Higher education and student affairs graduate programs

Q: Is a Masters in Higher Ed worth it?

With a masters in higher education administration, salary potential, and the opportunity for career advancement has been shown to increase. As previously stated, college administrators with a masters degree make an annual average of $22,000 more than those with only a bachelors degree according to Burning Glass.

Program Summary

The higher education and student affairs master’s program prepares professionals for a variety of leadership and administrative positions in student affairs and higher education.

Table of Contents Show

Program Summary
Program-specific Admission Information and Requirements
University Requirements
Application Deadlines
Degree Programs
College Student Affairs
Higher Education Administration
Graduate Certificates
What is student affairs in higher education?
Is a Masters in Higher Ed worth it?
What are higher education Programmes?
Why have a career in student affairs?

A required core of learning experiences is supplemented by course work in areas of instruction, administration, and research to prepare both generalists and specialists. The program provides opportunities for individualization to take into account the student’s goals and needs and usually includes a faculty-supervised internship in programming, teaching, counseling or evaluating. This program is designed to prepare students to assume a variety of administrative positions within postsecondary institutions..

Graduate Catalog Program Information

Program-specific Admission Information and Requirements

Affiliated College: College of Education

Degree(s) Offered: M.S.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs

Program Requires GRE or MAT: No

Additional Application Requirements:
Resume

Letters of Recommendation: 2

Statement of Purpose:

Your statement of purpose, or personal statement, should be no longer than two pages, single-spaced in length. Your statement should respond to the following prompts:

Why are you interested in pursuing a career in higher education and student affairs? What experience in school, work, or life prompted your interest in pursuing a career in higher education and student affairs?
How do you hope to contribute to the field of higher education and student affairs?
How do you think the graduate program at NIU, in particular, will help you achieve your goals?
Looking at our learning outcomes for the program, what areas are you most excited to learn more about?

Applicants should refer to the admissions page of the program website for additional program requirements.

University Requirements

Admissions to NIU Graduate School
Application Materials

Application Deadlines

	Internationals Living Abroad	Applicants Residing in the U.S.	Priority Consideration
Fall	May 1	May 1	February 1

The 36-credit-hour HESA curriculum leads to a Master of Arts (MA) degree. Each year, HESA admits a cohort of approximately 18 to 20 students into the program. These students complete the core academic classes together over their two years of study. In addition, students have a variety of elective graduate courses that are offered through the Department of Educational Leadership or through another department. Students who are working full-time in higher education and related roles may also enroll in the HESA program on a part-time basis, completing the plan of study over six semesters.

All full-time students are encouraged to hold graduate assistantships to provide the professional and practical experience that allows students to apply theory to practice. We also welcome students who currently work full-time in a higher education and student affairs or aligned role and who wish to further their education with a master's degree. UConn's graduate assistant compensation package is among the most competitive in the nation, featuring a full tuition waiver, highly subsidized medical and dental benefits, as well as an exceptional stipend. More information on UConn's graduate assistantship packages can be found at our Graduate Assistant page and the Graduate School website.

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Degree Programs

Explore the various degree programs and certificates the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at USF has to offer.

College Student Affairs

The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in College Student Affairs is designed to advance the personal, intellectual, and professional development of individuals seeking careers as student affairs educators in institutions of higher education.

Program Overview
Admissions Requirements
Program of Study

Higher Education Administration

The Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Higher Education Administration is a research degree that prepares individuals interested in teaching, research, and policy positions in both community colleges and universities.

Program Overview
Admissions Requirements

Graduate Certificates

Our graduate certificate programs are designed to provide you with valuable educational experience in a more accessible, focused format than a traditional graduate degree program. Our program offers graduate certificates in three different areas: Academic Advising, College Teaching, and a post master's certificate in Leadership in Higher Education.

Academic Advising
College Teaching
Leadership in Higher Education

What is student affairs in higher education?

The field known as student affairs in higher education is made up of professionals dedicated to supporting the academic and personal development of individuals attending college or university. Other common names for this sector include student services, student success or student personnel.

Is a Masters in Higher Ed worth it?

With a master's in higher education administration, salary potential, and the opportunity for career advancement has been shown to increase. As previously stated, college administrators with a master's degree make an annual average of $22,000 more than those with only a bachelor's degree according to Burning Glass.

What are higher education Programmes?

Higher education is third level education after you leave school. It takes places at universities and Further Education colleges and normally includes undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Why have a career in student affairs?

Unlimited Choice and Flexibility. Student affairs professionals work in a variety of different positions on campus; they work in student activities, residence life, academic advising, financial aid, admissions, campus recreation, career services, volunteer services, and student orientation just to name a few.