Master's in Higher Education & Student Affairs

Gain the knowledge and leadership skills to shape the college experience in this fully online program leading to a fast-paced, exciting career.

Why earn your MA in Higher Education & Student Affairs from Sacred Heart?

Sacred Heart University’s 36-credit Master of Arts in higher education & student affairs is fully online and asynchronous, with classes offered in an 8-week format that is ideal for those looking to join this growing field. Students who take two courses per term can finish the program in one year. 

Students interested in the program come from a wide variety of undergraduate majors. Those who have enjoyed being student leaders in residential life, student activities and student government often find the many job opportunities in higher education and student affairs an enriching and rewarding career path.

Dual Degree Program

Students apply to the Bachelor’s–Master of Arts in Higher Education 4+1 Dual Degree Program as an incoming freshman and are admitted directly into the graduate program at the same time as your admission as an undergraduate student. Students are encouraged to reach out to your admissions counselor to discuss dual degree options.

Benefits

The curriculum is designed to provide students with the theoretical framework, knowledge, skills and practical experiences to begin a career in higher education and student affairs on a college campus. It further focuses on developing the skills and competencies necessary to be an effective student affairs professional.

The program follows the standards outlined by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education.

Three credits are waived for students who work in higher education or hold a graduate assistantship. For local students who are able to work in person on SHU’s campus, graduate assistantships are available.

Learning Outcomes

Students acquire the knowledge, awareness and NASPA/ACPA competencies needed to work with students and colleagues from different cultural contexts and levels of ability in various roles in higher education. By understanding the current issues in the field, as well as their historical underpinnings, they learn to conduct, review and apply research, assess needs of differing groups and implement programs to address those needs.

Learn more

Meet the Program Director

Career Outlook

The MA in higher education & student affairs prepares individuals for careers in administration, management and leadership in public and private, two- and four-year colleges, universities and other institutions. New graduates often take jobs in the following areas: