Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership - Strategic Leadership
Messiah University’s strategic leadership degree concentration is designed for professionals seeking to advance their career and opportunities in higher education by becoming more effective at leading people and organizations.
Strategic Leadership overview
The strategic leadership concentration is designed for those aiming to advance their career and opportunities in higher education by becoming more effective at leading people and organizations. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of effective leadership, including the ethical and character-based elements of leadership, and also assess and advance their own abilities as leaders.
- 36 credits
- Predominantly online coursework with on-campus options
- No-fee tuition
- No application fee
- Eight-week courses with one-week summer intensive courses
- Graduate assistantships available
- Two-year completion
- Flexible start dates
- College registrar
- Director of recruitment
- College provost
- Dean / associate dean of students
Messiah higher education leadership graduates benefit from Ph.D. and Ed.D. agreements with partner universities
Azusa Pacific University
Graduates of the Master of Arts in higher education leadership program at Messiah University are waived from the GRE admission requirement for the Ed.D. in higher education leadership or the Ph.D. in higher education. In addition, applicants accepted into the Ph.D. doctoral program are eligible for two units of advanced standing to be applied to the electives requirement of the program.
Bethel University
Graduates of the Master of Arts in higher education leadership program at Messiah University who enroll in the Bethel University Ed.D. for leadership in higher education will be offered a University Partnership Scholarship, providing up to $400 per semester (maximum $1,200 per year) toward tuition. In addition, Messiah’s program graduates may waive up to two required courses of the Bethel prescribed curriculum and have them replaced with alternative course options.
Immaculata University
Graduates of the Master of Arts in higher education leadership program at Messiah University who enroll in the Immaculata University Ed.D. in higher education will be offered a University Partnership Transfer-credit Benefit, providing the ability for students to waive one three-credit foundational course requirement and replace it with an alternative three-credit option.
Union University
Graduates of the Master of Arts in higher education leadership program at Messiah University may transfer up to 4 classes toward their Doctor of Education in higher education at Union University and are exempt from the GRE admission requirement.
Messiah University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education. It is the highest accrediting authority recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for degree-granting colleges and universities located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and several other locations internationally.
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Programs related to Strategic Leadership
The curriculum for the Master of Arts in higher education leadership is designed for busy professionals and includes both theory and field experiences.
Strategic Leadership tuition cost
No-fee tuition
Know what you are paying for with Messiah’s no-fee tuition. With our graduate programs, the cost per credit is what you pay – there are no hidden fees for labs, courses, services or technology. We put the true cost of your program upfront so that you can accurately compare and plan for your graduate education.
Deferred billing
Deferred billing is available for students with employer reimbursement. For more information contact Student Financial Services at gradfinancialserv@messiah.edu.
2025-2026
No-fee tuition per graduate credit hour: $800
Tuition cost for the entire 36 credit-hour program at the 2025-2026 rate: $28,800
Graduate students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
Next steps for admissions
Applying for admission to a graduate program at Messiah University is the first step to making your personal and professional goals a reality.
Julia Varela
Assistant Director of Enrollment, Graduate & Professional Studies
717-796-1800 Ext. 2622
Academic/athletic excellence and Christian values
Messiah University’s reputation as a nationally ranked college that integrates academic excellence and Christian faith sets our master's degrees in higher education leadership and intercollegiate athletic leadership apart. Our program nurtures visionary and thoughtful leaders whose professional identity is rooted in a deep sense of purpose and vocation.
Messiah University is home to The Ernest L. Boyer Center, committed to renewing society through education. The University's academic strengths are matched by championship intercollegiate athletic teams that have won 35 NCAA Division III national titles since 2000.
Theoretical foundations and practical experience
By emphasizing the connections between theoretical principles and educational practice, our curriculum equips students with the requisite knowledge and creativity to excel in the dynamic environment of higher education leadership and intercollegiate athletic leadership. Internships and graduate assistantships allow students to put the theories, gained through classroom instruction, into practice through supervised, real-world experience.
Expansive and focused professional preparation
Students gain insight into the complex breadth of higher education leadership and intercollegiate athletic leadership but also develop expertise in a focused area of professional service within those areas.
Accomplished and attentive faculty
As experienced practitioners and accomplished scholars, our faculty draw on the literature in their field and their professional experience to prepare students for effective and innovative leadership in higher education. Our professors are caring, committed educators who engage students in meaningful conversations and mentor students toward fulfilling careers in higher education leadership and intercollegiate athletic leadership.