Higher Education in Student Affairs, Master of Education

This program is designed for people who are interested in pursuing a career in student affairs administration at universities, colleges and community colleges. The program focuses on the development of college students and the skills, competencies, aptitude and motivation necessary to be an effective Student Affairs practitioner. The program places particular emphasis on the importance of working collaboratively within diverse and dynamic organizations in higher education. The program prepares people to work in areas such as residence life, student activities, judicial affairs, admissions, financial aid, academic and personal advisement, international students services and career services. The program will enable graduates to apply student development theories and learning to areas such as policy development, program planning and assessment, and administration in diverse environments.

HESA students can choose from two tracks. Both tracks are the same credit hours, contain the same courses and are taught by the same professors but are offered in different formats. Students from both tracks will be expected to complete all requirements of the program including one practicum, and a second practicum may taken as an elective.

The General Track requires students to attend up to three classes per semester on campus. The majority of the courses are offered in the traditional classroom format with a few hybrid/online courses.

The Executive Track will include all current core courses offered in an online/hybrid format. The members of the executive cohort will meet on campus once per month (on a specified Saturday).

Admission Requirements

Additional Admissions Requirements

Applicants for the M.Ed. Higher Education in Student Affairs program are exempt from having to take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

Recommend one course in measurement and evaluation, or equivalent (e.g., statistics)

Applicants for this program must also address the following additional question as part of their statement of purpose prompt: Identify one important issue within the fields of higher education or student affairs and explain why this issue is important.

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Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, you will complete a tentative Plan of Study in consultation with the program coordinator. You must request that any transfer credits be considered at this time. Please note that no more than three courses taken at Salem State University before admission can be counted towards this program. You should meet regularly with the program coordinator to discuss your progress and revise your plan of study, as needed.

All candidates for the M.Ed. Higher Education in Student Affairs must complete 1) a minimum of 36 credit hours of course work as described below, 2) successful completion of one practicum of at least 150 hours. The Practicum can be completed at Salem State University or at another institution with permission of the program coordinator.

Course Requirements

Higher Education in Student Affairs Electives (all courses are 3 credits): Electives*

*The M.Ed. in Higher Education in Student Affairs (HESA) requires three elective courses (9 credits). Six credits (2 courses) must be selected from the list of HESA electives listed below. Students may choose from the following options to fill the remaining three elective credits: 1) a third HESA elective, 2) a professionally relevant graduate seminar offered by another Salem State department or interdisciplinary area, or 3) an independent study (EDU 875A ). All non-HESA electives must be approved by the program coordinator prior to enrollment in the course. Please contact your HESA program coordinator to discuss your elective plans.

Additional notes:
1) HESA electives are offered on a rotating basis. Consult with your program coordinator for an updated schedule.
2) In addition to Salem State graduate seminars, there may be an opportunity to take elective courses in the UMASS Boston Doctoral Program in Higher Education Administration. Information will be e-mailed to HESA students if this option is available.
3) Students may also seek to transfer in elective credits completed through another graduate program. Please see the Transfer Credit Policy in the School of Graduate Studies Catalog.

Higher Education in Student Affairs, Master of Education

Admission Requirements

Program Requirements

Course Requirements

Higher Education in Student Affairs Electives (all courses are 3 credits): Electives*

Total Credits for the Degree: 36