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Accelerated MS in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) for Northwestern Undergraduates

Has your time at Northwestern ignited your passion to:

  • Support students in higher education at a college or university?
  • Work on matters in consulting, governmental entities, or a non-profit related to higher education?
  • Pursue a challenging – yet rewarding – career of service, intellect, and passion?
  • Build an array of skills and knowledge that will take you beyond higher education?

If you answer “yes” to one or more of these questions, Northwestern’s School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) has an opportunity for you!

Fast-track your graduate education and save money through our Accelerated (4+1) Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE). By taking up to three (3) courses – typically in your senior year – you can reduce the number of terms to complete your master’s degree from four (4) to three (3) terms. Additional “4+1” benefits include:

  • Waiving the application fee
  • Applying earlier for the MSHE degree
  • Receiving an admissions decision as early as December of your junior year
  • Testing out graduate-level coursework to determine if MSHE is right for you

Our program is right for you if:

  • You have a minimum 3.3 cumulative grade point average.
  • You are a curious, motivated, involved student (whether you are in student organizations, athletics, academic programs, admissions, residential life, civic engagement, Greek life, campus employment, religious and spiritual life, or something else)
  • You want graduate education that blends theory and practice
  • You enjoy collaborative education and writing
  • You seek to develop your research knowledge and skills
  • You seek to maximize the value of your Northwestern education and advance quickly into graduate-level roles.

Curriculum

As a Northwestern undergraduate, you may take – with program approval or acceptance to the degree program – the following three (3) courses:

Higher Education Foundations through History, Policy, and Contemporary Issues (offered each fall term)

Students explore the evolution and present structure of U.S. higher education and become acquainted with the values, processes, and language to explore critical issues facing colleges and universities (e.g., opportunity, cost, financial aid, research, freedom of speech, intercollegiate athletics, national and global topics). This course broadens our understanding of U.S. higher education far beyond the individual’s enrollment or employment experience at a college or university. We use basic case study analysis tools to describe different institutional types and settings (e.g., liberal arts colleges, community colleges, public land grant universities, for-profit institutions, faith-based institutions) to help us realize the complexity and diversity of institutions. Instructor(s) and guest speakers share their professional experiences to broaden our awareness of the higher education landscape and career pathways.

Finance and Budget in Higher Education (offered each winter term)

Students are introduced to the financial structure of colleges and universities and the impact of budget activities on areas of planning and operations within an institution. We explore developing institutional and departmental financial plans and designing budgets to implement those plans. Through a pragmatic approach, our focus is on long-term finance strategies, budgetary approaches, budget-making, and resource allocation. We assess how environmental factors (e.g., enrollment trends, government funding, geographical need for jobs) impact colleges and universities by institution type (e.g., community college, liberal arts college, university). We also enhance our ability to communicate about issues related to budget and finance in higher education. In this course we use introductory Excel to add, subtract, multiply, and divide when calculating budgets.

Structure, Governance, and Leadership in Higher Education Organizations (offered each spring term)

Students gain knowledge of organizational frameworks and examine design and structure, complexity (e.g., assumptions, tensions, and coordination amongst different administrative levels), college and university governance (e.g., board, administrative, and faculty governance), and institutional culture. By studying and reflecting upon real administrative scenarios, we see how administrators, at any level, use course concepts and effectively communicate in organizations and in organizational leadership. Through problem-based learning, we mesh theory and practice of postsecondary institutions to learn how effectively these organizations operate and meet their missions and goals.

Recommended Time Frame

For all questions related to the “4+1” timeframe, please contact Mark Hoffman, our associate director for academic advising and enrollment.

  • First- and second-year students

    •  Email Mark to introduce yourself. He will then add your name to an “interested students” list.

  • Juniors
    • If you plan to finish your undergraduate degree early, contact Mark as soon as possible to map out a plan unique to you and submit your application as early as December 1.
    • If you plan to stay enrolled throughout your entire senior year, contact Mark no later than July after your junior year about taking courses in your senior year. Submit your program application by December 1.
  • Seniors
    • Contact Mark as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Next Steps

Contact Mark Hoffman, our associate director for academic advising and enrollment, for an in-person or Zoom-based personal advising session.