Higher Education & Student Affairs - M.A. Program Overview The core of the 40 semester hour HESA master’s program comprises coursework in postsecondary administration, college students and their environments, and current and emerging issues within higher education, as well as coursework in research and assessment. The curriculum integrates theory and practice and is designed to be completed in two years of full-time study or equivalent part-time study. Students choose one of three concentrations (Student Affairs, Higher Education Policy, or Higher Education Administration) when they apply, each of which provides preparation for a wide variety of entry- to mid-level higher education positions, including first-year programs, student activities and leadership, academic administration, policy analysis, enrollment management, program evaluation, multicultural affairs, academic & career advising, residence life, and international student services. Students also complete professional seminar credits (in the Student Affairs concentration) or a project under the guidance of their advisor (in the Policy or Administration concentrations). Students fill the remainder of their semester hours with a combination of elective credits, supervised practica, or projects. Finally, all students complete a comprehensive examination process during the semester in which they graduate. Requirements Common Core All M.A. students must complete the following core courses: - 07B:100 - Issues and Policies in Higher Education
- 07B:247 - Multiculturalism in Higher Education
- 07B:251 - College Students and their Environments
- 07B:253 - Research, Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education
- 07B:335 - Administration in Higher Education & Student Affairs
Additionally, all M.A. students must complete 3 semester hours of practica and 3-9 semester hours of elective credit. Students choose elective credits in consultation with their advisor; examples include: - 07C:203 - Career Development
- 07B:220 - History of Higher Education
- 07B:336 - Impact of College on Students
- 07B:333 - Advanced Practicum in Higher Education & Student Affairs
- 07B:380 - Practicum in College Teaching
Concentrations Depending on concentration, students must fullfill twelve (12) related semester hours: Student Affairs: Required Concentration Courses - 07B:250 - Introduction to Student Services
- 07B:278 - Helping Skills in Student Affairs Work
- 07B:332 - College Student Psychosocial & Identity Development
- 07B:334 - College Student Learning & Cognitive Development
Higher Education Policy: Required Concentration Course - 07B:225 - Introduction to Public Policymaking
Recommended Concentration Courses - 07B:216 - Finance in Higher Education
- 07B:218 - The Law and Higher Education
- 07B:228 - Policy Design and Implementation
- 07P:265 - Program Evaluation
- OR — other courses as approved by faculty advisor
Higher Education Administration: Required Concentration Course - 07B:224 - Organizational Theory & Administrative Behavior
Recommended Concentration Courses - 07B:216 - Finance in Higher Education
- 07B:217 - Theory & Practice of Leadership
- 07B:218 - The Law and Higher Education
- 07B:226 - Educational Management
- OR — other courses as approved by faculty advisor
Practicum or Electives Students experience supervised practice in a higher education or student affairs related office or take other courses in consultation with their advisor. View the practicum handbooks for current students and practicum supervisors for more information on 7B:333. Summative Experiences Students take a series of four one-semester hour Professional Seminar courses (in the Student Affairs concentration) or complete a project under the supervision of their advisor (in the Policy or Administration concentrations). In addition, students in the Student Affairs concentration complete a 600-clock hour internship, typically via their second-year graduate assistantship. Summary Substantive Core: 15
Concentration: 12
Practicum and/or Electives: 9-10
Summative Experience: 3-4
Total Hours Required: 40 Course Descriptions View the Course Descriptions page for more detailed information about available courses. |