Higher education is a world many individuals want to get involved in later in life. If you’re interested in applying for a higher education position, it helps to have a degree. Unfortunately, not everyone can head to college in person to earn their education. Are there any quality higher education certification programs online?
The seven best higher education certification programs online include:
- Drexel University’s Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Compliance
- Indiana University’s Certificate in Higher Education and Student Affairs
- Northeastern University’s Certificate in Higher Education Administration
- Berkeley’s Certificate Program in Student Affairs and Higher-Education Administration
- Dakota Wesleyan’s Master of Arts in Education
- University of Louisville’s M.A. in Higher Education Administration
- Central Washington University’s Master of Education Higher Education
These will give you all the education you need to succeed in higher education.
Read on to learn more about each of these courses. No matter what you’re on the hunt for, there will be something here that works for your life. Let’s get started to give you the foundation to further your studies.
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What is a Higher Education Professional?
A higher education professional is an individual in a university environment that is not a teacher or a top manager. They serve as critical points for academic and administrative processes in an administration. They are a support staff that the university needs to operate, but they don’t fit in the teaching or administrative categories.
Careers as a higher education professional include being a:
- Registrar
- Academic Advisor
- Community College Leadership
These roles support the university and permit it to grow in unexpected ways.
Being a higher education is an excellent place for those who want to work in secondary school but don’t want to teach or lead. There are many options with a higher education certification. If you have the funds and time, it’s worth it to get one for yourself.
What is the Highest Educational Certificate?
The highest educational certificate is a doctorate. It’s impossible to achieve a degree higher than a doctorate in education, though you can get more doctorates in different categories. Education is one of the most popular.
Many universities offer doctorates, whether you’re going to an ivy league or local college. There are also plenty of online choices for those who want to learn from their home. The level of certification you receive depends on the resources, time, and finances available. Many universities offer excellent scholarship options.
How Long Does it Take to Study for a Higher Certificate in Education?
A certificate can be done in less than two years. This time depends on the degree earned. An associate’s degree will take longer than a bachelor’s degree. A nano degree will only take a few weeks.
A part-time study for less than a year is a signifier that you have the basic knowledge needed for a job in higher education. You can get a job with this certification or push the degree further and earn a higher-level degree. The higher the degree, the higher you can work in a department.
The 7 Best Higher Education Certification Programs Online
If you want to get a higher education certification online, there are plenty of programs online. All of them offer something different for interested parties.
No matter your goals, there will be something here for you. Let’s get started.
1. Drexel University’s Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Compliance
The first degree on this list is Drexel University’s Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Compliance. This program offers a quarter system, which permits students to take on ten weeks at a time. It provides tuition plans for those who can’t afford the base tuition by themselves.
In this program, you will learn about items like:
- Risk assessment and management
- Institutional compliance
- Financial rules and regulations
- The legality of student life and safety
These courses, and more, will help you succeed in the world of higher education.
It costs $1,275 per credit to earn a higher education certification from Drexel University’s online program. Students from the military, alumni, or new partners are eligible for a 20% discount on their studies. This rate is lower than those taking classes on campus have to pay.
If you want to get into Drexel’s program, there are a few prerequisites you need to meet. The most critical one to have is a transcript from previous locations of education, whether from college or high school.
2. Indiana University’s Certificate in Higher Education and Student Affairs
Next up is Indiana University’s Certificate in Higher Education and Students Affairs. It’s for students working in student affairs who don’t have a degree and want to learn more about the basics. There are 12-credit hours of four online courses to be taken here, which can occur over one or two summers.
Here’s what you will learn about as a student here:
- Application of theory
- Current issues and trends in the profession
- Basic knowledge of the field
Students can combine this course with a Master’s in Adult Education.
For Indiana residents, it costs $513.27 per credit hour. For individuals outside the state, it costs $604.74 per credit hour. The program is flexible and designed to work around any person’s busy schedule.
This certificate is a higher-level program, so you will need a bachelor’s degree. You will need a minimum GPA of 2.75 and one letter of recommendation from a supervisor. You will also need transcripts and a resume.
3. Northeastern University’s Certificate in Higher Education Administration
Northeastern University’s Certificate in Higher Education Administration is another excellent program to be in as a student. It’s a graduate certificate that can be given full-time attention or part-time. The program is made to last anywhere from six months to twelve months in an online environment.
In this program, you will learn about:
- Thriving in a world constantly changing
- Foundational skills for creating a comfortable environment
- Practical skills for the professional environment
You’ll be ready in no time for the administrative branch of higher education.
It will cost you about $11,000 to earn this certificate as an online student. There are many ways to apply for financial help if you can’t cover that cost yourself. The program offers admission on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply for admission during any of the four quarters in the year.
There are a few requirements you will need to consider. The school requires a statement of purpose, application, professional resume, and transcripts. Some students might need to indicate English proficiency.
4. Berkeley’s Certificate Program in Student Affairs and Higher-Education Administration
Next up is Berkeley’s Certificate Program in Student Affairs and Higher Education Administration. The program recognizes that those with a higher education background are more in demand now than ever before. They strive to equip interested students with professional skills that can take them far.
In this program, you will learn more about:
- Student and leadership development in the business environment
- Socio-Cultural impacts on students
- Collaborative techniques
- Fostering leadership and engagement
You will be ready for a job in the professional workplace as soon as the degree ends.
Berkeley’s certificate program offers 180 hours of instruction for interested parties. There is a nonrefundable fee that has to be paid upfront. Without materials or fees, the certification program costs about $3,500. It’s one of the most affordable higher education certification options for students who want to work in higher education.
You will need a bachelor’s degree to be in this program, as it is a master’s certification. You will also need to maintain a 2.5 GPA in every course to earn a certificate at the end. There are some cases where transcripts may be necessary to get into the program. Contact the program staff to see what you need to submit.
5. Dakota Wesleyan’s Master of Arts in Education
Dakota Wesleyan’s Master of Arts in Education is ideal for those on the hunt for a master’s certification. It’s 100% online to provide flexibility for anyone who needs a little more wiggle room in their learning schedule. It’s a fully accredited program with a good reputation from previous students of the school.
You will learn about the following in this program:
- Skills to work in an educational environment
- Legal and general knowledge about the educational world
- Foundational information for higher education success as a professional
You’ll be prepared to take on a more advanced job in no time at all.
This program is 100% online and consists of 7-week courses. If you attend full-time, the program can be completed in 15 months. Those who choose to take classes part-time will need a little more time to finish the degree. It’s also possible to put an emphasis on your degree, such as in English as a New Language or Educational Policy and Administration.
Dakota Wesleyan’s program is one of the best in the online world. You will need to provide a transcript of your previous educational history from other institutions.
6. University of Louisville’s M.A. in Higher Education Administration
If you’re looking for a master’s program, the University of Louisville’s Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration is an excellent place to look. It’s ranked number two in online master’s programs across the country. It works to equip students with everything they need to succeed in the higher education environment.
In this environment you will better understand:
- Policies that shape the learning environment
- Inclusion in the higher education world
- Equity to provide more opportunities for students
These will give any student a well-rounded view of the higher education world.
The online program has rolling admission which permits students to apply at any point in the year. There are three virtual orientations throughout the year. There are regular optional times online when all students meet, but most of the courses are asynchronous to allow international and working students to participate.
There are several admission requirements if you want to earn a certification here. You will need to provide official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume, a professional goals statement, and for some, proof of English proficiency.
7. Central Washington University’s Master of Education Higher Education
Last but not least is Central Washington University’s Master of Education Higher Education Certification. This program is designed for individuals who are interested in working in the higher education world but don’t yet have the experience. They address the growing need for these individuals in the workplace.
Here are a few of the things you will learn about:
- Finance in Colleges and Universities
- Higher Education Law
- Program Evaluation and Assessment
There is an excellent variety in the courses offered for students at this university.
There is 45-credit hours total in this program, made of ten core classes, two electives, a capstone or internship, and a final exam. There are options available if you need help covering the degree. The program is made up of several high-level educators.
You will need to apply to get into this program. You will also need three references, transcripts from previous places of education, and a resume. You will also need at least a 3.0 GPA for the last 90 hours of courses you have taken, whether at Central Washington University or another place of higher education.
Final Thoughts on Higher Education Certification Programs Online
If you want a higher education certification, there are plenty of options online. All seven schools listed above provide excellent resources to interested students, whether for a multiple-year bachelor’s degree or a nano degree. You can feel confident in the education provided right from your computer.
We hope this information was helpful! There’s a lot to consider when choosing a place to earn your higher education certification. No matter which of the seven schools you select above, you’re sure to find something that will work for your life. With a higher education certification, you have a door opened to many career options for your future. It’s never impossible.
