Online Master’s in Higher Education Student Affairs

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Degree Level

Master's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Business

Program

MA in Higher Education Student Affairs

Current Education Level

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Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

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Overview

Guide Others With Purpose in Student Affairs

The Master of Arts in Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) program at GCU is designed for professionals who are passionate about supporting college students’ personal and social growth through co-curricular programs and services. The curriculum explores how student affairs administrators directly contribute to the social development, academic success and overall well-being of students.

In this master's in higher education student affairs program, you will be taught to manage resources and support your school’s mission and vision. Within this field, a strong emphasis is placed on cultivating collaborative relationships with students, families, colleagues, school professionals and community members. These relationships may promote a supportive, yet rigorous learning environment that fosters student growth.

Master of Arts in Higher Education Student Affairs

Offered By

College of Education

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $615 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 32

Online: 6 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

Experience Education Rooted in Service and Leadership

The College of Education has a longstanding tradition of graduating educators and administrators who seek to enrich students’ lives while they prepare to become leaders of tomorrow. Establishing and maintaining positive relationships through servant leadership is a focal point throughout the program, as relationship building helps better meet the needs of postsecondary students. Additionally, this program blends theoretical concepts with experiential learning opportunities in a higher education setting, with the goal of helping graduates become more effective in the workplace.

Student affairs focuses on nurturing personal growth through a positive student experience. At GCU, we take a similar approach by developing the whole learner in mind and spirit. With faith-integrated courses, this online^{(See disclaimer 1)} Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs prompts you to develop personal ethics practices that are often relevant to student affairs. This degree can empower you with the potential to lead with kindness, compassion and justice.

Coursework

Master’s in Higher Education Student Affairs Coursework

Your program courses are led by professionals in their respective fields who share their knowledge and experience in all areas of higher education student affairs. Our online learning community brings together students from diverse backgrounds and various perspectives, enriching the learning process.

The online learning platform also affords our students the flexibility and convenience that busy professionals need as they continue to meet their existing commitments. You can benefit from a range of online learning resources, including tech support services, while working through a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from student development theory to campus operations.

Coursework in this student affairs program covers the following topics:

Servant leadership

Student leadership development

Building team culture

Laws and ethics

Managing operational resources

Crisis management

Community engagement

Higher Education Student Affairs Practicum

This HESA program blends online didactic coursework with in-person applied learning experiences. You will be required to complete 60 hours of practicum/internship hours in the last three courses of your program. These experiences will directly relate to the concepts taught throughout the program. During an on-campus internship, you can apply skills in leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration. You must have access to an institute of higher learning to complete program assignments.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Careers

Careers in Higher Education Student Affairs

This online Master of Arts in Higher Education Student Affairs can provide a solid foundation of competencies for teachers and other educational professionals to position themselves to pursue potential career advancement. Graduates of this program may go on to pursue various education administration roles, including postsecondary education administration.

$103,960

Median annual salary of postsecondary education administrators in May 2024^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Accreditation

Earn Your Master's Degree From an Accredited University

GCU is proud to be institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. This designation reflects our commitment to preparing our students to face modern workplace challenges with confidence and integrity.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about a career in student affairs in higher education and how you might pursue your goals with a graduate program.

What career options are there for someone with a master’s in higher education student affairs?

A master’s degree in student affairs for postsecondary institutions may enable teachers and other education professionals to pursue careers as education administrators at the postsecondary level.

This degree combines didactic coursework with in-person practicum hours — an approach intended to graduate professionals who are prepared to immediately begin putting theory into action in the workplace for the betterment of the students under their care.

What is a master’s in higher education student affairs?

This graduate degree can prepare you to effect positive change within co-curricular, non-academic programs and services in postsecondary educational institutions. Student affairs education administrators work in areas such as student life, residence life and career services.

The master’s in higher education student affairs focuses on competencies such as operational resources management, student development, community development and higher education laws and ethics.

Is pursuing a higher education student affairs degree worth it?

If you’re passionate about the development of the whole student at the postsecondary level, then a degree in higher education student affairs can be a great fit for you. As a student affairs professional, you will have the potential to serve as a positive influence on the learning community that nurtures a collaborative culture and encourages students to achieve their full potential.

Student affairs professionals may specialize in a number of different co-curricular areas, from student activities on campus to residence life.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major32 credits

Degree Requirements32 credits

Core Courses

UNV-501

2 Total Credits

EDU-518

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Candidates explore the scope of Student Affairs in higher education. This survey includes foundational theories, organizational division roles, delegations, and professional responsibilities to fulfill the mission of student affairs. Candidates will also apply data and research to topics in higher education student affairs. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

EDU-528

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, candidates examine laws applicable to higher education, including HIPAA, FERPA, Title IX, and ADA. Coursework focuses on the ethical application of laws and policies in the higher education setting as well as preparing to navigate ethical decision-making in a higher education student affairs setting. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

EDU-538

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, candidates focus on servant leadership within higher education student affairs, examining how it connects to ethics, accountability, and responsible leadership. They will practice self-reflection methods that contribute to the character development required of effective leaders. Candidates will develop a personal strategy for leading with integrity, humility, and justice for the good of the team and the community. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

EDU-547

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course examines theories of student development. Candidates will develop co-curricular programming to increase student engagement, enhance the physical and virtual community, and promote individual self-efficacy that meets the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. Candidates will apply student development theory to assist students in developing their worldview and personal potential while preparing for post-academic environments. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

EDU-558

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, students will identify the legal, ethical, logistical, and psychological implications of student crises within the context of a higher educational setting. Candidates will learn proactive and reactive risk management resources and strategies to respond to student crises on campus and address the implications of student crisis specific to student affairs within the context of a higher educational landscape. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

EDU-567

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, candidates will develop strategies to model and coach student leaders, equipping them to engage their peers in building and maintaining a healthy campus community, including modeling collaboration techniques. Candidates will create a strategy to effectively select and train potential student leaders and provide opportunities for student leaders to participate in leadership experiences within the higher education community. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

EDU-568

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, candidates will learn how to ethically identify, prioritize, and allocate university resources and human capital while maximizing effectiveness within Student Affairs. They will also learn to analyze the impact of resource management decisions. Candidates will gain a working knowledge of how to advocate for needed resources and track expenses. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

EDU-561

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, candidates develop strategies to foster team building and maintain a collaborative culture that supports positive relationships, enhancing the intellectual, social, and emotional growth and well-being of students. Candidates also seek professional growth opportunities related to student affairs roles, laws, and educational equity. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.

EDU-562

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, candidates will deepen their understanding of the university system's structure while developing leadership skills to drive community development and engagement on campus. They will collaborate to establish and maintain an effective educational environment, evaluating the effect of leadership decisions on team culture. Through reflection, candidates will identify areas for personal and professional improvement. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: EDU-561.

EDU-579

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This is the culminating course in the Master of Arts in Higher Education Student Affairs program. This course combines the information and skills presented in prior courses in the program. In a 20-hour on-campus practicum/field experience, candidates apply their knowledge and skills in a specific area or department within student affairs. Candidates have the opportunity to synthesize and practice what they have learned in the program. Emphasis is on critical thinking and problem-solving skills through leadership and collaboration as they develop and evaluate a student affairs strategic plan. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: EDU-562.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the "Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures” link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).

Excluding observational and practice-based experiences and student teaching.
Candidates must have access to an institute of higher education to complete program assignments. GCU is unable to offer/guarantee practicum/field experience access to institutions of higher education.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Postsecondary Education Administrators, as of May 2024, retrieved November 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as postsecondary education administrators, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.