Bachelor's-MA in Higher Education & Student Affairs

Shape the college experience with a dual degree in higher education & student affairs

In the dual degree higher education & student affairs program, students are prepared to embark on a rewarding career of creating college experiences that promote student success and well-being. At Sacred Heart University, students in this program can earn their bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years on a seamless track.

Dual degree students are guaranteed admission to the Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs program provided they continue, as undergraduate students, to meet program-specific criteria to progress into graduate program enrollment.

Why Earn Your Bachelor’s-Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs at Sacred Heart?

This program puts you on a faster track to becoming a professional in higher education and student affairs. You’ll gain the education and experience necessary to become a leader a college campus and support and promote the success of future generations.

Throughout this program, you'll acquire knowledge of the professional standards and the expertise to work with students and colleagues from different cultural contexts and ability levels across various roles in higher education. Students complete an internship in a higher education setting to gain experience, and they also can earn credit toward their degree with a graduate assistantship.

Other benefits of SHU’s 4+1 Dual Degree Program include:

Find support

As undergraduates, students have an academic adviser, as well as other faculty and counseling resources to help them stay on track and progress toward their graduate degree. Industry-specific events and student clubs are also available for undergraduate students to become more deeply involved in their graduate field.

Save money

Students who participate in dual degree programs may save on tuition costs as compared to completing a separate graduate program.

Less stress

When you take advantage of the dual degree program, your spot in graduate school is already reserved. There’s no need for last-minute applications to graduate schools during the final months of senior year.

What is the career outlook for positions in higher education & student affairs?

With a master’s degree in higher education & student affairs, individuals can find more opportunities in administration, management and leadership positions in public and private, two- and four-year colleges, universities and other institutions.

New graduates often work in the following areas:

Criteria to Progress to the Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs

Students admitted to the dual degree program must continue, as undergraduate students, to meet program-specific criteria in order to progress to enrollment in the HESA program:

• Successful completion of the bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8.
• Demonstration of campus involvement and leadership as an undergraduate student in a 500-word personal statement discussing the student’s experiences in college, which led to the pursuit of a career in Higher Education & Student Affairs and the student’s career goals.

More Information

For additional information for prospective first-year students, contact:

Undergraduate Admissions
203-371-7880
enroll@sacredheart.edu

For additional information for current dual degree students, contact:

Graduate Admissions
203-365-7619
gradstudies@sacredheart.edu