The Master of Science in Higher Education – College Administration and Leadership Program is offered by Kaplan University in the online format. The program focuses on developing practical knowledge, critical thinking, research, and writing skills that are expected of people who lead colleges and universities. The program is suitable for individuals seeking careers in higher education particularly in relation to administration, teaching, student development, and other relevant areas.

The program curriculum offers several highlights in terms of study opportunities in multicultural and diversity issues affecting student development in higher education as well as the technology, public policy, and financing issues affecting the probability of college attendance. Also covered in the study are the historical development and organizational principles of US colleges and universities. The Emphasis on College Administration and Leadership centers on the principles of effective leadership as applied in academic program and department management in different postsecondary settings. Students are also trained to develop the skills to assess and evaluate academic programs. This would include the accreditation standards and processes used in online and on-ground institutions.

Students can either opt for the Non-Thesis Track or the Thesis Track. Core Courses for the Non-Thesis Track include Foundations of Higher Education, Higher Education Laws and Regulations, Higher Education Organization and Governance, Multiculturalism and Diversity in Higher Education, Higher Education Finance, and Research Methods in Higher Education. The Thesis Track also includes the same Core Courses plus the Master’s Thesis Proposal and the Master’s Thesis Defense. Specialization Courses include Departmental and Divisional Leadership, Institutional Research and Strategic Planning, Educational Program Assessment, and Assessment of Online Learning. Thesis-Track students are required to take two (2) of the four (4) Specialization Courses. Accreditation for Kaplan University is provided by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

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