Online graduate degree programs, in general, look to be morphing into specialized programs of study targeted at specific audiences. For instance, two new online graduate degree programs that teach students the administrative side of higher education, were recently launched by Drexel University and Capella University. Drexel recently announced a unique MS in Higher Education program to be offered this September. In late February, Capella announced an MS in Education Enrollment Management, with students starting classes in July.

According to a Drexel press release dated June 14, 2005, the new MS in Higher Education "provides interested students with the flexibility to concentrate in administration and organizational management, enrollment management, financial management, institutional research or academic development, technology and instruction. . . In addition to being prepared for careers in higher education, students will be prepared to take leadership positions in education and science museums, corporate training and development, and non-profit sector administration."

Capella’s program is being provided in partnership with Noel-Levitz - a consulting firm with about 1,700 higher education clients - that specializes in such areas as higher education student recruitment, predictive modeling, student retention and market research. According to Ed Gould, Capella’s faculty director, Higher Education and Corporate Programs, School of Education, there’s an untapped market of about 660,000 people working in various student services programs related to enrollment management who do not have graduate-level degrees.

"Enrollment management is a rapidly growing concern in higher education," adds Gould. As the issues of increased competition and less public assistance loom large at institutions across the country, "more and more colleges are looking at the whole enrollment management space. We approach enrollment management as a university-wide effort. When you look at higher education reauthorization and the issues of accountability, enrollment management is very much related to what is expected of colleges and universities." Gould says that deans, vice presidents, recruitment officers, admissions and financial aid personnel, student services and instruction are all now part of the enrollment management process.

News Release: Drexel Launches Unique Graduate Degree in Higher Education for Working Professionals - www.prweb.com/releases/2005/6/prweb251363.htm

Drexel’s MS in Higher Education: http://www.drexel.com/online-degrees/education-degrees/ms-he/index.aspx

News Release: Capella University Partners with Noel-Levitz to Offer Master’s Degree Program in Enrollment Management: www.capellaeducation.com/news/news/02-23-05_enrollmgmt.aspx

Capella’s MS in Education Enrollment Management - www.capella.edu/schools_programs/education/masters/enrollment_management.aspx