LET US HELP
Welcome to Capella
Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
Build professional skills that fit your career goals with an MS in Higher Education
As an educator, you go the extra mile to help students reach their fullest potential. The MS in Higher Education program at Capella is designed to strengthen your fundamental skills and help build your expertise in one of two specializations.
MS in Higher Education program overview
The MS in Higher Education program is designed for educators who want to develop advanced skills and knowledge in theory and practice. Your chosen specialization will help prepare you to meet specific challenges in the field of higher education.
As an MS in Higher Education student, you’ll begin with core courses that lay the foundation for your program and develop skills in key areas of the field. From there, you’ll move into coursework for your chosen specialization to grow your expertise and advance toward your final project.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Applicants to the MS in Higher Education program must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation and other administrative costs
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
View full admission requirements for each specialization: Adult Education, Higher Education Leadership and Administration
The total cost of your master’s program will depend on your specialization, scholarships and finances, transfer credits, academic performance and other factors.
Find detailed tuition information and cost scenarios for each specialization: Adult Education, Higher Education Leadership and Administration
Choosing an MS in Higher Education specialization
Every journey to a master’s degree is different. Your chosen specialization can help you leverage your unique passions and interests to build expertise for the next phases of your career in higher education.*
- Learning outcomes
- Professional paths to explore
Adult Education
- Advance the practice of learning and teaching within the field of adult education
- Adapt strategies and methods to address the characteristics of adult learners
Higher Education Leadership and Administration
- Apply professional practices that support diversity, equity and ethical decision-making for academic excellence
- Learn to manage resources of higher education organizations
Adult Education
- Employment settings to explore include public or private educational settings
- Research job titles include instructor, adult education teacher and adjunct or part-time faculty of courses
Higher Education Leadership and Administration
- Employment settings to explore include a range of higher education environments
- Job titles include academic advisor, assistant director of student affairs and program director
*Capella cannot guarantee any specific job, promotion, salary increase or other career outcomes. You will need to conduct your own research to understand what opportunities may be available to you. Note that some career paths may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications or other designations along with a degree.
Why choose an MS in Higher Education from Capella University?
Customize your area of interest
The integrative studies specialization lets you choose six elective courses to customize your program to meet your professional goals.
Maximize your transfer credits
You may be able to reduce tuition and time to complete your degree with up to 12 transfer credits.
Support every step of the way
Experts will support you throughout your degree program to help you meet challenges and reach your short- and long-term goals.