Aug 29, 2025  
2025-2026 School of Graduate Studies Catalog 
    
2025-2026 School of Graduate Studies Catalog

Higher Education in Student Affairs, Master of Education


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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 including but not limited to residence life, student activities, student conduct, 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 complete the program as a full-time or part-time student. Full-time students attend classes in-person, generally take three courses per semester, and typically - though not always - hold a paid graduate assistantship position in addition to taking a practicum course as part of the program. Part-time students have the option of taking classes either in-person or online (with some synchronous online courses) and normally take two classes per semester (including summers). Individuals currently working full-time in higher education can substitute the practicum course for an additional elective course.

Admission Requirements

Additional Admissions Requirements

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.

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.

Total Credits for the Degree: 36


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