Courses
Courses
Course requirements (30 credits, over approx. 5, semesters including summer)
I. Core (9 credits)
- EDST 52100: Foundations of PK-22 Educational Systems
- EDST 52000: Educational Leadership & Governance
- EDST 52200: Culture & Social Issues in Education
II. Foundations (9 credits)
- EDST 59100: Higher Education Economics and Finance
- EDST 59100: Higher Education Law
- EDST 59100: International Education
III. Required (3 credits)
- EDPS 53300: Research Methods
IV. Electives (6 credits)
V. Experimental (3 credits)
- EDST 59100/61300: Study Abroad
- EDST 69500: Internship
- Independent study [research focus for thesis selection]
Careers
Career Outlook
The Higher Education Systems, Policy, and Leadership concentration is an excellent program for students pursuing careers in PK-22 educational leadership, student life/affairs, financial aid/affairs, enrollment management, state and federal government agencies and policy organizations. This program is also designed to prepare students for doctoral-level educational pathways.
Admissions
Admissions
This program has rolling admissions with applications considered for admission for the fall semester. Incomplete applications are not reviewed, and applications must be received (including all required materials) by June 1.
Below are the materials required for this application. Visit the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) website for more information about the requirements below.
- Transcripts (from all universities attended)
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- 1 Recommendation
- Resume/CV
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- International Applicants must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
We encourage prospective students to submit an application early, even if not all required materials are uploaded. Applications are not forwarded on for faculty review until all required materials are uploaded.
- When submitting your application for this program, please select the following options:
- Campus and Program Tab:
- Select a Campus: Purdue West Lafayette (PWL)
- Select your proposed graduate major: Educational Studies
- First Choice Program Details Tab:
- Please select an Area of Interest: Higher Education Systems, Policy, and Leadership
- Please select a Degree Objective: Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
- Primary Course Delivery: Distance
- Campus and Program Tab:
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Cost
Program Costs
| Current Tuition Rates and Fees* | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost Per Credit | $450.00 | $563.00 |
| Credit Hours | 30 | 30 |
| Total Costs | $13,500 | $16,890 |
Additional Information
*The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
Licensure
Licensure Information
This program does not lead to nor result in an educator license within or outside the State of Indiana. For licensure inquiries contact the College of Education, Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL).
program FACULTY
Learn From the Experts
Explore how Purdue’s faculty for the online MSEd in Higher Education Systems, Policy, and Leadership can prepare you to help all students learn.
Frequently asked questions
The program is 30 credits, designed to take 1.5 years (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters).
Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Educational Studies with a concentration of Higher Education Systems, Policy, and Leadership. This information will be listed on the transcript, and the diploma states the degree objective.
No, the GRE is not required for admission to this program. However, you can submit GRE scores that are up to 5 years old.
Yes. All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
No funding is available from the program. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and seek additional support from employers or external resources.
Yes. This program was designed with working professionals in mind. Its flexible, asynchronous delivery modality makes it easier for working professionals to complete coursework at a feasible pace.
In-state tuition is $450 per credit hour; out-of-state tuition is $650 per credit hour.
Standard load is two, three-credit courses each semester: fall, spring, and summer.
To meet the 3-credit experiential requirement, students will have the option of either studying abroad with one of our Higher Education doctoral cohorts, completing a semester-long professional internship, or writing a thesis on a topic related to higher education systems, policy, or leadership.
Internships are individualized and are designed to give students experience in areas of a college or university that they are interested in exploring. The internship is not a “job shadowing” experience and students are not required to be physically present in West Lafayette to complete an internship at Purdue. Instead, the internship is project-based, allowing students to gain important experience with “real world” higher education issues and challenges.
The study abroad program is optional for students in the online MSEd program. The study abroad program will take place following the final spring of students’ coursework. We will travel abroad for approximately 10 days and work with professors and administrators at a partnering Higher Education Institution (currently at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland). Please note that study abroad costs are in addition to tuition and will range between $4,000 – $6,000 plus airfare.
June 1 is the application deadline for consideration for a fall semester start, and November 1 is the deadline to apply for a spring semester start. Incomplete applications are not reviewed.
Interested in this program?
Complete the form below to learn more.
