Administrative Leadership: Adult, Continuing, and Higher Education Administration (ACHEA)

Explore the only master’s program at UWM tailored for a rewarding career in higher education and student affairs administration, and leadership in adult learning.

Pursue paths in administration and leadership in diverse settings, including higher education, non-profits, government, and corporations. More than a degree, it’s a transformative experience dedicated to empowering leaders and fostering equity and inclusion in diverse settings.

Cost Per Credit

$625

Total cost: ACHEA 33-credit program: $ 20,625
Scholarships and Assistantships available

The online Master’s in Adult, Continuing, and Higher Education Administration program is the same price for students who reside in-state or out-of-state. The cost per credit is $625. There are no extra fees.

Jump to Program Details

Program Type

Master’s

Program Format

Online

Why Choose Our Program?

Affordable: $625/per credit 33 credit master’s degree.
Exceptional Quality and Value: Nationally recognized urban research university.
Flexible Pathways to Degree: Fully online program with accelerated and part-time options tailored for working professionals.
Leadership for Policy Change: Advance equity and inclusion within diverse settings while fostering a sense of belonging for all.
Career Advancement: Tailor your academic experience to match your career aspirations through a variety of electives.

SOE ACHEA Alum - Brenda Vazquez Carranza portrait photo — “The flexibility and all online aspect made it feasible for me to pursue higher education while working but also enhanced my overall learning experience. I could actively apply the knowledge I gained in real-time work situations, enriching my understanding and skills in higher education administration.” ~ Brenda Vazquez Carranza

SOE ACHEA Alum - Jodie Pope portrait photo — “The program offered a platform to think critically about how higher education can work to serve students and communities equitably.” ~ Jodie Pope

SOE ACHEA Alum - Ryan Mason portrait photo — “The ACHEA program helped me to learn how to develop learning content, think more deeply about my audience, and to be more effective in my role. I now have the confidence to step into any situation and create opportunities to learn that I know will have meaning.” ~ Ryan Mason

SOE ACHEA Alum Tima Guled Portrait — “At UWM, I learned to think creatively, facilitate and engage in challenging dialogues, and critically analyze higher education and the student affairs profession.” ~Tima Guled

Related Programs: Stand-alone Certificate or Combined Certificate + Master of Science Degree

Students completing the master’s degree concentration in adult, continuing and higher education administration can jointly earn a graduate certificate in either of the following areas:

Student Success Advising & Technology-Based Services in Higher Ed

Graduate Certificate | 15-credits
Gain expertise in advising, empowering college student success, and harnessing technology’s potential.

Certificate Details >>

Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Graduate Certificate | 15-credits
Prospective teachers venturing into today’s higher education environment will gain an understanding of teaching and learning theory, research and effective practice.

Certificate Details >>

Program Principles

To make substantial social change, students must have a clear understanding of how to create inclusive policies, practices and environments. As an equity-focused program, we believe in the following principles:

Theory to Practice: Theories and research should inform international, national and community policies and practices in adult and higher education. Our graduates should be able to use research and theory to guide their practice.

Leadership Focused: Graduates will be prepared to use leadership skills in dynamic ways in order make transformative changes within adult and higher education.

Equity-Centered: We believe graduates should have the language, tools, knowledge and skills to create equity-centered adult and higher education environments.

Collaborative Learning: Graduates work across different levels of abilities, world views, diversity and knowledge in multiple work environments. We believe graduates should be critical thinkers in order to solve problems and cultivate solutions to change the landscape of adult and higher education both collectively and individually.

Community Partnership Research: Graduate students collaboratively work with communities in order to inform their practice. As faculty members, we are committed to producing scholarship that includes and promotes collaborative and participatory engagement.

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Administrative Leadership – Concentration in Adult, Continuing, and Higher Education Administration requires a minimum of 33 credits. The program requirements consist of the following:

Required Core Courses (15 credits within a track)
- Adult and Continuing Education Track
- Higher Education Track
Elective Courses (15 credits)
Capstone Course (3 credits)
Program Overview & Courses (PDF)

View Requirements

Graduate Assistantships for ACHEA Students

Students in the ACHEA program may apply for graduate assistantships. Each position offers a unique combination of tuition credits (up to full tuition coverage), stipend amounts, employee benefits (health insurance), and/or housing.

Graduate Assistantships

Fellowships

The ACHEA program partners with the University of Wisconsin System Administration to offer Higher Education Fellowship Program positions. The fellowship is designed to provide unique learning experiences to graduate and professional students interested in higher education, public policy, and leadership.

Fellowships

Scholarships

The School of Education offers scholarships every year. Scholarship amounts range from $500 to full tuition. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Scholarships

The master’s degree concentration in adult, continuing and higher education administration prepares students for positions of administration and leadership in business, community and higher education environments.

Meet Our Alumni

Ryan Mason

Ryan Mason, ACHEA Alumni ’21
Assistant Training Program Manager
Milwaukee Tool

Brenda Vazquez Carranza

Brenda Vazquez Carranza, ACHEA Alumna ’21
Associate Director of Programming
Information Technology Academy
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Jodie Pope

Jodie Pope, ACHEA Alumni ’22
Administrative Manager, School of Academic Advancement
Program Director, Gateway to College Program
Madison College

Alumni Stories

Jaclyn Stoczanyn, ACHEA alumna, chosen for Harvard University leadership program: https://uwm.edu/education/school-of-ed-alum-chosen-for-leadership-program/

Maggie Flath Magie Flath, ACHEA alumna, named advisor of the year: https://uwm.edu/informationstudies/faucibus-purus-in-massa-tempor-nec/

Pachoua Lor, ACHEA alumna, featured in the news: https://uwm.edu/education/school-of-education-in-the-news-2023-06-05/

Alumni Careers

Higher Education and Student Affairs Positions

Position	Organization
Academic Advisor and Transfer Coordinator	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Assistant Director of Career Services	Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Program Coordinator – First Year/Transfer	Louisiana State University
Director of Raider Center for Academic Success	Milwaukee School of Engineering
Coordinator for Prior Learning, Career Pathways, and University Articulation	Chippewa Valley Technical College
Coordinator of Student Services	Medical College of Wisconsin
Assistant Director of Admissions	Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University
Director of Express Services	Gateway Technical College
Community Engagement Coordinator	Madison College
Program Coordinator	Office of Undergraduate Research, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Student Success Advisor	St. Norbert College
Student Success Specialist	Blackhawk Technical College
Senior Admission Counselor	Marquette University

Adult Learning and Workforce Development

Position	Organization
Senior Instructional Designer & Team Leader	University of Wisconsin Extended Campus
Senior Instructional Designer	Wendy’s
Instructional Design Manager	Advocate Aurora Health
Instructional Designer	Northeast Technical College
Learning and Development Specialist	Rockwell Automation
Associate Manager of Training & Outreach	MilliporeSigma
Director of Development	The Reading Center/Dyslexia Institute
Talent Development Designer	Kohl’s Department Stores
Talent Development Specialist	Equus Workforce Solutions
Regional Learning and Development Manager	WestRock
Space Lab Analyst	Molson Coors Beverage Company
Assistant Program Training Manager	Milwaukee Tool
Program Director School Age Programs	YMCA of Greater Seattle