Online Master’s in Higher Education Student Affairs
Online Master’s in Higher Education Student Affairs
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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)
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.
Median annual salary of postsecondary education administrators in May 2024(See disclaimer 3)
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.
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.
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?
What is a master’s in higher education student affairs?
Is pursuing a higher education student affairs degree worth it?
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.
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
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 (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
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).
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.
Advance your education to help shape the future of student engagement. Apply to GCU’s master's in higher education student affairs today!
