Higher Education Administration & Leadership

Program Overview

The Higher Education Administration & Leadership Certificate is designed for current higher education professionals seeking to advance their leadership skills and knowledge in postsecondary education administration. This graduate-level certificate program provides focused training in essential areas of higher education leadership, including governance, finance, student affairs, and institutional effectiveness. 

Program Outcomes

Certificate completers will be able to: 

• Demonstrate understanding of higher education organizational structures and governance models 

• Apply principles of financial management and budgeting in higher education contexts 

• Analyze contemporary issues and trends affecting postsecondary institutions 

• Develop strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education settings 

• Utilize data-driven approaches for institutional planning and assessment 

Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university 

• Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale 

• Current employment or demonstrated interest in higher education 

• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions 

• Two professional references 

• Statement of purpose outlining career goals and interest in higher education leadership 

Important Dates

• Submit by July 1st for Fall admission 

• Submit by November 1st for Spring admission 

• Submit by April 1st for Summer admission 

• Please see the current published Graduate and University calendars for important dates. 

CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

Completion of 18 Credit Hours. All courses must be taken in order. Grades of “C” or lower cannot count toward the certificate. Courses with a “C” or lower must be retaken for a higher grade. Students can only retake a course a maximum of two times. Students not successfully completing a course with a grade of “B” or better after the second attempt may be dismissed from the program. 

Program Duration

Typically, 1-2 years for part-time students; flexible scheduling options available for working professionals 

Transfer of Credits

Up to 6 credit hours of relevant graduate coursework may be transferred from accredited institutions, subject to advisor approval and program requirements 

Degree Requirements

• Successful completion of 15-18 credit hours with minimum 3.0 GPA 

• No grade below “C” will count toward certificate completion 

• Completion of all required coursework within 5 years of initial enrollment 

• Meeting with advisor recommended each semester 

Accreditation Information  

College of Education 

• Education (M.S., M.A.Ed., Ed.S., Ed.D.: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) 

• Music (M. Ed.: National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) 

• Psychology (Ph.D. with concentration in Counseling: American Psychological Association (APA) 

Career Opportunities

Student affairs administrator, enrollment manager, institutional research analyst, academic affairs coordinator, development officer, registrar, financial aid administrator, admissions counselor, program coordinator 

Faculty Credentials  

Twianie Roberts, Ed.D., Interim Department Chair
Sosepriala Dede, Ed.D., Assistant Professor
Eleni Elder, Ed.D., Professor
Janet Finch, Ph.D., College of Education Dean/Professor Celebrating 25 years of Service 
Kirmanj Gundi, Ed.D., Professor 
Robbie Melton, Ph.D., Interim Provost, Interim Vice President/Professor
Terrance McNeil, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Trinetia Respress, Ed.D., Interim Graduate Dean/Professor
Eric Vogel, Ph.D., Professor
Jewell Winn, Associate Professor, Executive Director for International Programs & Academic Global Engagement, Senior International Officer/Fulbright Scholar Liaison 

Program Website: https://www.tnstate.edu/eduadmin/EDLDCertificate.aspx 

Additional Information

• Certificate courses may be applied toward the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with Higher Education Leadership Concentration for students who later pursue doctoral studies 

• Professional development workshops and networking opportunities available 

• Flexible delivery options including evening, weekend, and online courses to accommodate working professionals 

Program Coordinator/Contact Information

Terrance McNeil, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Phone: 615-963-2111
Email:  tmcneil3@tnstate.edu 

Program of Study and Credit Hours Required