Purpose of the Program
The University of Texas at San Antonio hybrid online master’s in Higher Education Administration program provides an accommodating and flexible path for students who are interested in advancing their careers as higher education administrators. Designed with the demands of working professionals in mind, the program offers the convenience of online coursework combined with opportunities for in-person engagement, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to their personal and professional schedules.
This flexibility makes the program especially well-suited for those living outside of the San Antonio area or for anyone balancing school with a busy life, including full-time employment, family responsibilities, or other commitments. Students completing this program will be prepared for careers and advancement as leaders within higher education as community college administrators, university administrators, deans, presidents, vice presidents, professors, executive directors, and commissioners.
This program is designed for individuals at any level in higher education roles (for example, staff, administrative, leadership, advising, teaching). Students learn how to incorporate scholarship into their work to become scholar-leaders and practitioner-scholars who possess expertise and can cultivate intentional, evidence-based, supportive practices and policies in postsecondary settings. Faculty in the program promote introspection, critical thinking, the integration of personal and professional experience, active engagement among cohort members, and transformative leadership. We prepare students to understand various perspectives and populations to make meaningful contributions to student success and other desirable higher education outcomes.
Program Details
This is a non-thesis 30-credit-hour cohort-based master’s program that can be completed in less than two years. Students can enter the program in the fall or spring semester. Each student is paired with a faculty advisor upon admission, ensuring personalized academic guidance.
Hybrid Format
The hybrid format means all courses are offered online while students must complete 150-hours of supervised field experience before graduating. Class meetings may be delivered either asynchronously or synchronously but always with continuous access to faculty and classmates. At pre-announced points in the semester, there will be opportunities for students to engage their cohort and the faculty in-person to further support the cohort model that leads to successful degree completion.
Degree Concentrations
Students in the hybrid program will choose one of two concentrations: Comprehensive University Leadership or Community College Leadership.
The Comprehensive University Leadership concentration prepares students to work as professionals in college and university offices, policy organizations, and advocacy organizations. You will gain an understanding of the foundations of higher education with a focus on assessment, administration and law and policy.
The Community College Leadership concentration prepares students to work as professionals in the community college sector. Students will gain an understanding about the unique role community colleges play in postsecondary attainment and workforce development.
Contact
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Prospective Students FAQs
How much does the program cost?
The University of Texas at San Antonio hybrid online master’s in Higher Education Administration program acknowledges that affordability is a major factor influencing whether students pursue a graduate education. As such, this program is designed to offer students an affordable high quality master’s degree in higher education administration. Admitted students to the UT San Antonio hybrid online program are afforded classes that use low-to-no cost open education resources for class readings and textbooks through UT San Antonio’s library services. Having the ability to complete the program in less than two years also means paying less for a master’s degree and being eligible sooner for administrative positions with higher pay rates. This thoughtful design aims to reduce the overall costs associated with affording a master’s degree in higher education administration.
For more information about the current graduate tuition and fees for UT San Antonio, visit the Financial Affairs Services Tuition and Fee Estimator.
Does the program offer scholarships?
Students admitted to the hybrid online master’s in Higher Education Administration program are eligible for scholarships awarded by the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Awarding is subject to scholarship availability and is typically disbursed based on the departmental scholarship application process.
What is the process and requirements for applying to the cohort?
How to Apply
Step 1: The University of Texas at San Antonio Graduate School Application
Step 2: Program Supporting Application Materials
- One-to-two page statement of purpose that indicates you are applying for the UT San Antonio hybrid online master’s in Higher Education Administration program, and specifies (1) the applicant’s reasons for pursuing a master’s degree in higher education administration, (2) a biographical sketch of the applicant’s experiences relevant to higher education administration, and (3) career plans after obtaining a master’s degree in higher education administration.
- Applicants are required to upload transcripts from each institution attended. International transcripts must be recorded/translated to English. Unofficial transcripts will be taken into consideration for admissions; however, if admitted into the program, you must submit official transcripts to the University. Send electronic transcripts to: graduate.documents@utsa.edu.
Application Deadline
Spring 2026
- December 1, 2025, for domestic applicants
- November 1, 2025, for international applicants
- August 1, 2026, for domestic applicants
- June 1, 2026, for international applicants
Required Degree
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the United States is required or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.
Minimum GPA
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in a baccalaureate degree is required. If an applicant’s GPA is lower than a 3.0 in their previous 60 hours of coursework, conditional admission may be granted.
Graduate Records Examination (GRE)
The UT San Antonio hybrid online master’s in Higher Education Administration program does NOT require a submission of Graduate Records Examination (GRE) scores.
International Students
Please consult the UT San Antonio Graduate School website for additional admissions requirements.
Fall 2025
HSA 6513: Introduction to Higher Education and Student Affairs
EDU 5003: Research Methods
Spring 2026
HSA 5003: History of American Higher Education
HSA 5103: College Student Development
Summer 2026
HSA 6203: Contemporary Thought in Higher Education
HSA 6933: Internship/Practicum in Higher Education Administration
Fall 2026
HSA 6303: Governance and Leadership in Higher Education
HSA 6123: Program Planning and Evaluation in Higher Education
Spring 2027
HSA 6003: Higher Education Law and Policy
HSA 6143: Administrative Issues in Higher Education and Student Affairs
HSA 6513: Introduction to Higher Education and Student Affairs
EDU 5003: Research Methods
Spring 2026
HSA 5003: History of American Higher Education
HSA 5103: College Student Development
Summer 2026
HSA 6203: Contemporary Thought in Higher Education
HSA 6933: Internship/Practicum in Higher Education Administration
Fall 2026
HSA 6303: Governance and Leadership in Higher Education
HSA 6123: Program Planning and Evaluation in Higher Education
Spring 2027
HSA 6003: Higher Education Law and Policy
HSA 6143: Administrative Issues in Higher Education and Student Affairs
Program Core Requirements
EDU 5003. Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Basic concepts of research design, strategies of experimental, historical, and descriptive research, and basic statistical procedures are introduced. Participants use these concepts to read, interpret, and evaluate educational and counseling research and to plan such research.
HSA 5023. Introduction to Higher Education and Student Affairs. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Provides initial insight into the student affairs profession, including expectations and ethical standards of the profession. This survey course introduces students to the numerous differentiated student affairs functional areas in postsecondary education by using theory-based and application-oriented approaches.
HSA 5003. History of American Higher Education. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
A knowledge of history makes possible the awareness and understanding of present-day issues in higher education, such as the interdependence and role of higher education in society. This course covers the development of western higher education from the 11th century to the present with an emphasis on the development of U.S. higher education since the colonial colleges. Course sections may use chronological, critical, thematic, or other strategies for covering content.
HSA 5103. College Student Development. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course offers those who work or plan to work in post-secondary educational institutions the opportunity to build an understanding of classic and contemporary college student development theories and their application in practice.
HSA 6003. Higher Education Law and Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course examines the legal status of higher education in the United States, the rights and responsibilities of educators and students including fair employment, due process, tort liability and contracts, student rights, landmark court decisions, and federal and state legislation having an impact on education.
Administrative Services Requirement
HSA 6123. Program Planning and Evaluation in Higher Education and Student Affairs. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
An overview of program evaluation theories, models and perspectives currently being applied in higher education. Emphasis will be on how to plan programs and perform evaluations of functional areas and/or organizational units in higher education that are focused on student support, activities and success.
HSA 6143. Administrative Practices in Higher Education and Student Affairs. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Examines the organization and administration of student services in institutions of higher education. Theories, research, and methods are used to encourage the application of theory to practical experience. Topics will include the administrative environment of student affairs, organizational and management issues of student affairs, essential skills and competencies for student affairs managers, professional standards and principles of good practice, and challenges for the future.
Comprehensive University Leadership Concentration
HSA 6203. Contemporary Thought in Higher Education. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
A study of current thought as it relates to the management of institutions of higher education.
HSA 6303. Governance and Leadership in Higher Education. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Analysis of current leadership practices and issues in the governance of higher education that affect students, faculty, and administration. Study of the scope and role of colleges and universities.
Internship
HSA 6933. Internship/Practicum in Higher Education Administration. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is designed to provide exploratory experience for students in different functional areas of higher education (i.e., student affairs, academic affairs, or policy and governance) to help them gain a perspective of the breadth and depth of college administration. Individually supervised field experience of 150 hours in a functional area of higher education is required.
Comprehensive Examination
A comprehensive examination is required as described separately in this catalog (see the Graduate Catalog, Master’s Degree Regulations).
Total: 30 Hours
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