Messiah College

Programme overview

Messiah University's M.A. in Higher Education Leadership is a 36-credit graduate program delivered primarily online with optional hybrid courses each semester and a required weeklong on-campus summer course. The curriculum is designed for working professionals and can be completed in as little as two years. The university emphasises small class sizes, Christian faculty mentorship, experiential learning and paid graduate assistantship opportunities on campus.

What you'll study

The program blends foundational higher education and leadership coursework with applied experiences. Built-in experiential components include an internship (or a professional seminar alternative for students with two or more years of professional experience). Students may choose from concentrations in Student Success, College Athletics Leadership, Strategic Leadership or design an Individualized Concentration. Messiah also offers a related M.A. focused on Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership that integrates sports management, marketing and communication, coaching and strategic organisational leadership.

Entry requirements

The program operates on rolling admission and is structured for mid-career learners. Several concentration pages reference no application fees. Specific admission prerequisites and documentation requirements are not listed on the source page and should be confirmed with Messiah University's admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for campus roles across student activities, multicultural programs, academic advising, admissions, residence life, coaching and athletics administration. The intercollegiate athletic leadership option specifically targets future coaches and athletic administrators within college or university settings. Practical placements, graduate assistantships and the capstone experience are intended to support transition into administrative and leadership positions.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Messiah states a no-fee tuition model that presents cost per credit without additional hidden fees for labs, services or technology. Paid graduate assistantships are available on campus. The program also mentions a deferred payment option for students whose employers reimburse for graduate course completions. Prospective applicants should contact the university for detailed funding, scholarship and assistantship availability.