M.S. in Higher Education Student Affairs Leadership
Program Details
Program Overview
Offered totally online, the Master of Science in Higher Education Student Affairs Leadership focuses on preparing leaders to work with people of different ages, genders, ethnicities, religions, sexual identities, abilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, languages, and customs by exploring the knowledge, skills and understanding of human development; the emotional, psychological and financial needs of students; the impact of budgetary decisions on working with students; the oversight of campus life activities; the recruitment and advisement of students; the realms student life; and all other aspects of student academic development. In the program, you will learn how to better understand and appreciate the needs of diverse populations as a result of your education. The program prepares you as a leader to become aware of the different functions and services offered in an academic institution that you may encounter.
The Master of Science in Higher Education Student Affairs Leadership includes three required components – coursework, a practicum or field experience, and two graduate courses in a different area selected by you and approved by the program chair. The program consists of nine core courses. Additionally, you will have to complete a semester-long practicum if you are already working in an area related to academic or student affairs in an institution of higher education or in another setting approved by the program chair where you work with an adult population in different capacities. If you are not employed in an institution of higher education, you will complete a semester-long field experience where you are placed in a setting approved by the program chair and will complete projects related to academic affairs under the supervision of academic affairs personnel. A detailed description will be provided upon admission to the program. Finally, you have the option of completing two additional graduate courses in an area outside of your interest with the approval of the program chair.
Program Coursework
- Graduate Seminar
- Introduction to Leadership
- Leading Complex Systems
- Fundamentals of Research Methods
- Introduction to Studen t Affairs Leadership
- Learning and Development during Adulthood
- Multicultural Competencies and Social Justice in Student Affairs
- Introduction to Academic Advising and Counseling in Student Affairs
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Student Affairs
- Practicum or Field Experience in Higher Education Student Affairs
- Assessment: Data Driven Decision Making in Higher Education
- Capstone Course in Higher Education Student Affairs Leadership
The specific degree requirements on the website are for illustrative purposes and may change at any time. Please contact the Registrar's Office, Academic Advising or refer to the course catalog for detailed program requirements.
Graduate Core
Courses include:
- GS 500 Graduate Seminar
- GS 501 Introduction to Leadership
- GS 503 Fundamentals of Research Methods
- GS 502 Leading Complex Organizations
For additional information contact admissions or program faculty.
Kirsten Brown
Senior Admissions Counselor
Eric J. Dimmitt
Chair - Leadership Education|Associate Dean - College of Graduate Studies
