Top Higher Education Administration Program

Penn State's College of Education has established itself as one of the premier institutions for graduate education, with its programs consistently ranking among the best in the nation. In particular, the university’s Higher Education Administration program stands out, having been ranked 1st in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in 2011. This achievement highlights Penn State’s commitment to preparing future leaders in higher education and its ability to offer a comprehensive academic experience for students in this field. The program is housed within the Department of Education Policy Studies in the College of Education and offers an in-depth exploration of higher education policy, administration, and leadership. Students pursuing graduate degrees in Higher Education Administration at Penn State benefit from the institution’s vast resources, expert faculty, and an academic environment conducive to rigorous research and practical application.

The Higher Education Administration program at Penn State is designed for students who aspire to become effective leaders and administrators in higher education institutions. The program provides students with the tools and knowledge necessary to manage and lead in diverse college and university environments. It also encourages interdisciplinary study, with opportunities to engage with academic work in other fields across the university. This approach allows students to broaden their perspectives and gain insight into how higher education intersects with a range of social, political, and economic factors. The faculty members in the Higher Education Administration program are recognized as leading scholars in the field, contributing to cutting-edge research in areas such as student affairs, institutional governance, and policy development. Moreover, the program has a strong network of alumni who have gone on to occupy significant leadership positions in academia, providing valuable mentorship and career support for current students.

Graduates of Penn State's Higher Education Administration program are equipped to pursue a wide variety of careers in the field. Many go on to assume roles as college and university administrators, responsible for overseeing departments, managing academic and student services, and making strategic decisions that shape the future of their institutions. Others take on research roles within higher education think tanks, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations, where they can contribute to the development of policies that impact the higher education landscape at the local, state, and national levels. Some graduates even transition into faculty roles, where they can teach and mentor the next generation of higher education leaders. The breadth of career paths available to graduates speaks to the comprehensive nature of the program and its ability to prepare students for a diverse range of roles in the field of higher education.

Another highly respected institution in the field of higher education administration is the University of Michigan. The university’s Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education (CSHPE) is widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading programs for higher education leadership. The CSHPE has been consistently ranked 1st or 2nd in national surveys conducted within the field of higher education, solidifying its reputation as a premier training ground for future leaders in academia. Like Penn State’s program, the University of Michigan’s higher education program prepares students for leadership roles within colleges and universities, as well as in state and national public policy agencies, government offices, and other related sectors.

The University of Michigan’s graduate programs in higher education are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the issues facing higher education institutions, as well as the practical skills needed to navigate the complex landscape of academic administration. The university offers both master’s and doctoral degrees in higher education, with students having the option to specialize in areas such as higher education policy, administration, and leadership. The program’s comprehensive curriculum includes courses in topics such as educational law, organizational theory, curriculum development, and student affairs, allowing students to build a strong foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of higher education administration. In addition to the core coursework, students are encouraged to engage in internships and field placements, providing them with real-world experience and valuable professional connections.

The CSHPE at the University of Michigan is known for its emphasis on research, and students are encouraged to engage in scholarly inquiry throughout their time in the program. The university is home to some of the foremost experts in the field of higher education, and its faculty members regularly contribute to influential research on a range of topics, including college affordability, diversity and inclusion, student success, and institutional governance. The research conducted at the University of Michigan not only advances the field but also informs the curriculum and provides students with the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge issues and ideas.

One of the key strengths of the University of Michigan’s program is its focus on leadership development. Students are trained to become visionary leaders who can adapt to the ever-changing landscape of higher education. This leadership training is supported by the program’s strong emphasis on values, ethics, and social justice. The university strives to develop leaders who are not only skilled administrators but also advocates for equity and inclusion within the educational system. This focus on leadership and social justice ensures that graduates of the University of Michigan’s higher education program are well-prepared to lead institutions that serve a diverse student body and to advocate for policies that promote access, equity, and opportunity in higher education.

Graduates of the University of Michigan’s CSHPE program are highly sought after in the field of higher education, and many go on to assume leadership positions at top universities and colleges across the country. Some graduates work in senior administration roles, managing academic affairs, student services, and institutional strategy. Others become leaders in national organizations or government agencies that influence higher education policy. The program’s strong network of alumni, coupled with the university’s long history of producing successful higher education leaders, ensures that graduates are well-positioned to make a significant impact in the field.

Both Penn State and the University of Michigan offer exceptional graduate programs in higher education administration that are among the best in the nation. While the programs differ in their specific focus and approach, both are committed to preparing students to become effective leaders who can address the complex challenges facing higher education today. Whether it’s Penn State’s interdisciplinary approach or Michigan’s emphasis on leadership and social justice, these programs provide students with the tools, knowledge, and experiences necessary to succeed in the ever-evolving field of higher education. Graduates of both programs are well-equipped to take on a wide range of roles in academia and beyond, from administrative positions at colleges and universities to leadership roles in government, policy-making, and nonprofit organizations.

In conclusion, the higher education administration programs at both Penn State and the University of Michigan are among the best in the nation, providing students with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective leaders in the field of higher education. Through rigorous academic coursework, hands-on experience, and a strong commitment to research and leadership, these programs prepare graduates to tackle the challenges facing higher education today and to make meaningful contributions to the future of academia. Whether pursuing a career in administration, policy, or research, graduates of these programs are poised to shape the future of higher education for generations to come.

Best Education Schools Specialty Rankings (Top 10 list)
- Higher education administration:
1 Pennsylvania State University--University Park
   University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
3 University of California--Los Angeles
4 Michigan State University
5 Indiana University--Bloomington
6 University of Georgia
   University of Southern California (Rossier)
   Vanderbilt University (Peabody)
9 University of Pennsylvania
10 University of Maryland--College Park
Source: US News & World Report 2011