Educational Leadership – Higher Education/Student Affairs [M.A.] Postgraduate Programme By Eastern Michigan University |TopUniversities

Educational Leadership – Higher Education/Student Affairs [M.A.]

Main Subject Area

Education and TrainingMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Education and Training

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership - Higher Education/Student Affairs (HESA) offers a practice-based experience to prepare the next generation of higher education and student affairs practitioners. Recognized for its academic excellence across the region, the program is ideal for those seeking entry-level positions in the field and those aspiring to become student Affairs administrators. HESA offers a flexible course schedule, including several delivery formats (evenings, weekends, week-long, hybrid, online, and distance learning formats).

Learn

The program offers a practice-based experience for students. You will work with faculty skilled in connecting theory and practice, exploring leadership, diversity, assessment, legal, professional, and ethical issues in Higher Education/Student Affairs. While enrolled in the program, you will engage in-field experiences in one or more student affairs areas of interest through a supervised internship. The Program is guided by CAS (Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education) standards for student affairs and ACPA (American College Personnel Association) standards. Our program seeks to create an inclusive environment that celebrates the unique identities of our students and co-constructs a supportive learning community. The program develops Student Affairs Professionals who:

  • Know and understand the leadership and administration of Student Affairs and higher education;
  • Know and understand how to cultivate educational environments promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Know and understand the organization of higher education;
  • Know and understand law and ethics as it relates to higher education and leadership;
  • Know and understand human relations, cultural diversity, and possess a global perspective;
  • Know and understand college student development and student characteristics;
  • Know and understand the concepts of applying and conducting research in the field;
  • Know and understand professional practice/development/personal growth.

Opportunities

HESA prepares professionals passionate about working directly with students, fostering student success and development. The following is a list of some of the career opportunities in Student Affairs:

  • Admissions
  • Academic Advising
  • Residence Life (Learning Communities)
  • Student Activities
  • Advising Student-Athletes
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life
  • Orientation
  • First-year Students
  • Career Services
  • Support Offices for Retention
  • Ombudsman
  • Historically Under-served Populations (Diversity, LGBT, Veteran, Women’s Centers)

Graduate Assistantships

Many students admitted to the HESA program secure Graduate Assistant positions (which provide tuition remission and stipend). Through these positions across the university, students gain valuable professional experience while completing their degree. The HESA program welcomes applications for full-time and part-time enrollment.

For more information on  Graduate Assistantships .

Graduate Assistant Interview Days 

Most departments/ functional units on campus seek GA applications in February/March for fall appointments. In March, the University Advising and Career Development Center conducted Graduate Assistant Interview Days (GAID). Prospective students must have applied to the program (but do not need to have been admitted) to participate in interview days.

For more information on  GAID .

Programme overview

Main Subject

Education and Training

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership - Higher Education/Student Affairs (HESA) offers a practice-based experience to prepare the next generation of higher education and student affairs practitioners. Recognized for its academic excellence across the region, the program is ideal for those seeking entry-level positions in the field and those aspiring to become student Affairs administrators. HESA offers a flexible course schedule, including several delivery formats (evenings, weekends, week-long, hybrid, online, and distance learning formats).

Learn

The program offers a practice-based experience for students. You will work with faculty skilled in connecting theory and practice, exploring leadership, diversity, assessment, legal, professional, and ethical issues in Higher Education/Student Affairs. While enrolled in the program, you will engage in-field experiences in one or more student affairs areas of interest through a supervised internship. The Program is guided by CAS (Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education) standards for student affairs and ACPA (American College Personnel Association) standards. Our program seeks to create an inclusive environment that celebrates the unique identities of our students and co-constructs a supportive learning community. The program develops Student Affairs Professionals who:

  • Know and understand the leadership and administration of Student Affairs and higher education;
  • Know and understand how to cultivate educational environments promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Know and understand the organization of higher education;
  • Know and understand law and ethics as it relates to higher education and leadership;
  • Know and understand human relations, cultural diversity, and possess a global perspective;
  • Know and understand college student development and student characteristics;
  • Know and understand the concepts of applying and conducting research in the field;
  • Know and understand professional practice/development/personal growth.

Opportunities

HESA prepares professionals passionate about working directly with students, fostering student success and development. The following is a list of some of the career opportunities in Student Affairs:

  • Admissions
  • Academic Advising
  • Residence Life (Learning Communities)
  • Student Activities
  • Advising Student-Athletes
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life
  • Orientation
  • First-year Students
  • Career Services
  • Support Offices for Retention
  • Ombudsman
  • Historically Under-served Populations (Diversity, LGBT, Veteran, Women’s Centers)

Graduate Assistantships

Many students admitted to the HESA program secure Graduate Assistant positions (which provide tuition remission and stipend). Through these positions across the university, students gain valuable professional experience while completing their degree. The HESA program welcomes applications for full-time and part-time enrollment.

For more information on  Graduate Assistantships .

Graduate Assistant Interview Days 

Most departments/ functional units on campus seek GA applications in February/March for fall appointments. In March, the University Advising and Career Development Center conducted Graduate Assistant Interview Days (GAID). Prospective students must have applied to the program (but do not need to have been admitted) to participate in interview days.

For more information on  GAID .

Admission Requirements

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements. Requirements may be more stringent than the minimum graduate school requirements.

  • Request recommendation forms from two professional supervisors and/or supervising professors that address the applicant’s professional work quality. Applicants may request recommendation letters in addition to completing the recommendation form. Applicants are encouraged to ask recommenders to submit a recommendation letter if this could enhance their application materials. Recommendation forms and letters must come directly from your reference.
  • A résumé that details their professional and educational experiences.
  • A personal statement of accomplishments and academic goals portion describing the reasons for requesting admission. This essay must be a minimum of 250 words and will be reviewed as an indicator of writing ability​

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

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