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Earn a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration, certifying your readiness to lead, manage, and innovate within postsecondary institutions.
NECHE-Accredited
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Northeastern University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs are designed to empower professionals to lead meaningful change in education. Whether you work in schools, universities, or alternative learning spaces, you’ll gain the tools to reimagine learning environments, influence policy, and create inclusive, future-ready education systems.Programs offered:
M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration
M.Ed. in Learning and Instruction
M.Ed. in Special Education
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TypeMaster’s Degree
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Start DateJune 30, 2025
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Duration18-24 Months
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Introduction
Course Snapshot
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NECHE
Accredited
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#8 Most Innovative School
(U.S., 2024 ranking)
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3 M.Ed.
Programs
- Collaborate with a corporate partner on a real-world Experiential Network (XN) Project
- Build a digital portfolio to showcase learning and practical impact
- Explore education policies to address structural barriers and drive change
- Center equity and inclusion in every course and classroom application
- Apply theory to practice through real-world, capstone project
- *In the US as per US News and World Report
About the Accreditor
Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), one of the oldest regional accrediting bodies in the United States. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, NECHE ensures that institutions meet rigorous standards of academic quality, integrity, and continuous improvement, offering students and employers confidence in the value and credibility of their degree.
About the Programs
Master of Education in Higher Education Administration
Provides the foundation to understand the structure, governance, and operation of various higher education organizations, integrating opportunities for students to discuss current trends and issues in higher education. The program follows a scholar-practitioner model and has been developed from inputs by senior higher education leaders to ensure the curriculum is aligned with current industry demands and has real-world application of skills graduates need to excel in mid-level and leadership roles.
Master of Education in Learning and Instruction
Emphasizes designing engaging, inclusive instruction, implementing research-based assessment practices, and adapting to dynamic educational contexts influenced by social and institutional change. Graduates gain the expertise to lead meaningful educational transformations that support diverse learners and foster equitable, future-ready classrooms.
Master of Education in Special Education
Equips educators with the skills to support students with moderate disabilities through evidence-based instructional strategies, inclusive classroom practices, and effective implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The program also explores the broader policy and systemic factors shaping special education, preparing graduates to advocate for equitable access and drive positive change within schools and communities.
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About Northeastern University
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact.
Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our 13 campuses worldwide. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment.
Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.
Degree Certificate
Earn Valuable Credentials & Recognition
Complete all required courses and successfully fulfill program requirements to earn the Master of Education degree, a credential that demonstrates advanced expertise and commitment to educational excellence.
Master of Education in Higher Education Administration
Earn a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration, certifying your readiness to lead, manage, and innovate within postsecondary institutions.
Master of Education in Learning and Instruction
Complete the program to earn a Master of Education in Learning and Instruction, demonstrating expertise in effective teaching strategies and learner-centered practice.
Complete the program to earn a Master of Education in Learning and Instruction, demonstrating expertise in effective teaching strategies and learner-centered practice.
Master of Education in Special Education
Receive a Master of Education in Special Education, validating your skills in supporting diverse learners and implementing inclusive educational practices.
Receive a Master of Education in Special Education, validating your skills in supporting diverse learners and implementing inclusive educational practices.
Syllabus
What Will You Learn?
Northeastern’s Master of Education programs offer thoughtfully designed curricula, aligned with today’s educational standards, learner needs, and professional expectations.
18-24 Months* (each program) *based on the modules you choose
3 programs to choose from
Master of Education in Higher Education Administration
45 Credits
Topics
- EDU 6051 Introduction to Social Justice in Educational Settings
- EDU 6204 The Foundations of Higher Education
- EDU 6205 The Demographics of the New College Student
- EDU 6217 The History of Colleges and Universities
- EDU 6218 Money Matters: Financial Management in Higher Education
- EDU 6219 Higher Education Law and Policy
- EDU 6234 Program Evaluation, Assessment, and Accreditation in Higher Education
- EDU 6222 Contemporary Issues Capstone
- Complete 12 quarter hours at the EDU 6000 level.
Master of Education in Learning and Instruction
- 45 Credits
Topics
- EDU 6050 Education as an Advanced Field of Study
- EDU 6051 Introduction to Social Justice in Educational Settings
- EDU 6319 How People Learn
- EDU 6336 Data Literacy for Data-Driven Decision Making
- EDU 6410 Instructional Leadership 5
- EDU 6415 Law, Policy, and the Ecosystem of Education
- EDU 6225 Capstone (to be taken last) or EDU 6874 Practicum, Portfolio, and Panel Review
- Complete 16 quarter hours at the EDU 6000 level.
Master of Education in Special Education
- 45 Credits
Topics
- EDU 6050 Education as an Advanced Field of Study
- EDU 6051 Introduction to Social Justice in Educational Settings
- EDU 6425 Special Education: Role of Special Educators in an Inclusive School 1
- EDU 6426 Developmental Language, Literacy, and Writing: Assessment and Instruction
- EDU 6438 Teachers as Curriculum Leaders
- EDU 6528 Adaptive Learning/Behavior Management Strategies: Consultation and Collaboration
- EDU 6569 Differentiated Instruction and Assessment in Mathematics 2
- EDU 6874 Practicum, Portfolio, and Panel Review
- Complete 12 quarter hours at the EDU 6000 level.
Instructors
Whom Will You Learn From?
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7 Instructors
Mounira Morris
Associate Teaching Professor-
Dr. Mounira Morris is an associate teaching professor and the lead for the M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration (HEA) program. Dr. Morris has held leadership roles in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and student affairs across multiple higher education institutions, including Clark University, Allegheny College, and Earlham College. Dr. Morris received her M.S. in College Student Development and Counseling from Northeastern University and her Doctor of Education from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Dr. Mounira Morris is an associate teaching professor and the lead for the M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration (HEA) program. Dr. Morris has held leadership roles in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and student affairs across multiple higher education institutions, including Clark University, Allegheny College, and Earlham College. Dr. Morris received her M.S. in College Student Development and Counseling from Northeastern University and her Doctor of Education from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
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Faculty Profile
Alex Fronduto
- Associate Teaching Professor
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Alex Fronduto, DHS, is a full-time Associate Teaching Professor within the Graduate School of Education in the College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University where he is the faculty lead for the Master of Education in Higher Education Administration program and chairs dissertations within the Doctor of Education (EdD) program. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Premedical and Health Studies (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences), a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration (Northeastern University), and a Doctorate in Health Sciences (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences).
Alex Fronduto, DHS, is a full-time Associate Teaching Professor within the Graduate School of Education in the College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University where he is the faculty lead for the Master of Education in Higher Education Administration program and chairs dissertations within the Doctor of Education (EdD) program. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Premedical and Health Studies (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences), a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration (Northeastern University), and a Doctorate in Health Sciences (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences).
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Faculty Profile
Kelly Conn
- Teaching Professor
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Dr. Kelly J. Conn has been a full-time faculty member since 2012, teaching courses in the Graduate School of Education. Informed by her previous career in laboratory science, she developed and taught two new courses in STEM education and contributed to the development of courses in educational leadership and research ethics. She earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Boston University and did postdoctoral work in neuroscience. Dr. Conn lives in Boston, and teaches in Boston and online and is the regional lead faculty member for the Ed.D. program in Hong Kong.
Dr. Kelly J. Conn has been a full-time faculty member since 2012, teaching courses in the Graduate School of Education. Informed by her previous career in laboratory science, she developed and taught two new courses in STEM education and contributed to the development of courses in educational leadership and research ethics. She earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Boston University and did postdoctoral work in neuroscience. Dr. Conn lives in Boston, and teaches in Boston and online and is the regional lead faculty member for the Ed.D. program in Hong Kong.
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Faculty Profile
Joan Burkhardt
- Assistant Teaching Professor
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Dr. Burkhardt teaches in the Graduate School of Education and the Global Studies and International Relations master’s program at the College of Professional Studies. She is Master Teacher for the first and last courses in the M.Ed. program – Education as an Advanced Field of Study and the Capstone, and she has also taught undergraduate courses in Leadership and English. She earned her B.A. from Clark University, Worcester, MA, M.S. from the University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, and her Ed.D. from Northeastern.
Dr. Burkhardt teaches in the Graduate School of Education and the Global Studies and International Relations master’s program at the College of Professional Studies. She is Master Teacher for the first and last courses in the M.Ed. program – Education as an Advanced Field of Study and the Capstone, and she has also taught undergraduate courses in Leadership and English. She earned her B.A. from Clark University, Worcester, MA, M.S. from the University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, and her Ed.D. from Northeastern.
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Faculty Profile
Shaunna Harrington
- Teaching Professor
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Shaunna Harrington teaches in the Master of Arts in Teaching program and the Master of Education program, and is the faculty lead for the Learning & Instruction concentration. She began her career as a social studies teacher in the Boston Public Schools, and has continued to focus her teaching and activism on equity and justice in K-12 education. She earned her M.A. in Teaching History from Boston University and Ph.D. in History from Northeastern University.
Shaunna Harrington teaches in the Master of Arts in Teaching program and the Master of Education program, and is the faculty lead for the Learning & Instruction concentration. She began her career as a social studies teacher in the Boston Public Schools, and has continued to focus her teaching and activism on equity and justice in K-12 education. She earned her M.A. in Teaching History from Boston University and Ph.D. in History from Northeastern University.
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Faculty Profile
Lydia Young
- Teaching Professor
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Lydia R. L. Young is the Director of NExT, Northeastern University’s Graduate School of Education network for experiential and equity-focused educators, and a Teaching Professor in Education. In her pedagogical practice and curriculum development, Dr. Young explores experiential teaching and learning, profession-based k12 learning, networked educators, critical literacy, fostering teacher candidates as change agents, and social constructivism. She earned her Master of Education degree from Boston College and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College.
Lydia R. L. Young is the Director of NExT, Northeastern University’s Graduate School of Education network for experiential and equity-focused educators, and a Teaching Professor in Education. In her pedagogical practice and curriculum development, Dr. Young explores experiential teaching and learning, profession-based k12 learning, networked educators, critical literacy, fostering teacher candidates as change agents, and social constructivism. She earned her Master of Education degree from Boston College and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College.
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Faculty Profile
Kari Thierer
- Assistant Teaching Professor
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Kari Thierer is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Doctor of Education program. Her areas of expertise include student-centered learning, career and technical education, and authentic assessment. Dr. Thierer has almost 30 years of experience providing technical assistance and supporting research and evaluation efforts in schools, districts, state and federal education agencies, and nonprofit education organizations throughout the United States. She earned her Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from University of Phoenix and Ed.D. in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leading from Northeastern University.
Kari Thierer is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Doctor of Education program. Her areas of expertise include student-centered learning, career and technical education, and authentic assessment. Dr. Thierer has almost 30 years of experience providing technical assistance and supporting research and evaluation efforts in schools, districts, state and federal education agencies, and nonprofit education organizations throughout the United States. She earned her Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from University of Phoenix and Ed.D. in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leading from Northeastern University.
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Faculty ProfileWhat Are the Professors Saying?
In my courses, I provide opportunities for learners to connect and network with mid to senior-level practitioners to explore contemporary issues in higher education through asynchronous and synchronous formats.
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Mounira Morris
Faculty Lead, MEd Higher Education Administration
The M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration at Northeastern University prepares students to enter or move up in the higher education field. The program offers students the opportunity to learn important skills and knowledge, such as data analysis, budgeting, research/data-driven decision making, and the intricacies of the higher education landscape. All of these skills and knowledge are essential for higher education-related areas, such as admission, financial aid, registrar, and advising fields.
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Alex Fronduto
Assistant Teaching Professor
An ideal student for our program is someone who is looking to make a change in education, whatever that context is. Someone who is looking for an opportunity to grow and gain new knowledge, not only to advance their career but also to impact the field of education.
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Lydia Young
Associate Teaching Professor
This program is designed for individuals who want to develop the practical skills needed to thrive and succeed in the complex and dynamic world of higher education administration. Our program focuses on the skills higher education employers are looking for. We apply theory to practice in every course so that students can hit the ground running and provide immediate value to their organization.
Joan Giblin
Associate Teaching Professor
With my 25 years of experience in this field of online and mobile learning, I believe this program surpasses all others in its quality and distinctiveness. Our personalized curriculum prepares students to enter or advance in the rapidly growing profession of eLearning design
Gail Matthews-DeNatale, PhD
Associate Professor
Program Fees (45 Quarter Hours): USD 37,395
Cost per Quarter Hour: USD 831
Note: Northeastern is offering a “Global Educators for Change” Scholarship of up to 65% on the program tuition.
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Northeastern “Global Educators for Change” Scholarship:
The Global Educators for Change Scholarship reflects Northeastern University's commitment to expanding access to high-quality educator preparation in regions where the demand for skilled professionals is rapidly increasing.
Eligible candidates can receive up to 65% tuition funding to pursue one of three fully online Master of Education programs: Special Education, Learning and Instruction, or Higher Education Administration.
This initiative is designed to support educators who are positioned to make a meaningful difference in their local and global communities by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and credentials needed to lead effectively in today’s complex educational environments.
Affordable, flexible, and designed just for you!
Flexible Payment Plans Tailored for You
The on-campus tuition fee is USD 32,760. Students outside the U.S. benefit from a scholarship of up to 75% once admitted. This fee can be paid as you progress through the program—with a caution deposit and then 14 monthly instalments of approximately SGD 670* each. Alternatively, you can also choose to pay the fees upfront (via credit or debit card) and receive an additional 15% fee waiver.
*Disclaimer: Adjustments might apply due to exchange rate changes.
What Are the Learners Saying?
I have really loved how the program was so easily connected to the work I was doing in admissions at a small non-profit organization.
I have really loved how the program was so easily connected to the work I was doing in admissions at a small non-profit organization.
I have really loved how the program was so easily connected to the work I was doing in admissions at a small non-profit organization. I have taken a variety of courses that have dealt with changes in supervision and leadership at a time where my organization was going through those exact changes. There were moments in my career where I didn’t keep my textbook too far from me because that same scenario was happening - it was a textbook scenario. It was very exciting to talk to my professor about those very changes and then be able to incorporate that into an assignment, and then talk about it with classmates with firsthand experience.
I have really loved how the program was so easily connected to the work I was doing in admissions at a small non-profit organization. I have taken a variety of courses that have dealt with changes in supervision and leadership at a time where my organization was going through those exact changes. There were moments in my career where I didn’t keep my textbook too far from me because that same scenario was happening - it was a textbook scenario. It was very exciting to talk to my professor about those very changes and then be able to incorporate that into an assignment, and then talk about it with classmates with firsthand experience.
Read More.webp?width=90&height=90&name=Person%20(2).webp)
Melody Rosas-Granda
- Current student, M.Ed. Higher Education Administration
I relished the opportunity to think broadly about the field.
I relished the opportunity to think broadly about the field.
I relished the opportunity to think broadly about the field. It isn’t just a master’s degree; it’s helping you understand the whole philosophy and landscape of education
I relished the opportunity to think broadly about the field. It isn’t just a master’s degree; it’s helping you understand the whole philosophy and landscape of education
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Chris G.
- Alumnus of M.Ed. Learning and Instruction
I appreciate that the program being asynchronous allowed me to balance between having a career and an education
I appreciate that the program being asynchronous allowed me to balance between having a career and an education
I appreciate that the program being asynchronous allowed me to balance between having a career and an education, because it’s been a few years since I’ve been in higher education as a student, so coming back to that after deciding what the career path I wanted to take was very important to me to make sure I was balancing both worlds
I appreciate that the program being asynchronous allowed me to balance between having a career and an education, because it’s been a few years since I’ve been in higher education as a student, so coming back to that after deciding what the career path I wanted to take was very important to me to make sure I was balancing both worlds
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Melody Rosas-Granda
- Current student, M.Ed. Higher Education Administration
Eligibility & Admissions
How to Apply for the Program?
There are 5 simple steps in the Admissions Process:
Eligibility
A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA is required. Applicants with lower GPAs may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on their overall profile.
Submit Your Application
Complete your application on the upGrad website.
Complete your application on the upGrad website.
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Share Required Documents
After submitting your application, you will receive a Slate form via email. Use this form to upload your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and unofficial academic documents.
After submitting your application, you will receive a Slate form via email. Use this form to upload your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and unofficial academic documents.
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Application Review & Admission Decision
Northeastern University’s admissions team will review your complete application. Once accepted, you will receive offer letters from both Northeastern and upGrad.
Northeastern University’s admissions team will review your complete application. Once accepted, you will receive offer letters from both Northeastern and upGrad.
Read MoreBlock Your Seat
Secure your seat by paying the enrollment deposit.
Secure your seat by paying the enrollment deposit.
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Submit Official Documents
Send in all required official documents to complete enrollment.
Send in all required official documents to complete enrollment.
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upGrad Learner Support
Monday - Friday | 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM SGT
Phone Number
Email Address
*All telephone calls will be recorded for training and quality purposes.
*If we are unavailable to attend to your call, it is deemed that we have your consent to contact you in response.
