The Higher Education Leadership online graduate program offers a comprehensive pathway for professional growth, career advancement, and leadership opportunities in diverse post-secondary educational settings such as college transition programs, community agencies, government organizations, and consulting firms focused on higher education.
The online Higher Education Leadership program prepares leaders across all higher education sectors through an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. Our faculty bring expertise from academic affairs, student affairs, and administration, providing students with diverse perspectives and experiences throughout the program.
Flexible Online Format
Students in the online program complete coursework through a mix of live Zoom classes and independent online work. Most courses alternate weekly between scheduled live sessions with your professor and classmates, and self-paced activities you complete on your own. Only one required course is mostly self-paced. This structure provides both flexibility and meaningful connections with faculty and peers.
This 33-credit hour online program offers coursework in higher education history, student learning and development, leadership theory and research, all with an emphasis on creating a more just, diverse, equitable and accessible learning environment. Uniquely positioned, the program provides two internship experiences for authentic, hands-on learning.
An online graduate degree provides the flexibility to advance your education while maintaining your professional and personal commitments, offering convenience and accessibility for career enhancement and skill development.
Graduates will gain a deep understanding of historical and contemporary issues in the United States higher education landscape, including access and affordability. They will be equipped to analyze and evaluate campus policies and procedures related to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. Additionally, graduates will demonstrate competencies in student learning and development theories, strategic leadership principles, and the laws affecting colleges and universities. Through various field experiences, they will acquire the professional skills necessary to succeed in a wide range of higher education careers, including academic affairs, student affairs, alumni and development, community agencies supporting higher education and college transitions, and higher education professional organizations.
I have a strong passion for education and the power that knowledge can provide individuals. The design of the Higher Education Leadership program's curriculum has allowed me to identify and gain practical experiences in my desired sector within the diverse field of higher education.
I've always been passionate about education and its potential to shape lives. It's not just about the dissemination of knowledge. It's about empowering individuals to unlock their full potential.
Learn about our graduate programs through our information sessions today!
Professor Peter Ghazarian and graduate student Ryan Stiles discussed SUNY Oswego's graduate higher education leadership programs on Bridge Street, highlighting the importance of leadership roles in higher education.
Prospective students may be eligible for an award which includes an annual stipend, in addition to fully-paid tuition for full-time study.
Assistantships provide an opportunity to gain experience through professional work on campus.
in total awards given every year to our graduate students
Achieving your long-term career goals shouldn’t come at the expense of your immediate financial security. Oswego offers low tuition compared to many private colleges. Never sacrificing quality for affordability, our graduate students are receiving a nationally accredited program that will translate into effective knowledge and opportunities.
Submit official transcripts confirming your bachelor’s or master’s degree/advanced certificate. This includes graduate-level coursework or post-baccalaureate degree/certificate. U.S. transcripts must be sent directly from the granting institution (electronic or mail).
For credentials earned outside of the United States, we require students to provide a World Education Services (WES) Course by Course (ICAP) evaluation, an IEE Education Course Report (US), or TEC (formally known as SpanTran) Divisional Course Analysis. This evaluation ensures that we can provide quality assessment of coursework from all countries where various grading scales and languages may exist.
In 500 words or less, describe your personal achievements relating to your academic interests, and detail your educational and professional objectives with reasoning for applying to SUNY Oswego. This statement will help the review team better understand and evaluate your application.
Include a professional resume or curriculum vitae that includes your academic history, professional background and any accomplishments of note. This document should provide details that support your admittance to the program.
Indicate one reference with a valid email address. We will send an email request directly to your reference on your behalf. This reference should be able to speak to your character, work ethic and abilities.
Prospective students are charged a non-refundable $65 fee for processing the application.
All international transcripts must be verified using one of the following methods as part of your application process:
English Language Proficiency: Submit official TOEFL (79 overall, MBA 83) or IELTS (6.5) scores, unless exempt.
Visa and I-20 Documentation: After acceptance, upload your financial documents and passport copy to receive your Form I-20 for your visa application.
For more details, please visit Application Requirements for International Graduate Students.
