Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs 100% Online
MAHESA Online Degree Overview
The online Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs (MAHESA) is for people in higher education seeking to advance their careers or those pursuing their first professional position within a postsecondary institution. This degree can give you the educational administration experience you need to prepare for leadership roles in a university setting.
Concentrations
You can customize your degree with a concentration that aligns with your interests and career path in:
- Administration
Perfect for experienced professionals seeking to advance in higher education leadership and administration. - Sport Administration
Tailored for individuals passionate about the intersection of athletics and higher education, preparing them for impactful roles in sports leadership in higher education. - Student Affairs Concentration (in-person only)
Ideal for those starting their student affairs career and seeking hands-on, practitioner-focused training. - For more information about this concentration contact Dr. Jake Gross, MAHESA program director.
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Application Deadlines
We Want You In Our Next Class!
Check out typical application deadlines for the MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs online program at UofL:
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
| August 1 | Fall I | August |
| September 10 | Fall II | October |
| December 10 | Spring I | January |
| February 10 | Spring II | March |
| May 1 | Summer | May |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
MAHESA Online Degree Highlights
- Advance your career without stepping away from your role, with 100% online classes and 24/7 access to resources and tools
- Enhance and expand skills in assessment, program evaluation, leadership and compliance, campus management, organizational change, organizational improvement and project management
- Specialize your expertise with one of the concentrations available online: Higher Education Administration or Sport Administration
- Learn from world-class and award-winning faculty
- Earn your degree in as little as 2 years (year-round students)
Skip the GRE – test scores are not required for admission for this graduate online degree.
Ready to make a meaningful impact on students and the institution that serves them?
Let us help you get started. Connect with us today!
"I get great fulfillment out of helping other people, and I feel I can best reach college students. This was the right program for me to be able to do that with my life."
Higher Education and Student Affairs Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in postsecondary administration are projected to grow about 2% between 2024-2034 with over 226,000 jobs in just 2024. Furthermore, the median pay for post-secondary administrators is projected at $103,960 annually.
| Job Growth Projection | Median Annual Salary | Yearly Job Openings |
|---|---|---|
| 2% by 2034 | $103,960 | 226,600 |
UofL’s online graduate program in higher ed is designed for professionals who want to lead, support and shape student success across today’s complex higher education landscape, as well as strategically planning for the future. Built for those already working in colleges and universities, or aspiring to enter the field, the program blends theory, policy and practice to prepare graduates for impactful roles in student affairs and higher education administration.
Take the next step with confidence - we are here to support your academic journey, from start to finish!
We hope to see you in class soon!