Higher Education & Student Affairs Administration, M.A.
The M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration prepares candidates for positions at the college/university level as well as for professional roles in nonprofit higher education associations and government institutions. This 36-credit program equips students with the critical skills to direct multifaceted operations while providing an exceptional educational experience to students. Graduates of the program are prepared to seek employment in a variety of areas, such as residence life, commuter services, admissions, financial aid, leadership development, Greek affairs, student activities, academic advising, registrar, athletics, student rights and diversity advocacy, academic advising, student recreation, career services, and academic support programs.
The student learning outcomes for the program are listed below. Upon successful completion of the Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration program, the student will receive a master’s degree and will have given evidence of the following:
- Investigation of one or more topics related to higher education administration and student affairs within the parameters of academic research design and literature review.
- Demonstrated ability to work within a collaborative team to produce meaningful work and analysis of current structures in student affairs programs, admission, registrar, marketing, academic affairs, etc.
- Formulation and clear articulation of a personal philosophy of higher education that incorporates best practices, an ethical basis, and the foundational knowledge and theories of the profession.
- Professional leadership skills developed in the areas of strategic planning, assessment, awareness of legal responsibilities, diversity issues, and student counseling as these pertain to the oversight of a functioning higher education student affairs program or department.
- Integration of the Mercy core values as demonstrated through a commitment to advocacy and social justice related to current issues in higher education.
Requirements of Admission
Admission to the Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration will require a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 grade point average, a résumé, and at least two letters of recommendation. In addition, applicants must submit a written, personal statement describing career goals consistent with the goals of the program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HED5401 | Foundations of Higher Education | 3.0 |
| HED5402 | Enrollment Mgt & Acad Affairs 1 | 3.0 |
| HED5403 | College Student Development Theories | 3.0 |
| HED5404 | Higher Ed Org & Strat Planning | 3.0 |
| HED5405 | Rsrch & Assessment Higher Ed | 3.0 |
| HED5406 | Legal Issues & Personnel Mgt 1 | 3.0 |
| HED5407 | Student Affairs Admin & Counseling 1 | 3.0 |
| HED5408 | Higher Ed Finance, Grants & Budgeting 1 | 3.0 |
| HED5409 | Contemporary Higher Ed Issues 1 | 3.0 |
| HED5410 | Community Coll Organiz & Leadership 1 | 3.0 |
| HED6011 | Higher Education Internship I 1 | 3.0 |
| HED6012 | Higher Education Internship II 1 | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 36.0 | |
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Approved after catalog was published