This master’s degree prepares you to become a leader in the higher education sector. In your courses, you’ll explore the intricacies of higher and postsecondary institutions, gain insight into the outcomes linked to earning a college degree, learn how to work with faculty and staff and develop supervisory skills tailored for the collegiate environment. Courses are taught by leading faculty who share your commitment to broad access, equity and community engagement within education.
Additionally, graduates will be prepared to support college-level students, staff and faculty in a variety of service areas, such as:
- Academic advising.
- Admissions.
- Athletics.
- Career services.
- Disability resources and services.
- Orientation.
- Residential life.
- Study abroad.
- Transfer student programs.
- Veterans and military service.
The skills you’ll develop
Through your coursework and a hands-on practicum experience, you’ll learn how to navigate the complex organizational processes at college campuses. You’ll also analyze the landscape of higher education globally. Upon graduation, you’ll be skilled in:
- Advising, supporting and developing students.
- Creating a learner-centered curriculum.
- Developing and understanding a budget for an organization.
- Leading within higher education administration.
- Understanding how to best support supervisees.
Who’s a good candidate for this master’s program?
Ideal candidates for this master’s in higher and postsecondary education program come from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Some already work in higher education and want to further their education, while others come to the field inspired by their own undergraduate experience and want to make an impact.
As a candidate, you should be interested in learning about the theoretical and practice-focused scholarship of how higher education works worldwide. You’ll graduate as a confident leader prepared for positions in higher education or an adjacent sector that serves college student populations.

Are you passionate about working with college-level students? Interested in supporting staff and faculty working at colleges and universities? If so, Arizona State University’s online Master of Education in higher and postsecondary education program may be perfect for you. This program provides the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to navigate the changing and diverse landscape of higher and postsecondary education. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for leadership roles within universities, community colleges, EdTech companies and more.
In your courses, you’ll learn how to develop a professional philosophy rooted in access and equity, nourish a leadership identity, and work collaboratively with students, staff and faculty. You’ll also participate in a practicum, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in an area of higher education. As the culmination of the program, you’ll complete a capstone in which you’ll apply what you’ve learned to a real-world situation.
The faculty of Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation draws from a range of academic disciplines — including ethnic studies, sociology and organizational studies — to gain insight into important questions about the ways that higher and postsecondary institutions function within the development of a democratic society. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
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Applicants to the Master of Education in higher and postsecondary education program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master's program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Personal statement.
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
- Three letters of recommendation.
Your personal statement should describe your interests and reason for seeking this degree.
Please provide the names, email addresses and institution or company of the individuals submitting electronic letters of recommendation. They should be individuals who’ve worked with you in professional or academic capacities and who can attest to your aptitude for the teaching profession and your ability to succeed at graduate-level coursework.
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”