Master's in Higher Education Leadership
Make Your Impact in Higher Education
Program Overview
Bellarmine’s M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership is a 30-credit-hour, fully-online master’s program designed to prepare students for leadership and administrative roles across higher education. The curriculum blends higher education theory with Catholic social teaching principles to develop the professional skills, ethical grounding, and leadership capacity needed to serve in entry- and mid-level positions.
Students gain broad preparation to lead and support student learning and institutional effectiveness across a wide range of higher education settings. The program is delivered in a fully online, asynchronous format with 7-week courses and can be completed in one year or two years.
New College Athletics Track
The College Athletics track offers a focused pathway for students pursuing leadership roles in intercollegiate athletics, with emphasis on governance, compliance, organizational leadership, and student-athlete development.
Flexible Online Format for Working Professionals
Complete your degree in a fully online, asynchronous format with 7-week courses designed to help you balance graduate study with professional and personal commitments.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership are prepared for leadership and administrative roles across higher education institutions, including traditional undergraduate and graduate colleges, community colleges, online institutions, and professional education settings.
- Student affairs or academic affairs administrator
- Athletic Director or Assistant/Associate Athletic Director
- Compliance Officer or Academic Advisor for Student-Athletes
- Enrollment, advancement, or student success professional
- Facilities, operations, or program manager
College Athletics Track
The College Athletics track provides a focused pathway for students interested in leadership roles within intercollegiate athletics. This track builds on the core higher education curriculum while emphasizing the structure, governance, and administration of collegiate athletic programs.
- Foundations of intercollegiate athletic administration
- Leadership and organizational management in athletics
- Governance, compliance, and policy in college sports
- Student-athlete development and support
This track is designed for current and aspiring athletic administrators, coaches, and professionals working in coaching, administration, game operations, or student-athlete services. An early-entry option is available for rising seniors, allowing students to begin graduate coursework while completing their bachelor’s degree.
Faculty
James G. Archibald, Ph.D., LPC is an Associate Professor and Chair of Higher Education Leadership. Before coming to Bellarmine University, Dr. Archibald was an Associate Professor at Valdosta State University. He previously served as the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Valdosta State University where he provided strategic vision, leadership, organization, and supervision for the Division of Student Affairs.
Dr. Archibald is a licensed professional counselor and earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs from Ohio University. He has a Master of Science degree in Guidance and Counseling from Austin Peay State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Morehouse College.
Adjunct Faculty
- Adriel A. Hilton, Ph.D., Dean of Students and Diversity Officer, Seton Hill University
- Eve Hudson, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Strategist, The Purpose Professor, LLC
- James Hudson, Ph.D., Instructor of University Studies and Educational Technology, Johnston Community College
- Melvin (Jai) Jackson, Ph.D., Director of Graduate Student Success, College of Education, North Carolina State University
- Sean McGreevey, Ph.D.
“The tuition rate for the program is much less than similar online programs. The classes are a great, 8-week format that lets me focus on class while still working a full-time job and having ‘me time.’ The instructors are great and come with a significant amount of knowledge and expertise to the courses.”
Taylor Street, M.Ed. Graduate
100%
Online + Asynchronous
7-Week
Course Format
30
Credit hours
Contact
Admissions
admissions@bellarmine.edu
(502) 272-7100
All advanced-level teacher education programs at Bellarmine University’s Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education are recognized by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board, and are fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. View CAEP Annual Reporting Measures
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