Curriculum Requirements

The Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs (MS HESA), a 45-credit hour (minimum) program, includes:

  • 27 credit hours of required coursework
  • A 3-credit hour research methods course
  • 9 credit hours of electives
  • A 3-credit hour internship
  • A 3-credit hour electronic portfolio capstone course 

HESA students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 and must receive a B or higher grade in all required courses to graduate. It typically takes full-time students two years to complete our program.

Students who matriculated to the Student Affairs Administration program prior to academic year 2024-25 may refer to this page.

Curriculum 

Required Courses (27 credits)

  • HESA 510 - Introduction to Student Personnel Services 

  • HESA 511 - College Student Development: Theory, Research, and Practice 

  • HESA 512 - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Student Affairs 

  • HESA 513 - Organization and Administration of Higher Education 

  • HESA 514 - Law in Higher Education

  • HESA 517 - Functional Areas in Higher Education and Student Affairs

  • HESA 522 - Admissions to Alumni Success

  • HESA 525 - Assessment in Student Affairs

  • HESA 590 - Field Practice in Higher Education and Student Affairs (or formal waiver/extra elective)

Educational Research Requirement (3-4 credits)*
  • HESA 515- Research Methods or
  • PAFF 510 Research Design and Methods 

*Other research methods courses are considered with advisor approval.

Elective Courses (9 credits)
  • Students should select elective courses offered by the Department of Higher Education and Student Affairs.
  • Students may take electives offered by other graduate academic departments, including the Department of Public Administration and Policy, the Graduate School or other departments with faculty advisor approval.
Application of Learning (3 credits)
  • HESA 595 - Internship (or formal waiver/extra elective) 
Demonstration of Competencies (3 credits)
  • HESA 524 – New Student Affairs Professionals  
  
The program curriculum was designed to meet the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Professional Preparation Commission Standards.    

Course descriptions

Higher Education and Student Affairs 

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Educational Research Requirement

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Non-Matriculated Study

Interested in taking a class before applying as a matriculated student to the Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs (MS HESA) program? Visit the Graduate Admissions non-degree/non-matriculated study webpage to learn more. 

Contact Margaret A. Gates, Director of Admissions and Student Services, Department of Higher Education and Student Affairs, with your specific MS HESA course and registration questions.  

View the public schedule of classes and search for courses, descriptions, and details.