ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY · CANADA
Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€25k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Blended learning with online courses and virtual/on-campus residenciesDelivery Model
- Focus on systems thinking, leadership, and strategic planningCore Topics
- Prepares graduates for senior leadership roles (e.g., Vice President, Director, Dean)Career Outcomes
- Option to complete via research paper or thesisProgram Structure
- Study leadership theory and best practices specific to higher educationProgram Focus
This Master of Arts program is designed for individuals currently working in or aspiring to leadership roles within post-secondary institutions. It focuses on developing a deep understanding of the theories, research, and contemporary issues facing higher education. Through a blended learning approach, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead and manage change in universities and colleges, preparing you for senior administrative positions.
Curriculum
The program includes core courses covering essential aspects of higher education administration and leadership. Students can choose to complete the program through a research paper or a thesis. Each 3-credit online course requires approximately 100 hours of work. The program begins with a non-credit course on academic integrity.
- Program Length
- Introduction to Academic IntegrityITAI
- The LinkLRNTLNK
- Higher Education Leadership in Times of ChangeHEAL501
- Approaches to Educational Research in Higher EducationHEAL510
- Global and National Perspectives on Higher EducationHEAL520
- Leading Educational Change in Higher Education EnvironmentsHEAL530
- New Models for Institutional ViabilityHEAL540
- Systems Thinking and Strategic Planning in Higher EducationHEAL550
- Quality, Accountability and Educational EffectivenessHEAL560
- Leveraging Technology in Higher Education EnvironmentsHEAL570
- Proposal Development for Educational ResearchLRNT506
- Advanced Research: Thesis ProposalLRNT600
- ThesisLRNT690
- Research Paper: Leading and Sustaining Collaborative Inquiry ProcessesHEAL610
Careers
Graduates are prepared for success in senior leadership roles at universities and colleges, including positions such as vice president, director, coordinator, and dean. The program also supports career advancement in administrative areas like student affairs, enrolment services, IT, and business development.
- Vice president
- Director
- Coordinator
- Dean
- Student affairs administrator
- Enrolment services professional
- IT leadership
- Business development
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership program?
- Applicants need a four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution and a minimum of three years of relevant, paid work experience within recognized higher education institutions. Applications are assessed holistically, considering academic credentials, work, and personal experience.
- How long does the program take to complete?
- The program length is not explicitly stated in terms of months or years, but it includes various courses culminating in either a 12-credit thesis or a 6-credit research paper. Each 3-credit online course requires approximately 100 hours of work.
- What is the tuition fee for international students?
- For the September 2026 intake, the estimated international tuition is $40,449 CAD for the entire program. Tuition fees are subject to annual increases, and rates for the September 2027 intake require visiting the university's tuition fees page.
- What career opportunities are available after graduating from this program?
- Graduates are prepared for senior leadership roles in universities and colleges, such as vice president, director, coordinator, and dean. The program also supports career advancement in administrative areas like student affairs, enrolment services, IT, and business development.
- How is the program delivered?
- The program uses a blended learning model, combining online courses with virtual or on-campus residencies. Online components include readings, lectures, discussions, and assignments, while virtual residencies involve intensive daily engagement and group work.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeFour-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.
Work ExperienceMinimum of three years of relevant, paid work experience within recognized higher education institutions (i.e., public or accredited colleges, universities).
Applications are assessed through a holistic and integrated review of academic credentials, work experience, and personal experience on a case-by-case basis.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition estimates shown are for the entire program. All rates are subject to annual increase. For the September 2026 intake, international tuition is $40,449 CAD. For the September 2027 intake, tuition fees require visiting the tuition fees page.
Tuition (home)Tuition estimates shown are for the entire program. All rates are subject to annual increase. For the September 2026 intake, domestic tuition is $28,453 CAD. For the September 2027 intake, tuition fees require visiting the tuition fees page.
Living—
Tuition estimates are for the entire program and are subject to annual increase.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership program?
+
Applicants need a four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution and a minimum of three years of relevant, paid work experience within recognized higher education institutions. Applications are assessed holistically, considering academic credentials, work, and personal experience.
How long does the program take to complete?
+
The program length is not explicitly stated in terms of months or years, but it includes various courses culminating in either a 12-credit thesis or a 6-credit research paper. Each 3-credit online course requires approximately 100 hours of work.
What is the tuition fee for international students?
+
For the September 2026 intake, the estimated international tuition is $40,449 CAD for the entire program. Tuition fees are subject to annual increases, and rates for the September 2027 intake require visiting the university's tuition fees page.
What career opportunities are available after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for senior leadership roles in universities and colleges, such as vice president, director, coordinator, and dean. The program also supports career advancement in administrative areas like student affairs, enrolment services, IT, and business development.
How is the program delivered?
+
The program uses a blended learning model, combining online courses with virtual or on-campus residencies. Online components include readings, lectures, discussions, and assignments, while virtual residencies involve intensive daily engagement and group work.