will evaluate their own leadership style using the Leadership Practices Inventory developed by Kouzes and Posner. Students will gain hands-on experience by analyzing their performance in a current or new leadership role.

ML 5163

Training and Development

This course addresses the core aspects of instructional systems design as applied to workforce learning and performance. Learners apply key principles involved in assessing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating employee development and performance improvement programs. Learners gain hands-on experience by creating an active training event.

ML 5243

Leading Change

Leaders often attempt changes that they believe are critical to the survival of the organization only to find those changes are resisted by the very people the leader is attempting to help. People’s response to change depends on the degree to which they understand the need for change, are involved in the change process, and understand the implications the change has for their roles. This class explores the processes necessary to identify the need for change using appropriate models, plan the process of change, obtain authorization for the change and motivate the appropriate stakeholders to ensure success.

ML 6023

Integrative Leadership Project

This course serves as a capstone for the MA Leadership program. Students will complete an application project related to their emphasis and field of interest.

ML 5263

The Adult Learner

Learners explore the basic theories and current research in adult education. This class draws from both adult development and adult education to explore the stages of human development, issues concerning adult learning ability, how and why adults learn, and how to make sure that learning has taken place.

ML 5273

Nonprofit Leadership

This course examines the unique leadership challenges and opportunities presented in nonprofit organizations. Students will learn about the nature of the nonprofit sector and gain perspectives on management, financial, leadership, and governance issues facing nonprofits.

ML 5343

Financial Development and Resource Management

Leaders must be able to find the money to fund the budget for the planned programs to accomplish the mission of the group they are leading. Funding, budgeting, and financial accountability are prerequisites to success in any organization. This class explores the skills necessary for budgeting, stewardship, donor development, funding, accountability and ethical use of resources. While not an accounting course, the differences between for-profit, not-for-profit, and cash flow accounting requirements are explored.

ML 5353

Decision Making

Leaders must be able to find the money to fund the budget for the planned programs to accomplish the mission of the group they are leading. Funding, budgeting, and financial accountability are prerequisites to success in any organization. This class explores the skills necessary for budgeting, stewardship, donor development, funding, accountability and ethical use of resources. While not an accounting course, the differences between for-profit, not-for-profit, and cash flow accounting requirements are explored.

HEA 5313

Higher Education History and Administration

This course examines the development of American higher education. It will help students understand the origins of contemporary practices and problems in higher education. The course also gives an overview of organization and administration operations and analyses of social, political and legal influences on colleges and universities.

HEA 5323

Higher Education Law

The course examines U.S. law and court cases pertaining to higher education institutions including an overview of the legal issues involving college and university personnel. Pertinent state and federal statutes will also be used to explain the legal rights and responsibilities of college and university administrators.

HEA 5343

Higher Education Budgeting and Finance

Problems and issues of finance on post-secondary institutions will be addressed. Examines how to develop successful fiscal policy initiatives. A sufficient understanding of the technical material and the political processes involved. The course will also include the impact of budget activities on all areas of administration for higher education.

ML 5263

The Adult Learner

Learners explore the basic theories and current research in adult education. This class draws from both adult development and adult education to explore the stages of human development, issues concerning adult learning ability, how and why adults learn, and how to make sure that learning has taken place.