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Master of Arts in
Higher Education Leadership
Higher Education Leadership Overview
Be empowered to live as a courageous ambassador for Christ amidst a world of confusion and compromise.
This program will prepare you for a world of opportunities in the field of Higher Education. You will develop the skills needed to serve in advanced academic or administrative position in a postsecondary institution. Lacking knowledge and qualifications frequently make these positions out of reach. As a leader, innovative thinking is a necessity if the vision and mission of institutions are going to be fulfilled. If you are passionate about quality Higher Education, with a desire to advance your career, this accelerated and affordable degree is for you. Don’t delay your future in Higher Education leadership, join our online learning community today!
Grace Christian University intends that the information from this page complies with various state, federal, and accreditation requirements.
0MONTHS
0Credit hours
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AUGUST0Start Date
Admission REQUIREMENTS
TUITION COST
Common Careers
Benefits
Required Texts
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
You will need the following to gain admission to Grace Christian University:
- Bachelor’s Degree – You need a Bachelor’s Degree to apply for a Master’s Degree.
- Completed Application – It is free to apply. Apply here >
- Official Transcripts – Submit transcripts from all prior colleges where the student received an undergraduate degree. Transcripts detailing graduate-level work can be submitted for transfer credit evaluation.
TUITION COST
Master’s Programs – $480/credit hour
View our 2023-24 Graduate Tuition Costs >
Military Personnel (active duty, veterans, spouses, dependents 23 or under) – $250/credit hour
View our 2023-24 Graduate Military Tuition Costs >
Other Graduate Program Fees
Technology Fee – $100 (per semester)
Graduation Fee – $150
COMMON CAREERS
Common Careers include:
- Academic Advisor
- Assistant Registrar
- Athletic Director
- Dean of Admissions
- Director of Academic Advising
- Director of Career Services
- Director of Student Financial Aid
- Provost
- Vice President of Enrollment Management
- Student Activities Officer
- Student Admissions Counselor
- Student Career Counselor
- Student Conduct Coordinator
- Student Financial Aid Counselor
- Student Housing/Residence Life Officer
BENEFITS
Students in the Online Master’s programs will be able to:
- Complete a Master’s degree in as few as 20 months
- Attend class asynchronously online and minimize interference from work schedules and family responsibilities
- Improve writing skills through our university Writing Center at our virtual Academic Center for Excellence.
- Enhance virtual presentation and technology skills to maximize ministry effectiveness and/or leadership skills
- Meet in a collaborative format and benefit from the varied experiences and ideas of classmates
- Obtain a degree that opens a wide range of opportunities, including pursuing doctoral studies
- Attend small virtual classes with the same students, developing teamwork skills and mutual support
- Receive individualized instruction and specific attention
- Gain satisfaction by fulfilling an educational goal
GEN 501 – Graduate Writing and Research
- Burns, J. S., Shoup, J. R., & Simmons Jr., D. C. (2014). Organizational leadership: Foundations and Practices for Christians. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. 978-0830840502
- Neumann, J. W. (2016). A Professor’s Guide to Writing Essays: The No-Nonsense Plan for Better Writing (2nd ed.). Edinburg, TX: Self-Published. 978-0692822524
- Williams, V. K. (2016). I’m Not a Writer…I’m Just in Graduate School: A Guide to Writing Critically, Clearly and Coherently. Tampa, FL: Chrysalis Consulting. 978-1533392916
LEA 505 – Organizational Ethics
- Ferrell, O.C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2017). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning ISBN: 9781305500846
LEA 540 – Organizational Behavior
- (Textbook from LEA 501) Burns, John S., Shoup, John R., and Simmons, Donald C. (2014) Organizational Leadership: Foundations and Practices for Christians. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic. 9780830840502
LEA 545 – Leading with Cultural Intelligence
- Livermore, D. (2015). Leading with Cultural Intelligence. New York: AMACOM Publishing. 9780814449172
- Elmer, D. (2002). Cross-Cultural Connections: Stepping Out and Fitting In Around the World. Downers Grove, IL: InterVaristy Press. 9780830823093
BUS 515 – Financial Stewardship
- Textbooks for this course will be open source. No required texts to purchase.
EDL 565 – Learning Theory and Teaching Strategies
- Johnson, A. P. (2019). Essential Learning Theories: Application to Authentic Teaching Situations. Rowman & Littlefield. 978-1475852707
EDL 570 – Leadership in Educational Technology (via BML Ebook collection through EBSCO Host)
- Kim, J. & Maloney, E. (2020). Learning Innovation and the Future of Higher Education. Johns Hopkins University Press. https://search-ebscohost-com.libproxy.gracechristian.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=2266285&site=ehost-live
EDL 575 – Curriculum Development and Assessment
- Kuh, G. D., & Ikenberry, S. O., & Jankowski, N. A., & Cain, T. R, & Ewell, P. T., & Hutchings, P., & Kinzie, J. (2015). Using Evidence of Student Learning to Improve Higher Education (Jossey-bass Higher and Adult Education) (1st ed.). Jossey-Bass. 1118903390
EDL 580 – Contemporary Issues and Innovation in Higher Education
- Gasman, M., & Samayoa A. C. (Eds.) (2019). Contemporary Issues in Higher Education: Core Concepts in Higher Education. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. 978-1138344600
EDL 585 – Student Support Services and Retention Strategies
- Moxley, D., Najor-Durack, A., Dumbrigue, C. (2013). Keeping Students in Higher Education. Routledge Taylor and Francis Group. 978-0749430887.
*Note: The kindle edition was published in 2013. Students are welcome to use paperback, hardback, or kindle editions published from 2001 to 2016.
CAP 595 – Graduate Studies Capstone
- Blanchard, K., Hodges. P. & Hendry, P. (2016). Lead like Jesus Revisited: Lessons From the Greatest Role Model of All Time. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. 9780718077259
CLASSES ARE TAUGHT FROM A BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
WE CARE ABOUT EACH STUDENT'S ETERNAL IMPACT
LOW TUITION FOR A PRIVATE EDUCATION
Refine & Extend Your Calling as You Continue to Make an Eternal Impact
Every major at Grace Christian is focused on intertwining spiritual and academic growth. The school aims to develop passionate servants of Jesus that emphasize the integration of character transformation, ministry experience, and biblical truth.
Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership Curriculum
GEN 501L – Graduate Writing and Research
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to give students the skills they need to complete successful written projects and research in graduate-level courses within the context of a biblical worldview. Students who pass this course will demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking, expressed through solid research and clear writing, which serves as the foundation for further studies in the University’s graduate programs.
LEA 505 – Organizational Ethics
Credit Hours: 3
An analysis of the foundation of ethical behavior in business, including an introduction to social graces and the importance of professional image. Emphasis is placed on a comparison between Judeo-Christian and secular ethical paradigms, as well as the social responsibility of organizations to contribute to the common good. (Cross-listed as HU or HUM 405 for undergraduate students in the 4+1 program.)
BUS 515 – Financial Stewardship
Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces the principles of financial management. Students will review basic concepts of financial management, financial analysis and control, capital investment decisions, cost of capital, sources of long-term funds and cash management principles, accounting, review of basic organizational financial statements, ratio analysis, debt and equity securities, security valuation, and Time Value of Money. It is a study of the fundamentals of corporate finance as they relate to non-financial managers.
LEA 540 – Organizational Behavior
Credit Hours: 3
The study of the behavior of individuals and teams within for-profit and nonprofit organizations based on current management theory. Emphasis is given to understanding, predicting, motivating and changing work-related behaviors in organizations. Key topics include managerial and leadership career paths, decision making, organizational change, leading and mentoring teams, conflict and negotiation, and cultural intelligence. (Cross-listed as LE or LEA 440 for undergraduate students in the 4+1 program.)
LEA 545 – Leading with Cultural Intelligence
Credit Hours: 3
Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is the capability to function effectively in a variety of cultural contexts. Students will examine literature and perspectives from the fields of anthropology, sociology, and organizational leadership as well as study cultural engagement in light of the biblical narrative. (Cross-listed as LEA 445 for undergraduate students in the 4+1 program.)
EDL 565 – Learning Theory and Teaching Strategies
Credit Hours: 3
This course will examine scholarly research on learning theories including cognitive, behaviorism, constructivism, humanism, and connectivism. Topics will include pedagogy and andragogy, multiple intelligences, differentiated instruction, learner-centeredness and teacher-centeredness. A variety of teaching methodologies will be explored.
EDL 570 – Leadership in Educational Technology
Credit Hours: 3
This course will examine the roles of leadership in community, leadership in administration and leadership in institutions from a Christian worldview. This course will provide educators with both the theoretical and the practical considerations for evaluating, planning and implementing technology. This course will form a foundation from which educators will provide leadership and become agents for realizing the powerful potential of technology in their institutions.
EDL 575 – Curriculum Development and Assessment
Credit Hours: 3
This course will explore curriculum development approaches for online, face-to-face, and hybrid learning modalities. Topics will include writing measurable learning outcomes, developing formative and summative assessments, data-based decision making, closing the loop, and reporting assessment data in meaningful and useful formats.
EDL 580 – Contemporary Issues and Innovation in Higher Education
Credit Hours: 3
This course will examine current trends in higher education. Topics will include accreditation, policy, financial aid, decreasing enrollment, limited resources, diversity and equity, accessibility, and social and political changes impacting higher education. Students will apply innovative strategies to address contemporary higher education issues faced by students, faculty, staff, and administration.
EDL 585 – Student Support Services and Retention Strategies
Credit Hours: 3
This course will examine strategies to optimize student outcomes to meet students’ academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Topics include motivation, academic support, student retention, campus life, academic advising, and career counseling.
CAP 595 – Graduate Studies Capstone
Credit Hours: 3
This course is a culmination of the graduate program including a closer examination of many of the distinctives of Grace Christian University. Students will reflect on the University’s core values and learning outcomes, especially as they applied to their graduate studies. Students will also look forward to completing a variety of learning activities appropriate to their degree. Prerequisite: The successful completion of all courses in the degree program.
The Bible is Central
Grace Christian University is accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). ABHE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education and has designated Grace Christian University as an institute of higher education in which the Bible is central and the development of Christian life and ministry is essential.
Learn more at ABHE.ORG
APPLY ONLINE TO GRACE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Fill out the application form, and someone will reach out to you within minutes. No entrance exam needed.
TALK TO YOUR
PERSONAL ADVISOR
You'll be assigned a personal advisor who will guide you. You may also contact our Enrollment Director.
LIVE OUT
YOUR CALLING!
Feel confident and prepared to impact the world for Christ.
The Grace Christian Difference
ACADEMIC RIGOR
The program will teach and develop graduate-level research, writing, critical thinking, leadership and communication skills. Beginning with the Program Seminar, the program is designed to acclimate students to graduate-level work and prepare them for the kind of reading, writing, and thinking skills they will need for the remainder of the program.
STUDENT–CENTERED
The application of constructivist learning theory puts the responsibility of learning in the hands of the students. Whenever possible, students will be allowed to choose what they will learn, how they will learn, and how they will assess their learning in terms of their ministry and professional goals.
BEST PRACTICES
As a fully online program, Graduate Studies at Grace Christian University adheres to the best practices of online education, including, but not limited to: online presence, creating a supportive online community, a variety of individual, small group, and large group learning experiences, and clear communication in the online environment.
We take care of your personalized education plan
Finish in the same time as an on-campus program
Log-in when it works best for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is thE Master's program for?
Anyone who has completed a Bachelor's degree and is seeking quality Christian Higher Education. We offer tuition discounts for military personnel, alumni scholarships, and payment plans for cash paying students. Our program is excellent for those receiving tuition reimbursement from an employer as well as anyone seeking to utilize Federal Financial Aid.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE PROFESSORS OF THIS PROGRAM?
Your professors have first hand knowledge working in their areas of instruction, along with advanced degrees and higher education experience. They are eager not just to instruct, but to guide you on your faith journey and pray for you throughout your time here. Their desire is to help you succeed and equip you for where God has called you.
What are the benefits of the program?
Students in the Online Master's programs will be able to:
- Complete a Master's degree in as few as 20 months
- Attend class asynchronously online and minimize interference from work schedules and family responsibilities
- Improve writing skills through our university Writing Center at our virtual Academic Center for Excellence.
- Enhance virtual presentation and technology skills to maximize ministry effectiveness and/or leadership skills
- Meet in a collaborative format and benefit from the varied experiences and ideas of classmates
- Obtain a degree that opens a wide range of opportunities, including pursuing doctoral studies
- Attend small virtual classes with the same students, developing teamwork skills and mutual support
- Receive individualized instruction and specific attention
- Gain satisfaction by fulfilling an educational goal
WHAT FLEXIBILITY DOES THE MASTER’S PROGRAM OFFER?
One course at a time, on your own time, in as little as 20 months. Students may enroll full-time or part-time and complete their coursework throughout the week at a time of day that is convenient for them.
WHY SHOULD I STUDY ONLINE AT GRACE?
Advance your career from the comfort of your own home.
Our online master’s degrees are designed for busy professionals who desire to advance their careers. Through our flexible classes, our professors will encourage and mentor you as you expand your current pursuits.
Experience a caring community.
Connect with professors and students who will come alongside you as you pursue higher education and growth in Christ. At Grace, we’re passionate about equipping and supporting you to serve the Lord and others in all that God has called you to do.
Strengthen your biblical foundation.
At Grace Christian University, the Word of God is taught, valued, and celebrated. Deepen your knowledge of God’s Word as you receive an education grounded in objective Biblical truth.
The Grace Experience.
As closely as possible, the Graduate Studies program will reproduce the experience of undergraduate students (On Campus and Online) in an authentic Grace Christian University experience, expressing the ethos, core values, and historic mission of the University. This includes the University’s commitment to being a Bible-centered institution, committed to our historic Grace theological position, which values transformative relationships and service to church and society.
Where can I view the Academic Catalog?
Where can i view the academic Calendar?
View the “Academic Calendar” section in the Graduate Online Academic Catalog.
WHAT SETS OUR MASTER'S PROGRAMS APART?
Our Enrollment Advisors are there for you.
One-on-one coaching through the admissions process and the first class with your assigned Enrollment Advisor. Your advisor will want to know:
- Your passion
- Your path and goals
- Life circumstances that could help or hinder your success
- How can they pray for and with you
Your advisor will take this information seriously and provide tailored care as you get started with your degree.
We Prioritize You
Your goals and giftings are prioritized so they drive your success; this is opposed to a one-size fits all mentality & communication.
We take care of all class registration and your personalized education plan is created when you begin your program, so you are able to see all courses required until your graduate date.
One Class at a Time
No required log-in time (you log in throughout the week when it works best for your schedule!)
Students finish their online degrees in the same period as if they were attending an on-campus program.
Our Professors Care
Staff and faculty care about each student's eternal impact, which influences the care and resources we provide. Professors care and are easily accessible.
Low professor-to-student ratio:
- Online Undergraduate - 9.3 students per course section
- Online Graduate - 7 students per course section
The Bible is Central
All classes are taught from a biblical foundation, regardless of subject, with weekly devotions.
Low Cost Quality Education
Low tuition for a private Christian education.
Servant Leadership was one of the many courses I took while at Grace, and this course better prepared me for the career of law enforcement and ministry that I’m currently working in. In order to be the best leader I was created to be, I learned that I can never lose my servant's heart.
Carlin J
Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Online Master's
Servant Leadership was one of the many courses I took while at Grace, and this course better prepared me for the career of law enforcement and ministry that I’m currently working in. In order to be the best leader I was created to be, I learned that I can never lose my servant's heart.
Carlin J
Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Online Master's
I pursued this degree in an effort to continue to develop my ability to serve God by leading my congregation. I have always enjoyed engaging deeper in issues related to faith and the church and saw this degree as a challenging way to do this.
Jim S
Master of Arts in Ministry, Online Master's
I pursued this degree in an effort to continue to develop my ability to serve God by leading my congregation. I have always enjoyed engaging deeper in issues related to faith and the church and saw this degree as a challenging way to do this.
Jim S
Master of Arts in Ministry, Online Master's
At Grace I have been presented with many opportunities to learn and grow. It’s only through God’s faithfulness that l am here and I’m thankful for the 4 years He’s given me to pursue my degree and grow closer to Him in such a wonderful community. l’ll always remember and remain thankful for the time I spent at Grace.
Mikyala R
Master of Business Administration, Online Master's
At Grace I have been presented with many opportunities to learn and grow. It’s only through God’s faithfulness that l am here and I’m thankful for the 4 years He’s given me to pursue my degree and grow closer to Him in such a wonderful community. l’ll always remember and remain thankful for the time I spent at Grace.
Mikyala R
Master of Business Administration, Online Master's
