Online Master of Arts in Higher Education and Workforce Development
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Master of Arts in Higher Education and Workforce Development, Online
The online Master of Arts in Higher Education and Workforce Development (MAHEWD) at UofL is the perfect degree for current university or college employees and those seeking employment in higher education.
The Master of Arts in Higher Education and Workforce Development 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.
This program offers three online concentrations and one in-person concentration, designed to enhance current roles in higher education or prepare individuals for meaningful future careers.
- Administration concentration (30 credit hours, online)
Perfect for experienced professionals seeking to advance in higher education leadership and administration. - Sport Administration concentration (30 credit hours, online)
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 (30 credit hours, online)
Ideal for those starting their student affairs career and seeking hands-on, practitioner-focused training. For more information about this concentration, contact the MAHEWD program director. - Workforce Development concentration (30 credit hours, online)
For students preparing to work at the intersection of postsecondary education, workforce systems and regional economic development.
UofL's Online MAHEWD Program
Online courses, no GRE required. Apply today and start your next professional chapter in higher education!
Quick Facts
Online Courses
Credit Hours
Per Credit Hour
Aug/Oct/Jan/Mar/May
MA in Higher Education and Workforce Development, Online
The Big Picture
The online MA in Higher Education and Workforce Development is designed to help higher education professionals prepare for positions of leadership and administration within a college, university or other higher education settings.
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 administration.
Online MA in Higher Education Degree Highlights
- Advance your career without stepping away from your role with 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: Administration, Sport Administration, Student Affairs or Workforce Development
- Learn from world-class and award-winning faculty
- Earn your degree in as little as two years (year-round students)
Skip the GRE – test scores are not required for admission for this graduate online degree.
With flexible online delivery and applied learning at its core, the program equips students to advance their careers while making a measurable difference on their physical and virtual campuses.
"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."
Julia Parsons
Online MAHEWD graduate
Prepare to make a meaningful impact on students and the institution that serves them.
How to Apply to UofL’s Online MAHEWD Degree
Check out typical application deadlines for the MA in Higher Education and Workforce Development online program at UofL and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
No GRE is required for admission for this program.
Application Deadlines
| 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.
How to Apply for the Online MA in Higher Education and Workforce Development
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Upload required materials*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292
- Create a financial plan
What Are Admissions Requirements for the Online MAHEWD Program?
To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
- A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
*Required application packet materials include:
- A one-page professional goals statement describing the applicant’s background and interest in this master’s program
- Two letters of recommendation
- A professional resume
*Your application portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
Online MAHEWD for International Students
The master of arts in higher education and student affairs online program is open to international students. If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional admission requirements for international students.
- International students will not be issued a U.S. visa, since there are no campus attendance requirements.
All courses in the program are taught online, allowing you to attain the entire degree from the comfort of your home and at any time convenient for you, regardless of your current location, anywhere in the world.
For more information on the application and admission process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor through an information request.
How Much It Costs to Earn an Online MAHEWD Degree at UofL
Academic Year Tuition
$863 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour military tuition rate
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs. All online courses are assessed an additional $10/credit hour fee per University of Louisville policies.
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Standard and military tuition rates, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Does Your Employer Offer Tuition Reimbursement?
Many employers have programs available to assist their employees financially in their educational pursuits. Do not miss out on any potential opportunities. Reach out to your organization’s HR department to learn about available options.
Talk to an online enrollment counselor today to get started!
What Will You Learn in the Online MA in Higher Education and Workforce Development
Online Courses
This degree is a 30-credit-hour program that has the choice of three online concentrations. Courses are offered online, asynchronous and delivered in 8-week terms, with the exception of LEAD 690 and 697 (standard term length).
- The administration concentration requires completion of 24 credit hours of core courses (core consists of practice and advanced classes) and 6 credit hours of electives.
- The sport administration concentration requires completion of 27 credit hours of core courses and 3 credit hours of electives.
- The workforce development concentration requires the completion of 30 total hours.
- The student affairs concentration requires the completion of 24 credit hours of core courses and 6 credit hours of electives.
The typical degree plan includes:
- Practice core courses
- Advanced core courses
- Concentration elective courses
- Administration
- Sport administration
- Workforce Development
- Exit requirement
To see all available online courses and degree requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab).
Learn more about the concentrations requirements on the Academic Catalog page (select Concentration Requirements tab).
Take the next step with confidence.
Start working on your application and feel free to connect with us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance.
What Can I Do With a Master's in Higher Education and Workforce Development?
Graduates with a master’s degree in higher education can work in a wide variety of administrative positions in virtually all departments at both public and private colleges and universities. This is also ideal for those who want to strengthen their skillset to navigate and improve higher education policies, opportunities and more. Furthermore, the median pay for post-secondary administrators is projected at $103,960 annually (bls.gov).
Graduates have pursued university positions including:
- Executive director, academic success
- Academic advisor
- Assistant director of alumni relations
- Director of financial aid
- Director of athletics
- Business affairs officer
- Instructional design and technologies manager
- Curriculum planning officer
- Dean of students
- Director of institutional research
- Grants and contracts manager
- Multicultural affairs director
- Registrar office administrator
- Title IX coordinator
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.
Career opportunities and earnings vary based on actual job role, geographic location, prior experience and employer. These figures reflect overall industry trends and are not a guarantee of individual results.
Take the next step and prepare to build the skills today’s colleges and universities demand.
What Your Support Network Looks Like
Success in a technical graduate program requires more than strong coursework – it requires the right support. From application through graduation, MAHEWD students are backed by a knowledgeable team that understands the demands of working professionals. Enrollment counselors, academic advisors, program leadership staff and faculty collaborate to provide clear guidance, timely support and practical insight so you can stay focused, confident and on track throughout your degree.
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Cassie Thompson | Online Enrollment Services | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
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Jacob Gross | Program Director | hewd@louisville.edu |
502.852.8795
|
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Sarah Schuble | Director of Graduate Student Success | sarah.schuble@louisville.edu | 502.852.1462 |
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
What Else Should You Know?
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission, internship process and options or how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?
Career options include academic advisor, executive director of academic success, assistant director of alumni relations, director of financial aid, director of athletics, business affairs officer, instructional design and technologies manager, curriculum planning officer, dean of students, director of institutional research, grants and contracts manager, multicultural affairs director, registrar office administrator and Title IX coordinator.
What is the difference between an MA, MEd and EdS?
An MA is a master's degree that can prepare students for professional and administrative careers in higher education. An MEd is also a master's-level degree, typically focused on education and related professional practice. An EdS is a specialist-level graduate credential that falls beyond the master's level and is generally designed for advanced professional or administrative preparation. The specific purpose and requirements of each degree vary by program.
Is this degree right for someone interested in student affairs?
Yes. The program prepares students for roles supporting student success and includes a Student Affairs concentration. However, the Student Affairs concentration is currently offered in person rather than online. The online program offers concentrations in Higher Education Administration, Sport Administration, Student Affairs and Workforce Development.
Can I teach with a Master’s in Higher Education?
Not necessarily. The MA in Higher Education and Workforce Development prepares students for university administration rather than teaching. The degree does not satisfy P-12 or postsecondary teaching certification requirements.
Can I become a college administrator with this degree?
Yes. The program is specifically designed to prepare students for leadership and administration within colleges, universities and other higher education settings. Graduates can pursue professional, administrative and executive positions across a variety of university departments.
Can I become a principal with a Master’s in Higher Education?
This degree is designed for higher education administration rather than K-12 school administration. It does not satisfy P-12 teaching certification requirements, so students interested in becoming a principal should pursue a program specifically designed for school administration and principal licensure.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree in education to apply?
No. Applicants need a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, but the bachelor's degree does not have to be in education. Applicants must also have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, although conditional admission may be available for those below the minimum.
Can I transfer credits from another university?
Yes. After admission, students may request to transfer up to six credit hours from another program or university, subject to approval by their UofL adviser and the Graduate School.
Is the program available fully online?
Yes. The online MA in Higher Education and Workforce Development is delivered online, with asynchronous courses offered in eight-week terms, with the exception of LEAD 690 and 697.
Can I complete the program while working full time?
Yes. The program is designed with working professionals in mind. Online classes and flexible course delivery allow students to continue working while completing their degree. The program can be completed in as little as two years for year-round students.
How does the internship work?
The internship provides on-site experience in an area of college or university administration. Students apply knowledge from their coursework to a project related to their academic and professional goals. The internship is an exit requirement and must be completed during one of the student's final nine credit hours.
How many hours are required for the internship?
Students must complete a minimum of 105 hours. They must also complete a significant project or projects, write a learning summary paper, submit reflection journal entries, participate in Blackboard discussions and receive a satisfactory evaluation from their site supervisor.
How do I find an internship site?
Students should identify a department or area they want to learn more about and contact prospective departments or institutions about projects that align with their interests. The program recommends looking for projects that are important to an organization but may not have been completed because of limited time or staffing.
What kinds of projects do students complete during the internship?
Past students have completed projects such as creating training materials for financial aid advisors, studying university sustainability practices, developing faculty professional-development resources, analyzing institutional research data, creating leadership programs for student-athletes, conducting program reviews and developing departmental procedures manuals.
What are the admission requirements for the program?
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. The application also requires a one-page professional goals statement, two letters of recommendation and a professional résumé. The GRE is not required.
How long does it take to complete the degree?
The program consists of 30 credit hours and can be completed in as little as two years for students who attend year-round.
What is the difference between Higher Education and Student Affairs?
Higher education is a broad field encompassing the administration, operation and improvement of colleges and universities. Student affairs is a specialized area focused on supporting students and their success outside the classroom. UofL's MAHEWD program can prepare students for both broader higher education administration and student-affairs-related careers, although the Student Affairs concentration itself is not offered online.
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
