M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Higher Education Leadership Focus

Credit Hours

Month Completion

Class Type

100% onlineSee state availability

Next Start Date

Aug 17, 2026

Placement Tests

GMAT/GRE not required for admission

Request Info Apply Today Cost Estimator

Home / Degrees / Master's Degrees / Education / M.Ed. in Educational Leadership-Higher Education Leadership

Lead in higher education with an online master of education degree

Create the ideal environments and opportunities to maximize student achievement with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership with a focus in Higher Education Leadership. In this theory-to-practice program, aligned with National Educational Leadership Preparation Program standards, you’ll learn how to lead and manage the culture, people and programs that support the development and well-being of learners. With Franklin’s streamlined 12-month, 100% online program, you’ll gain the knowledge to help you excel as an effective higher education leader.

Program Availability

Online

In , this program is offered through select employer partnerships. Please contact your employer to learn if you qualify.

In , this program may be offered through select employer partnerships. Please contact your employer to learn if you qualify.

On Site

Program Overview

Develop and maintain a student affairs culture that fosters learning and development

The focus area course provides a deep dive into student affairs theory and practice. The broadest and most critical area of a college and university, student affairs bridges academic and administrative departments providing the potential for a multitude of touchpoints with each student over the course of the college experience. In order to help students gain and articulate transferable skills through experiences inside and outside of the classroom, the quality of learner interactions with systems and structures ultimately impacts student achievement.

You’ll learn how to define student affairs as a profession and how mission, governance and culture impact the delivery of services to students. You’ll be prepared to analyze how finances influence action and articulate strategies to manage legal liability and risk. You will also learn strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners and how to collaborate with stakeholders to define services and create environments that enhance student learning and development.

Earn an applied master of education degree that sets you up for success

Choosing Franklin for your M.Ed. is a win-win. The M.Ed. is an applied degree, which means that it’s designed to help you impact your day-to-day work. What you learn is able to be applied to real-world situations in real time. No delayed ROI here.

In addition, by choosing Franklin, a University that’s catered to ambitious adults for 120 years, you’ll learn alongside classmates who are also working professionals in K-12 education, at community and technical colleges and at four-year colleges and universities across the country. In addition to mirroring cross-functional workplace collaboration scenarios, the interdisciplinary nature of the program layers in additional peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

Get a theory-to-practice perspective on leadership in education

With curriculum aligned to National Educational Leadership Preparation Program (NELP) Recognition Standards and taught by faculty who are in-field practitioners, you’ll get both the what and the how of effective education leadership.

While you’ll also have ample opportunities – including the capstone project – to delve deeply into your own experiences and incorporate them into your coursework, the broad scope of the degree program enables you to be conversant with functional area specialists in order to lead effectively.

Future Start Dates

Your Best Value Master of Education

Competitive Tuition

$690

PER CREDIT HOUR

Competitive tuition rates provide value and quality.

Smart Start Scholarship

$22,080

Total Tuition

$2,000

Automatic Scholarship

$20,080

Tuition with Scholarship

Franklin’s competitive tuition rate and our Smart Start Scholarship puts your degree within reach.

Take One Class at a Time

Balance your education with your life.

Tuition Guarantee

Inflation-proof your degree cost by locking-in your tuition rate from day one.

Highly Recommended

98%

STUDENT SATISFACTION

98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Spring 2025)

Instructor Led

Online courses taught by in-field experts = a winning combo for you.

Courses & Curriculum

Major Area Required

EDUC 610 - Principles of Educational Leadership (4)

This course focuses on the development of the skills and knowledge required to meet the day-to-day decisions and problems that confront educational leaders to include relationships among local, state, and federal agencies as well as families, community members, and school personnel.

EDUC 611 - Leadership Theory (4)

This course is an introduction to school administration, including the theoretical and historical development of school administration as an academic discipline, an examination of organizational behavior and theory, an exploration of political and legal structures which impact schools and school administration, and the development of the concepts and practices associated with successful leadership and decision making. The course will explore the challenge for both aspiring and veteran school leaders to create a community of shared commitment, responsibility, and accountability designed to serve the learning of the adults and the children in the school?a sustainable, professional learning community.

EDUC 612 - Ethics, Laws, and Values in Education (4)

This course explores human ethics within educational foundations. It assists learners to reflect on their own experiences to develop humane values of self-determination and self-realization, and social and individual empowerment. The course addresses the legal and political underpinnings of schooling in a globalizing and postmodern world, providing an overview of major issues in school law, to include U.S. Supreme Court decisions as well as relevant state and federal lower court opinions.

EDUC 614 - Educational Research & Program Evaluation (4)

This course prepares learners to gain an introductory understanding of educational research methodologies as well as their impact on rigorous program evaluation. This course examines the ethical considerations when conducting educational research, how previous peer-reviewed studies can inform future programmatic action, and the role that theoretical and empirical research should shape a school leader?s selected methodology.

EDUC 615 - Critical Issues in Education & Community Relations (4)

This course examines current and emerging issues and trends impacting education: inquiring into demographic shifts; globalization; technology, data-based decision-making; inclusion of diverse learners in American schools; and recent research on student achievement when influenced by race, gender, and poverty. Additionally, the issues and responsibilities related to understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal and cultural contexts as they impact the school community.

EDUC 617 - Capstone (4)

This capstone course is designed to complete an action research project that positively impacts the educational environment, reflect on the impact and changes that result, and inform others about what has been learned through this process.

Focus Area

Higher Education Leadership:

EDUC 616 - Introduction to Student Affairs (4)

The purpose of this course is to provide a survey and overview of student affairs theory and practice. It introduces learners to the foundational philosophies of the profession, examines the integration of student affairs functions and administrators in higher education, explores the variety of roles student affairs professionals play on college campuses, and seeks to develop an understanding of institutional cultures and the professional's role within those cultures. These objectives will be explored within the context of examining the central role student affairs plays in helping students gain and articulate transferable skills gained through experiences outside of the classroom.

EDUC 625 - Curriculum Leadership in Higher Education (4)

This course will examine curriculum leadership in higher education. Students will learn foundations of curriculum in U.S. Colleges and Universities, curriculum design principles, frameworks, processes and curriculum mapping. Students will also learn the techniques for evaluating a curriculum and proper instructional alignment.

K-12 Building Level Leadership:

EDUC 618 - Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms (4)

This course covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children in a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive, and inclusive culture within the educational environment. Learners will use their observation, assessment and communication skills to meet the individualized needs of children in inclusive environments. Includes the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence.

EDUC 613 - Leading Curricular & Instructional Alignment in K-12 Education (4)

This course will focus on the tools that educators need to achieve deep alignment. Effective curriculum design and deep alignment are critical factors in maximizing student achievement. The purpose of the course is to strengthen the knowledge and skills of learners as instructional designers and managers by evaluating models for managing curriculum as they identify and research current and emerging issues in curriculum.

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Higher Education Leadership Focus Program Details

Tuition Costs

Learn More

Degree Requirements

To be awarded a graduate degree, students must:

Successfully complete all required curriculum courses.
Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00.
Complete the residency requirement:
1. Master of Education students must earn at least 20 of the 32 required credits at Franklin University.
Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees;
Not to be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or violation of Student Code of Conduct.

Transfer credit awarded based on experiential learning shall not count toward the residence requirement at Franklin University.

Admission Requirements

The admission process reflects Franklin University’s efforts to clearly identify the performance standards that can help predict student success in graduate level study. The selection criterion for Franklin’s graduate programs, as determined by faculty, emphasizes academic ability, contributory work experience, and personal qualities and characteristics.

Requirements for admission include having earned a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from an institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization with a GPA of at least a 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.*

Submission of an official transcript from the educational institution where the bachelor’s, master's, or doctoral degree was earned is required. A student will not be permitted to register for courses in their initial term of registration until unofficial domestic transcripts or official transcripts are received. Official transcripts must be received before registering for the second term.

Master's Conditional Admission - GPA

Domestic applicants seeking enrollment into a Franklin University Master’s Program who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements may be considered for conditional admission into a program. An applicant must meet Franklin University’s other admission requirements to be eligible for conditional admission.
Applicants who earned a GPA between 2.250-2.499 on a 4.0 scale in their earned degree will automatically be granted conditional enrollment status. Applicants who earned lower than a 2.250 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their earned degree can petition for conditional enrollment status to the program chair by submitting a professional resume and an essay detailing other criteria that the applicant believes should be considered to demonstrate their ability to be successful in a graduate program. This petition could include details on the applicant’s work experience, work ethic, level of professionalism, personality characteristics, level of difficulty of program of study previously completed, etc.
Conditionally admitted students are required to achieve a final grade of “B” (3.0 GPA) or better in the first graduate-level course of their program, and are restricted to taking one graduate course at a time until this requirement is met. Students admitted to the programs listed below may take two 12-week classes concurrently, and would be required to earn a final grade of “B” in each course. If the terms of the conditional enrollment are not met, the student will not be allowed to advance in their program and will be unable to earn this graduate degree from Franklin University. Programs that allow for concurrent enrollment include: Business Analytics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Health Informatics, Data Analytics, Information Technology, and Information Systems.

Master’s Conditional Admission – Degree Conferral

Domestic applicants seeking enrollment into a Franklin University Master’s Program who have not yet completed their qualifying degree program may be considered for conditional admission into a program. Conditional admission may be offered up to two semesters prior to an applicant’s anticipated graduation.
Conditionally admitted applicants may register for classes prior to completing their qualifying degree, but may not begin master’s program coursework until the semester after their degree is conferred.
It is the responsibility of the student to provide an official transcript confirming successful completion of their qualifying degree program prior to the end of their first semester. If the terms of the conditional enrollment are not met, the student will not be allowed to advance in their current program.

Master’s applicants may be offered conditional admission for both low GPA and pending degree conferral.

For the following programs, transcripts are evaluated for co-requisite requirements during the admission process:
M.S. in Accounting
M.S. in Accounting-STEM
M.S. in Computer Science
M.S. in Cybersecurity
M.S. in Information Technology

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Prospective graduate students must demonstrate English language proficiency. A student who meets at least one of the following criteria is eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student:

The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the primary language for education. A list of these countries can be found below.*
The applicant has provided official documentation that meets Franklin graduate admission requirements from an institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
Has submitted an official score report meeting the minimum requirements for admission (see Minimum Scores below) from one of the following exams approved by Franklin University: Accuplacer ESL, Cambridge English Qualifications, Duolingo English Test (DET), International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Other officially recognized exams may also be considered. English proficiency scores must be less than two years old.

*For more information about English proficiency, including a list of English-speaking nations, please visit our International Students section.

Program Learning Outcomes

A learning outcome map functions as a roadmap to help guide students' progress through their program of study. Click HERE to view the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership matrix.

Careers & Salary Outlook

11%

From 2023-2033, jobs in Education are expected to increase by 11%

Occupation

Median Salary (2023)

Job Postings (2023)

Projected Growth (2023-2033)

Occupation

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

$102,606

50,599

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Median Salary: $102,606
Job Postings: 50,599
Projected Growth: 8%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Education Administrators, Postsecondary plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Directors of Admissions	11,551	23%
Admissions Representatives	6,431	13%
Deans of Students	4,229	8%
Directors of Financial Aid	3,776	8%
Registration Specialists	3,083	6%
Registration Representatives	3,081	6%
Registrars	2,194	4%
Admissions Coordinators	1,924	4%
Admitting Representatives	3,276	7%
Directors of Alumni Engagement	1,441	3%
Education Coordinators	1,286	3%
Campus Directors	1,092	2%
Directors of Student Engagement	988	2%
Directors of Student Success	999	2%
Deans of Arts and Sciences	1,030	2%
Admissions Associates	1,033	2%
Admissions Assistants	963	2%
Athletic Directors	821	2%
Directors of Student Services	761	2%
Admissions Managers	640	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Student Services	19,803	22%
Marketing	15,048	17%
Project Management	7,156	8%
Higher Education	7,062	8%
Academic Affairs	6,751	7%
Enrollment Management	6,050	7%
Administrative Support	5,626	6%
Registration	5,603	6%
Customer Relationship Management	5,532	6%
Auditing	5,425	6%
Fundraising	5,193	6%
Curriculum Development	5,028	6%
Student Information Systems	4,825	5%
Student Engagement	4,766	5%
Data Analysis	4,555	5%
Data Entry	4,518	5%
Student Recruitment	4,504	5%
Billing	4,411	5%
Statistics	4,394	5%
Finance	4,229	5%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		44%
	Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools		42%
	Education and Hospitals (Local Government)		10%
	Technical and Trade Schools		2%
	Junior Colleges		1%
	State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		1%
	Other		1%

Postsecondary Teachers

$83,637

105,818

11%

Postsecondary Teachers

Median Salary: $83,637
Job Postings: 105,818
Projected Growth: 11%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Postsecondary Teachers aggregate category equivalent to SOC group 25-1000. Teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in their specialized field of study. Include both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of both teaching and research. Alternate titles: College Professor.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Adjunct Faculties	20,607	20%
Adjunct Instructors	7,039	7%
Assistant Professors	10,883	10%
Assistant/Associate Professors	6,642	6%
Nursing Faculties	8,061	8%
Non-Tenure Track Faculties	6,533	6%
Assistant/Associate/Full Professors	4,842	5%
Nursing Instructors	5,143	5%
Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professors	3,381	3%
Assistant Professors of Psychology	3,303	3%
Biology Adjunct Faculties	3,001	3%
Nursing Adjunct Faculties	2,952	3%
Associate Professors	3,572	3%
Driving Instructors	3,898	4%
University Professors	1,933	2%
Tenure-Track Professors	2,874	3%
Adjuncts	2,186	2%
Assistant Professors of Computer Science	2,767	3%
Lecturers	3,634	3%
Open Rank Faculties	2,567	2%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Curriculum Development	26,980	12%
Nursing	21,390	10%
Pedagogy	15,473	7%
Learning Management Systems	14,724	7%
Biology	13,524	6%
Psychology	12,425	6%
Computer Science	12,322	6%
Syllabus Development	11,847	5%
Statistics	11,376	5%
Student Engagement	11,267	5%
Online Teaching	11,230	5%
Social Sciences	10,841	5%
Lecturing	10,421	5%
Health Sciences	9,681	4%
Educational Assessment	9,307	4%
Academic Advising	9,171	4%
Distance Learning	9,170	4%
Marketing	9,067	4%
Clinical Experience	8,628	4%
Talent Management	8,479	4%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		44%
	Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools		36%
	Education and Hospitals (Local Government)		15%
	Technical and Trade Schools		3%
	Junior Colleges		1%
	General Medical and Surgical Hospitals		1%
	Other		2%

Employment outlook data is provided by Lightcast and represents labor market trends in the United States. It is not specific to Franklin University graduates or any particular degree level. Franklin University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Education Leadership Knowledge & Skillsets

Gain in-demand skills sought by employers with curriculum that teaches you:

Curriculum Development + Evaluation

Direct and monitor the development, implementation, evaluation, revision, quality and appropriateness of curriculum, instruction and assessment documents and materials.
Demonstrate the capacity to evaluate, develop and implement coherent curriculum, instruction, data system, support and assessments that promote student and adult success and well-being.
Develop and manage a system of assessing and reporting teacher progress, and tracking classroom and student growth and development.
Lead administrative tasks related to school improvement and school achievement.

Ethics, Laws and Values

Compile data from a variety of sources to analyze issues, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures, and/or monitoring program components.
Manage assigned programs to ensure compliance with legal, financial and district requirements.
Serve as the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for student complaints; receive student complaints of discrimination and harassment; collaborate to implement related training to the campus.

Leadership

Lead the development, delivery, and evaluation of teacher preparation and professional learning, including new teacher orientation and coaching.
Lead teams responsible for instructional support.
Professionally develop the instructional support team members into highly effective and results-oriented instructional leaders.
Demonstrate the capacity to build the educational organization’s professional capacity, engage staff in developing a collaborative professional culture, and improve systems of supervision, evaluation, support, and professional learning that promote student and adult success and well-being.

Student Affairs

Lead First Year Experience programs, by collaborating across divisions to create a high-touch retention program.
Lead with an equity lens to develop policies and procedures that ensure all students are treated with dignity and respect and provided with equal opportunity and access to learning and co-curricular programs.
Work alongside colleagues to create programs and partnerships that enhance retention and graduation rates, student learning, and the student experience.
Direct, manage and monitor the effectiveness of admissions office programs and services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership degree with a focus in Higher Education Leadership?

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education Leadership is an applied master’s-level education degree focused on leadership at two-and four-year colleges and universities.

What can you do with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership degree with a focus in Higher Education Leadership

With a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership degree with a focus in Higher Education Leadership, you can qualify for positions like admissions director, dean of students, director of student affairs or financial aid director.

Why get a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership degree with a focus in Higher Education Leadership?

The Master of Education (M.Ed) in Educational Leadership with a focus in Higher Education Leadership enables you to lead and manage the culture, people and programs that support the development and well-being of learners.

What makes Franklin’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership degree with a focus in Higher Education Leadership unique?

Franklin’s Master of Education (M.Ed) in Educational Leadership with a focus in Higher Education Leadership is a 12-month, 100% online program that is aligned with standards set forth by the National Educational Leadership Preparation Program. In Franklin’s streamlined, theory-to-practice program, you’ll be taught by in-field practitioners.

When can I start Franklin’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership degree with a focus in Higher Education Leadership?

Choose from three start dates each year – fall (August), spring (January) or summer (May).

How much will my Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership degree with a focus in Higher Education Leadership cost?

Franklin University offers a quality education at a competitive cost so you can afford to invest in your future. Our per credit hour tuition rates (vs. per year or per term rates) enable you to get a realistic estimate of exactly how much your degree will cost. Our 2026-2027 tuition rate is $690 per credit hour. Use Franklin’s free MyCost Estimator to get a personalized estimate of your total degree cost. If you have any questions, ask our helpful staff about available financing options and financial aid programs.

How long does it take to get a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership degree with a focus in Higher Education Leadership?

Franklin's master's degree programs are specifically designed for busy, working adults -- that means you could finish your M.Ed. in Education Leadership degree in as few as 12 months.

See All >

Back to College Blog

Franklin University Founded in 1902, Franklin is an accredited nonprofit university offering flexible college degrees online and at locations in Ohio and the Midwest.

Franklin University
201 S Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215

Local: (614) 797-4700
Toll Free: (877) 341-6300
admissions@franklin.edu

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440) and authorized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Franklin University is committed to being an inclusive community free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

2026 - 2027 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition per credit hour	$690
RN-MSN Pathway (NURS 500)	$298
Current service members	$536
Master's Prerequisite Courses (500 level)	$398
Master's Prerequisite Courses (500 level) - International Students	$526
2026 - 2027 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition per credit hour	$690

Other Fees and Charges	Cost
Resource fee (each semester)	$100

Class Type

Next Start Date

Placement Tests

Lead in higher education with an online master of education degree

12-Month Completion

$2,000 Smart Start Scholarship

Tailored to Fit Your Life

Real-World Practitioners

100% Online Coursework

Program Overview

Develop and maintain a student affairs culture that fosters learning and development

Earn an applied master of education degree that sets you up for success

Get a theory-to-practice perspective on leadership in education

Future Start Dates