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Northeastern University Graduate Programs Home
College of Professional Studies

Higher Education Administration

Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration provides participants with an understanding of managerial, operational, and strategic concepts that lead to effective administration.

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Program Format
Online
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
6 - 12 Months
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring, Winter
Meets F1 visa requirements
No

Program overview

Advance as an administrator

The Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration is designed to provide participants with an overall understanding of managerial concepts as well as the operational and strategic concepts that lead to effective administration. This program is best suited for individuals seeking mid- to senior-level administrative roles and individuals interested in transitioning from industry and other organizations into academia.

 


Please note: Beginning fall 2026, this program will shift from a quarter-based academic calendar to a semester format. View the program conversion guide for curriculum details or visit our FAQ page for more information.

If you enter this program before fall 2026, your academic advisor will work with you to ensure a smooth transition. This change will not impact your academic progress, path to graduation, or tuition costs.

  • Program suited for individuals seeking mid- to senior-level administrative roles and individuals interested in transitioning into academia
  • Credits can be applied toward the Master of Education in Higher Education Administration
  • Online, interactive program allows flexibility for working professionals

The effective administration of higher education institutions has never been so critical than at this time. Consider:

  • European and Asian universities are ascending in quality and increasing as market forces.
  • The electronic delivery of education is escalating, creating new pedagogy and delivery models.

To meet these challenges—as well as changes in demographics, financial concerns, and legal and policy requirements—administrators and leaders in higher education need to be increasingly sophisticated and knowledgeable.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines*

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.


  • Online application

  • Professional resumé

  • Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

  • English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:

    • Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date

    • TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores

  • Other materials may be required

Program objectives

Prepare for success

The education landscape is changing, and administrators who can guide their institutions through new modalities, student needs, and policy requirements will be in high demand.

A holistic approach

Understand the managerial, operational, and strategic concepts that lead to effective administration and how to apply them to your workplace.

Advance your career

Gain the skills needed to transition into a mid- to senior-level administrative role or to begin your career in academia after working in another industry.

Degree building

Stack your certificate

Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.

Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.

Market outlook
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Occupations

Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $13,296
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid
Online Programs

Your education, your way

A person with curly hair in a white zip-up jacket sits at a modern kitchen table, focused on their laptop. They hold a mug and appear engaged, with natural light filtering through a window behind them.

Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.

#8

Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools

(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

53.5%

Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses

(NCES, 2022)

97%

Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education

(BestColleges, 2024)

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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