Master of Science in Education: Concentration in Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA)
Earn your master's degree in higher education student affairs! Advance your career in this in-demand field with our affordable and flexible program. Students may complete their coursework fully online, fully on-campus, or a combination of the two.
Engaged learners will interact via innovative technologies, face-to-face, and hybrid modes of service delivery.
The MSE in Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) is a 36 credit-hour program. The HESA programs includes:
- Practical experiences
- Experiential/hands-on learning
- Culminating portfolio/project and examination
- Students typically complete their degree in 24-36 months.
- Coursework has been designed to promote reflection and critical thinking.
- You will discover authentic learning experiences with real-life application.
- The HESA curriculum was developed in consultation with the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) Masters-Level Student Affairs Administration Preparation Programs, as well as the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators.
Program Handbook
Please review the HESA Program Handbook (2021-2022) for detailed information about the program.
Required Coursework
- AEP 880 Cultural Diversity (3 credit hours)
- HESA 813 Assessment, Evaluation, and Research in Higher Education (3 credit hours)
- HESA 814 Technology in Higher Education Student Affairs (3 credit hours)
- HESA 815 Higher Education Law (3 credit hours)
- HESA 816 Governance and Finance in Higher Education (3 credit hours)
- HESA 817 Student Development Theory (3 credit hours)
- HESA 818 Student Personnel in Higher Education (3 credit hours)
- HESA 819 Supporting Student Success in Higher Education (3 credit hours)
- HESA 820, Leadership in Higher Education (3 credit hours)
- Graduate-Level Elective (3 credit hours)
- HESA 879 Practicum (6 credit hours)
Program Coordinator
- Dr. Phillip Olt, Assistant Professor of Advanced Education Programs
Adjunct Faculty
- Dr. Joseph Bain, General Counsel (FHSU)
- Dr. Vincent Bowhay, President (Independence Community College)
- Dr. Teresa Clounch, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Senior Diversity Officer, & Title IX Coordinator (FHSU) | NASPA Region IV-W Regional Director
- Dr. Edward Hammond, President Emeritus (FHSU)
- Dr. Dennis King, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs (FHSU)
- Dr. Taylor Kriley, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs (FHSU)
- Dr. Joseph Linn, Vice President for Student Affairs (FHSU)
- Dr. Paul Tontz, Director of Veteran Services (California State University-San Marcos)
Learn More about the M.S.E. in Higher Education Student Affairs
Contact Information
If you are interested in learning more about the Higher Education Student Affairs program, please contact Dr. Phillip Olt, Program Coordinator: Fort Hays State University, Rarick Hall 230, Hays, KS 67601 or by email at paolt@fhsu.edu or Mrs. Amanda Frank at adfrank@fhsu.edu. If you are ready to apply to the program, visit the FHSU Graduate School Website to get started.
How to Reach Us
Department of Advanced Education Programs
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Rarick Hall 232
Phone: 785-628-4283
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