Julia Varela
Assistant Director of Enrollment, Graduate & Professional Studies
717-796-1800 Ext. 2622
Master of Arts – Higher Education Leadership
Messiah University's master’s degree in Higher Education is designed to equip aspiring educational leaders with the knowledge and skills needed for success in the dynamic field of higher education. Our innovative hybrid format combines the flexibility of online learning with valuable in-person classes, complemented by a robust curriculum, seasoned faculty, and a faith-based learning environment, all designed to set you on a path to achieve your goals in this dynamic field.
Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership overview
Whether your passion is coaching, student activities, multicultural programs, academic advising, admissions or residence life, or more, Messiah University’s Master of Arts in higher education leadership will prepare you to be a transformative, visionary leader for faith-based and other higher education settings.
- 36 credits
- Predominantly online coursework with on-campus options
- No-fee tuition
- No application fee
- Eight-week courses with one-week summer intensive courses
- Graduate assistantships available
- Two-year completion
- Flexible start dates
Messiah University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education. It is the highest accrediting authority recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for degree-granting colleges and universities located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and several other locations internationally.
Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership concentrations
Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership tuition cost
No-fee tuition
Know what you are paying for with Messiah’s no-fee tuition. With our graduate programs, the cost per credit is what you pay – there are no hidden fees for labs, courses, services or technology. We put the true cost of your program upfront so that you can accurately compare and plan for your graduate education.
Deferred billing
Deferred billing is available for students with employer reimbursement. For more information contact Student Financial Services at gradfinancialserv@messiah.edu.
2025-2026
No-fee tuition per graduate credit hour: $800
Tuition cost for the entire 36 credit-hour program at the 2025-2026 rate: $28,800
Graduate students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
Next steps for admissions
Applying for admission to a graduate program at Messiah University is the first step to making your personal and professional goals a reality.
Academic/athletic excellence and Christian values
Messiah University’s reputation as a nationally ranked college that integrates academic excellence and Christian faith sets our master's degrees in higher education leadership and intercollegiate athletic leadership apart. Our program nurtures visionary and thoughtful leaders whose professional identity is rooted in a deep sense of purpose and vocation.
Messiah University is home to The Ernest L. Boyer Center, committed to renewing society through education. The University's academic strengths are matched by championship intercollegiate athletic teams that have won 35 NCAA Division III national titles since 2000.
Theoretical foundations and practical experience
By emphasizing the connections between theoretical principles and educational practice, our curriculum equips students with the requisite knowledge and creativity to excel in the dynamic environment of higher education leadership and intercollegiate athletic leadership. Internships and graduate assistantships allow students to put the theories, gained through classroom instruction, into practice through supervised, real-world experience.
Expansive and focused professional preparation
Students gain insight into the complex breadth of higher education leadership and intercollegiate athletic leadership but also develop expertise in a focused area of professional service within those areas.
Accomplished and attentive faculty
As experienced practitioners and accomplished scholars, our faculty draw on the literature in their field and their professional experience to prepare students for effective and innovative leadership in higher education. Our professors are caring, committed educators who engage students in meaningful conversations and mentor students toward fulfilling careers in higher education leadership and intercollegiate athletic leadership.