The Higher Education Leadership graduate program provides a pathway for professional employment, advancement and leadership in a wide variety of careers in post-secondary educational settings, college transition programs and/or community agencies, government agencies and consulting firms concerned with higher education.
Quick Facts
Rolling Admission Apply Anytime
You Can Start Spring or Fall
Delivery Option(s) Main Campus
Cost Per Credit Hour $471
Credits 33
Estimated Completion Time 2 Years
Overview
The program prepares leaders across all higher education sectors through an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. Courses and faculty, being academic affairs, student affairs and administrative perspectives, provide students diverse experiences and opportunities as they move through the program. The program is uniquely positioned to offer two internship experiences with a focus on creating more diverse and inclusive academic environments.
Curriculum
This 33-credit hour program provides coursework in higher educational history, student learning and development, leadership theory and research, with an emphasis on creating a more just, diverse, equitable and accessible learning environment. The program is uniquely positioned to offer two internship experiences to provide authentic learning experiences.
Authentic Learning
This program ensures hands-on experience across various departments so students can engage in self-directed inquiry, problem-solving, critical thinking and reflection in real-world and creative contexts.
Outcomes
Graduates will understand the historical and contemporary issues in the United States higher education landscape, including access and affordability, be able to analyze and evaluate campus policies and procedures related to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice, and will demonstrate competencies in the theories of student learning and development, strategic leadership principles and in the laws that affect colleges and universities. Through various field experiences, graduates will have the professional skills necessary to succeed in a variety of careers in higher education across academic affairs, student affairs and alumni and development, community agencies that support higher education and students transitioning to college, or at higher education professional organizations.
Career Opportunities
- Academic Advisor
- Accessibility Services Coordinator
- Admissions Counselor
- Alumni Relations Specialist
- Career Services Specialist
- First-Year Experience Coordinator
- Institutional Research Data Manager
- Orientation Coordinator
- Program Advisor/Coordinator
- Residence Life Director

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.

I believe in higher education for the public good – higher education that helps individuals to grow to their full potential and helps society to move forward.
Program Resources

Information Sessions
Learn about our graduate programs through our information sessions today!
Diversity Graduate Fellowship Program
Prospective students may be eligible for an award which includes an annual stipend, in addition to fully-paid tuition for full-time study.
More than 120 Graduate Assistantships Offered
Assistantships provide an opportunity to gain experience through professional work on campus.
$500,000
in total awards given every year to our graduate students
The Power of SUNY Tuition
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.

Ryan Stiles, grad student at SUNY Oswego, making waves in higher education leadership with dedication and invaluable contributions.

Peter Ghazarian, SUNY Oswego's new faculty, brings global expertise to lead higher education leadership, offering fresh perspectives to students.
Admission Requirements
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 two names with valid email addresses. We will send an email request directly to the references on your behalf. These references 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.