Higher Education

Program Description

The Higher Education Program (HEP) is designed for master's degree students interested in higher education administration in a college or university or in policy and planning at a higher education association or agency. Higher education courses examine the policies, practices, and issues of contemporary American higher education and offer opportunities to enhance analytical and managerial skills essential for professional success.

A typical cohort has approximately 40-45 students. These students come to Harvard from a broad array of previous positions. Some have worked in higher education previously, in entry, mid-management or faculty positions; some are interested in making a career transition into higher education; and a select few come directly from undergraduate studies where they were highly accomplished students and student leaders. Classes are designed to take advantage of this richness. Rather than preparing students for one particular job, the curriculum assumes that students will move through many positions during their career and offers them the skills and knowledge necessary for this professional advancement.

The master's degree in Higher Education is a one-year, full-time program. A select number of part-time students (typically Harvard employees) are admitted and complete the degree in two years.