Online Master's in Higher Education Administration
Online Course Schedule for Summer 2026

Capstone

All students are required to complete a three-credit capstone project as the culminating experience of the program. This course, taken during the student’s last semester, demonstrates the student’s advanced grasp of the discipline of higher education administration and provides the opportunity to synthesize all of the theoretical and practical content taught during the program into one course experience. Each student works with a faculty advisor who serves as a guide through the detailed development and execution of the project and related deliverables. The capstone project is also an opportunity for students to develop connections and gain mentors to help them progress in their career upon graduation. To successfully fulfill the capstone requirement, students must complete an applied research project or an in-depth research paper, and defend their work in front of a panel of faculty and experts.

Note: This course is completed asynchronously online. The HEA Program must register you for this course; please get in touch with your academic advisor for help with registration. Students may only take this course during their final semster in the HEA Program.

College Envs & Stdnt Wellbeing

This hybrid course explores how campus environments—from residence halls and student life to DEI initiatives and policy—shape belonging, wellbeing, and student success. Grounded in the work of Lewin, Astin, Bronfenbrenner, and Strayhorn, as well as Jesuit values of cura personalis and social justice, students examine how people and place interact to influence learning and equity. The course combines asynchronous online modules with a three-day, in-person immersion in Washington, DC, where students visit colleges, universities, and nonprofits to engage directly with higher education leaders. Through case studies, reflection, and applied projects, students connect theory to practice as they learn to analyze and design learning environments that help all students thrive.

Note: This Study Tour course is completed asynchronously online but requires a 3-day residency; July 7th, 8th, and 9th in Washington, DC. There will be a welcome reception on the night of July 6th, 2025. This section of the course includes a fee for the three-day residency program and hotel costs totaling $1,859.50.

College Envs & Stdnt Wellbeing

This hybrid course explores how campus environments—from residence halls and student life to DEI initiatives and policy—shape belonging, wellbeing, and student success. Grounded in the work of Lewin, Astin, Bronfenbrenner, and Strayhorn, as well as Jesuit values of cura personalis and social justice, students examine how people and place interact to influence learning and equity. The course combines asynchronous online modules with a three-day, in-person immersion in Washington, DC, where students visit colleges, universities, and nonprofits to engage directly with higher education leaders. Through case studies, reflection, and applied projects, students connect theory to practice as they learn to analyze and design learning environments that help all students thrive.

Note: This Study Tour course is completed asynchronously online but requires a 3-day residency; July 7th, 8th, and 9th in Washington, DC. There will be a welcome reception on the night of July 6th, 2025. This section of the course includes a fee of $709.50 for the 3-day residency program, WITHOUT a hotel.

Enrollment Mgmt: Stu Lifecycle

In this elective, students gain an understanding of enrollment management processes as well as strategies for recruiting, retaining, admitting, and enrolling students. The course examines the different stakeholders and gives an overview of the different factors influencing enrollment: financial aid and scholarships, academic standards, demographics, legal precedent, and institutional goals. Students learn recruitment and enrollment strategies based on research, differentiation, marketing, and data analysis and reporting.

Note: This course is completed asynchronously online

Higher Education Policy

This course is designed to survey the policy landscape that has helped shape higher education and considers the direction and implications of current and future policies. Students examine federal, state, and local policies that affect institutions, including policies governing assessment systems and the regulation and financing of schools. They also explore the ways in which policy influences various aspects of the university, including governance, research, and student affairs.

Higher Education Practicum

The practicum allows students to apply classroom concepts in the field. Participants spend a semester in a department or functional area of an institution and gain experience as a higher education administrator. Students are expected to reflect on the practicum and synthesize the experience with their coursework. Students work with an advisor for this learning experience, and assignments evaluate their learning throughout the duration of the practicum. Students may take up to two elective practicums as part of their course of study. This opportunity gives students a better understanding of possible career paths through hands-on experience.

Note: Students must apply for the Practicum through the HEA program. Once a Practicum is secured, the program will register you for this course. Students may NOT self-register for Practicum. This course is completed asynchronously online.

Higher Education Practicum II

This second course of the two-part practicum series allows students to build on the foundational experiences gained from the prior semester. Participants spend a semester in a department or functional area of an institution and gain further experience as a higher education administrator. Students are expected to reflect on the practicum and synthesize the experience with their coursework. Students work with an advisor for this learning experience, and assignments evaluate their learning throughout the duration of the practicum. Students may take up to two elective practicums as part of their course of study. This opportunity gives students a better understanding of possible career paths through hands-on experience.

Independent Study

Students may consider doing an independent study if they have a specific research need that cannot be fulfilled in a regularly scheduled course. This course provides the opportunity to synthesize theoretical and practical content taught during the program into one course experience. Each student works with a faculty advisor who serves as a guide through the detailed development and execution of the independent study project and related deliverables. Students may take up to two independent study courses as part of their course of study. This course requires special approval from the program.