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• For additional program information see the School of Public Affairs website

The Masters of Science in Education, Higher Education Administration (MSEd-HEA) prepares students for leadership and supervisory positions in higher education institutions, as well as in advocacy organizations and research centers focused on post-secondary education. The curriculum covers key aspects of college administration, including governing institutions, organizing academic departments and offices, delivering student services, preparing and implementing budgets, managing collective bargaining, and conducting educational research. Contemporary topics are explored, such as online education, change management, and the globalization of higher education. In addition to SPA faculty, senior CUNY administrators teach in the program. Graduates pursue careers as executives, directors, coordinators, and analysts of programs and services.

A total of 36 credits are required for the degree if an internship is not needed. Students without at least one year of administrative work experience in higher education are required to complete a 3 credit internship for a total of 39 credits. There are 21 required credits and 15 elective credits.

Students have two options for completing the 15 elective requirements for the degree. They may complete a set of general higher education and public administration courses, or they may choose a specialization in institutional research and assessment. The specialization is for students looking for a solid grounding in research methods, statistics, learning assessment, and program evaluation. It is designed for those wanting to work in the growing field of university research and assessment as well as for those seeking to be intelligent users of research reports. Students must complete PAF 9170 in the required core if they opt for the specialization. The specialization requires two courses—PAF 9172 and PAF 9325—and the choice of three analytical courses.