Higher Education Systems, Policy, and Leadership, Online MSEd

A college advisor works with a student in the library.

Online

Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Educational Studies

Explore:

Overview
Courses
Careers
Admissions
Cost
Licensure
Faculty
FAQ

This program is not accepting applications for Fall 2026.

OVERVIEW

Educational systems are evolving across the globe requiring PK-22 educational leaders to engage more than ever in transformational leadership practices. Purdue’s Higher Education Systems, Policy, and Leadership concentration is a non-licensure master’s concentration that focuses on preparing leadership-ready graduates to challenge the status quo of PK-22 education both domestically and internationally. This concentration engages students in critical thinking about PK-22 educational systems, leadership, and governance, as well as current issues and policies impacting the internal and external PK-22 educational environments. The program features the integration of select PK-12 and HE courses that explore the cultural, historical, economic and social factors present in contemporary education systems with course offerings in educational leadership, governance, policy, finance, law, and international education.

Please contact Dr. Lisa Lambert Snodgrass with any questions regarding the program and contact the Office of Graduate Studies with questions about the application process.

Credit Program

Semesters to Completion

Jun 1

Fall Application Deadline

$450

Cost per Credit Hour (Indiana Resident)

$563

Cost Per Credit Hour (Non-Indiana Resident)

A teacher writing on a whiteboard with a black dry erase marker. She is wearing glasses and a striped white dress shirt.

Courses

Course requirements (30 credits, over approx. 5, semesters including summer)

A young black teacher grades papers at a desk in a classroom. He is wearing a light blue dress shirt and a patterned navy tie. In his hands are a pencil and various papers.

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.

A group of students walking underneath the Purdue Arch.

Admissions

This program is not accepting applications for Fall 2026.

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.

Start Your Giant Leap with One Small Step

Apply Now

A young woman writes in a notebook with a pen while using a laptop.

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.}

A young woman looking down at a tablet in her hands. She is wearing a light green knit sweater and a tan trench coat. Around her are grade school students walking to their next class.

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.

Terron Phillips

Clinical Assistant Professor; Holmes Scholars Faculty Research Coordinator

Learn More

Lisa Lambert Snodgrass

Associate Professor, Director of Higher Education Program

Learn More

Christine Kiracofe (Rienstra-Kiracofe)

Department Head, Educational Studies

Learn More

Chandler Hawkins

Visiting Assistant Professor

Learn More

Muhammad Salahuddin

Visiting Assistant Professor

Learn More

Frequently asked questions

Complete the form below to learn more.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Name(Required)

Email(Required)

Phone Number(Required)

Higher Education Systems, Policy, and Leadership

OVERVIEW