Degree and Certificate Programs

Master of Science in Education Degree

Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA)

Program Office: IUB, Education 4228, (812) 856-8372. IUPUI, Education/Social Work 3149, (317) 278-5739.

Students interested in the study of higher education and working in a college or university may choose between two concentrations in the master's degree in student affairs administration and higher education. The concentration in student affairs administration emphasizes the study of college and university administration, student learning and development, assessment of campus environments, issues in student affairs, and communication skills and interpersonal relationships. The concentration in higher education emphasizes the study of higher education and is intended for professionals not working with students. Both concentrations introduce students to relevant theory, research, and practice related to college and university administration and preparation for entry-level and, for those with previous relevant experience, middle-management positions in institutions of higher education.

In addition to the School of Education admission requirements, applicants must interview with the faculty. Students come from diverse geographic locations and academic backgrounds. Some come to the program with experience in student affairs-related positions, and many come directly from undergraduate study. Most full-time students need two academic years and one summer session to complete the degree requirements. Students are required to begin course work in the fall semester. Because practical experience is valued, all students must obtain a graduate assistantship or be employed at least part-time in a related campus office while pursuing this degree. Students may take courses at either Bloomington (IUB) or Indianapolis (IUPUI).


STUDENT AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION CONCENTRATION (41 cr.)

I. Basic Core (20-22 cr.)

  • C565 Introduction to College and University Administration (3 cr.)
  • U544 Introduction to Student Affairs in Higher Education (3 cr.)
  • U546 Diverse Students on the College Campus (3 cr.)
  • U547 Practicum in Personnel Work (2 cr.)*
  • U548 Student Development Theory and Research (3 cr.)
  • U549 Environmental Theory and Assessment (3 cr.)
  • U551 Administrative Practices (1 cr.)
  • U553 College Student and the Law (1 cr.)
  • U580 Issues and Problems in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (3 cr.)

II. Counseling and Counselor Education (3 cr.)

  • G573 Communication Skills and Interpersonal Relations in Counseling (3 cr.)

III. Foundations (6 cr.)

Research (3 cr.):

  • Y520 Strategies for Educational Inquiry (3 cr.) or P501 Introduction to Statistics (3 cr.)

History/Philosophy (3 cr.):

  • Select one H-prefix course, e.g., H504, H520, H525, H530, H540, etc.

IV. Electives (10 cr.)

Students must choose any U550 course or U559 to total 4 credits. For the remainder of the elective credits, students may choose any graduate-level class outside of the program area, with the following exceptions: correspondence and physical activity courses (e.g., dance, music lessons) typically are not appropriate for this degree.

V. Thesis Option (6 cr.)

Up to 6 credit hours, to be subtracted from electives.

HIGHER EDUCATION CONCENTRATION (41 cr.)

I.    Basic Core (12-14 cr.)

  • C565 Introduction to College and University Administration (3 cr.)
  • C665 Higher Education Administration (3 cr.)
  • U544 Introduction to Student Affairs in Higher Education (3 cr.)
  • U547 Practicum in Personnel Work (2 cr.)*
  • U580 Issues and Problems in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (Capstone) (3 cr.)

II.   Recommended Courses (15 cr.)

Any graduate courses offered by the Higher Education and Student Affairs program area (C- and U-prefix courses). Other courses (e.g., A670, G573) may be substituted with prior approval of the student's advisor. Students who select the thesis option (6 cr.) can reduce the number of credit hours of recommended courses from 15 to 9.

III.  Foundations (6 cr.)

Research (3 cr.):

  • Y520 Strategies for Educational Inquiry (3 cr.) or P501 Introduction to Statistics (3 cr.)

History/Philosophy (3 cr.):

  • Select one H-prefix course, e.g., H504, H520, H525, H530, H540, etc.

IV. Electives outside the Major (6 cr.)

Any graduate-level class outside of the program area, with the following exceptions: correspondence and physical activity courses (e.g., dance, music lessons) typically are not appropriate for this degree.

V.   Thesis Option (6 cr.)

Up to 6 credit hours, to be subtracted from electives or recommended courses.

* Students with significant full-time work experience in higher education administration, upon their request and with advisor approval, may be exempted from the practicum requirement. These students need only 39 credit hours to complete the degree.



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Additional program information can be found at the Office of Graduate Studies.