Higher Education and Student Affairs, M.Ed.
The master’s degree in higher education and student affairs is designed to prepare individuals for positions in higher education institutions in areas such as admissions and records, academic administration, alumni affairs, career development and employer relations, international student programs, new student orientation, student activities, student advisement, student financial aid, student housing, and student judicial programs.
Learning Outcomes
- Articulate an understanding of the history and philosophy of the higher education and student affairs profession.
- Explain relevant policies, laws, financial structures, and governance structures and how they impact professional practice.
- Apply assessment, evaluation, and research methodologies in higher education and the results obtained from them.
- Articulate a foundational understanding of social justice and inclusion within the context of higher education.
- Articulate theories and models that describe the development of college students and the conditions and practices that facilitate holistic development.
- Articulate advising and supporting strategies that take into account self-knowledge and the needs of others.
- Identify leadership theories and apply them to issues within higher education and student affairs and identify the values and ethics foundational to the field.
Specialized Competencies
- Higher Education and Student Affairs graduates should understand the history of higher education in America and how history shapes and informs the practice of higher education and student affairs administration today.
- Higher Education and Student Affairs graduates should be able to use developmental theory to increase their understanding of students’ needs and plan appropriate learning interventions.
- Higher Education and Student Affairs graduates should select and be familiar with a sanction code of ethics that provides a foundation for their work.
- Higher Education and Student Affairs graduates should be able to conduct a sound research study or program evaluation.
- Higher Education and Student Affairs graduates should be able to identify students who need to be referred for additional resources and assistance, especially counseling.
Admission
Admission decisions for the Higher Education and Student Affairs program are based on multiple indicators. The faculty of the Higher Education and Student Affairs Program make recommendations for admission to the Graduate School.
Degree Requirements (36 Hours)
All master’s degree candidates must complete at least 36 hours of course work. The curriculum includes 15 hours of required core courses. Students also select from one of two major program areas of concentration (higher education leadership or student affairs administration) and must take 21 hours in their area of concentration.
Coursework
Required Core Courses (15 Hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDHE 730 | History of Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 737 | Legal Aspects of Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 739 | Equity and Diversity in Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 830 | Organization, Administration, and Governance of Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 839 | Institutional Assessment in Higher Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
Area of Concentration (21 Hours)
Higher Education Leadership
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDHE 736 | Financial Aspects of Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 742 | Higher Education Learning Environments | 3 |
| EDHE 743 | Strategic Planning for Data-Informed Decision Making | 3 |
| EDHE 744 | Enrollment Management in Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 745 | Capstone for Higher Education Leadership | 3 |
| EDHE 748 | Staff Development and Talent Management | 3 |
| EDHE 835 | Leadership in Higher Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 21 | |
Student Affairs Administration
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDHE 731 | Student Affairs in Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 732 | The American College Student | 3 |
| EDHE 735 | Academic Advising in Higher Education | 3 |
| A Practicum or Internship | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Internship in Higher Education and Student Affairs | ||
| Internship in College Teaching | ||
| Higher Education and Student Affairs Practicum I | ||
| Select nine additional EDHE or Student Affairs Administration related hours selected with prior approval of the assigned academic advisor | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 21 | |
Notes
Practicums and Internships
No more than 12 hours of practicum and internship courses may be taken for credit towards the degree program.
Entry after Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Leadership
Students who received the 18-hour Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Leadership must complete the following 18 hours to earn the master’s degree with a concentration in Higher Education Leadership:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDHE 730 | History of Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 743 | Strategic Planning for Data-Informed Decision Making | 3 |
| EDHE 744 | Enrollment Management in Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 745 | Capstone for Higher Education Leadership | 3 |
| EDHE 748 | Staff Development and Talent Management | 3 |
| EDHE 830 | Organization, Administration, and Governance of Higher Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Timeframe for Degree Completion
All 36 hours must be completed within six years.
Comprehensive Assessment
Each candidate must receive a passing evaluation of a portfolio submitted to the faculty that demonstrates mastery of program learning outcomes and competencies.