Program Overview

The online Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration is designed to provide advanced training in the organizational, financial, and leadership dimensions of postsecondary institutions. This certificate is designed for professionals who seek to advance their careers in higher education administrative positions, including academic and student affairs administration, institutional management, and higher education policy implementation. By offering a focused program of study, the certificate adds value by equipping participants with practical administrative skills grounded in theory and research on higher education leadership. The curriculum is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the technical and managerial aspects of higher education practice. Students will develop skills in organizational leadership, fiscal decision‐making, and effective administration within complex institutional contexts.

Admission Requirements

Step 1: Apply for admissions to the University (select one)

Florida Residency Form: If you are a Florida resident, you must complete the Florida Residency Affidavit even if you were previously designated a Florida Resident by the University. If you do not complete this form, you will be classified as a non-Florida resident for tuition purposes.

Step 2: Complete Admissions Form

Admission to the graduate certificate program is required. Students are not enrolled in a certificate program by virtue of being enrolled in related courses. Students must first apply to and be admitted to both the university and the certificate program to be considered enrolled.

IMPORTANT: In order to be eligible for admission to a graduate certificate program, an applicant must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution.

Admission to Anne's College graduate certificate programs requires submission of the Certificate Admissions Form prior to the completion of two courses in the certificate program.

The Certificate Admissions Form must identify the courses and anticipated semesters you intend to take to fulfill certificate requirements Admission to the certificate for fall and spring only. All certificate program coursework must be completed within 7 years of first enrolling in the certificate program.

Courses in the certificate program may be applicable to a graduate degree; however, you should consult with your major professor to determine which courses are applicable to specific graduate program.

Course/Degree Requirements

You must complete 12 credit hours to earn the Higher Education Administration certificate. All courses below are three credit hours and are offered online.

Required courses (9 credit hours):

  • EDH 5639: Management in Higher Education

This course provides theoretical grounding in management and link theory to practice and introduces students to performance competencies related to essential management skills in organizing, planning, and understanding their work environment. Students have an opportunity to utilize management tools and techniques for decision making, structuring and coordinating work groups, and for implementing change in higher-education organizations.

  • EDH 6505: Finance in Higher Education

This seminar examines major issues in the financing of higher education in the United States, including major policy issues in higher education finance; the roles of the federal government and states; and institutional budgeting and financial management.

  • EDH 6081: Leading Change in Higher Education 

This course focuses on leadership and change theory with application to the higher education context. Elements of organization culture, transitional theory, application of change strategies, rational and strategic planning, current characteristics of higher education in regard to the overall vision and future of higher education, and traditional human and organizational processes is discussed.

Electives (3 credit hours):

Select 1 course from the following:

  • EDH 5405: Legal Aspects of Higher Education
  • EDH 6401: Public Policy in Higher Education
  • EDH 5042: Student Success in College
Course Schedule

O = online
X = face-to-face

Required Courses

Course Title

Fall

Spring

Summer

EDH 5639

Management in Higher Education

O

    

EDH 6505

Finance in Higher Education

O

    

EDH 6081

Leading Change in Higher Education 

 

O

 

Elective Courses

Course Title­

Fall

Spring

Summer

EDH 5405

Legal Aspects of Higher Education

  

O

  

EDH 6401

Public Policy in Higher Education

O

X

 

EDH 5042

Student Success in College

O

 

 

Certificate Completion Form

Tuition & Aid

By state law, students are charged different fees based on their residency and student status. See current rates here.

FSU Full-Time Employees (not OPS): If you are a full-time employee at FSU receiving benefits, you may be eligible for the FSU Employee Tuition Scholarship. The scholarship waives the tuition and fees for 6 credit hours per semester. Click here for more details.

State Employee (FL) Tuition Waiver: Some employees of the State of Florida are eligible for the State Employee Tuition Waiver. Click here for more details.

Current FSU Graduate Students: In most cases, the cost of FSU Higher Education Administration Certificate courses should match the cost of your other graduate coursework.

Contact(s)