This 36-credit hour program is designed to prepare professionals for successful administrative careers in a variety of higher education contexts. Students apply theory learned through challenging classroom studies to real life experiences, effectively blending theory, research, and best practices in becoming transformational leaders in higher education.
Those selecting the Student Affairs Administration concentration will have a fully face-to-face experience on campus in Columbia, South Carolina. While those selecting the Higher Education Leadership concentration will complete the program 100% online. International students admitted to the Higher Education Leadership concentration would be expected to complete this program from their home country.
What kinds of work will I be able to do after I graduate?
Graduates of the M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs are employed in a range of institutional contexts and positions including career advising, academic advising, Title IX enforcement, student conduct, student activities, Greek life, parent programs, international student services, student leadership and service, admissions, marketing, and institutional advancement among others.
Typical Coursework
You will explore foundational concepts related to student affairs practice and higher education leadership based upon the ACPA and NASPA Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators. Each concentration will include courses that span higher education practice, including topics such as history and philosophy, organization and administration, assessment, research methodologies, legal aspects, and more. Interwoven throughout both concentrations is an understanding of social justice and inclusion within the context of higher education.
Student Affairs Administration Concentration (on campus)
The Student Affairs Administration Concentration is completed in-person and on campus in Columbia, S.C. Typically, students in this concentration will work in one of the many graduate assistant positions available on campus while completing their coursework. Students who stay on track with the predetermined sequence of courses can expect to graduate in two academic years. This concentration is focused on advanced study in areas such as contemporary student affairs trends and issues, philosophy of student affairs, and practicum experiences. This concentration will prepare you to articulate theories and models that describe the development of college students and the conditions and practices that facilitate holistic development. You will also be able to articulate advising and supporting strategies that consider self-knowledge and the needs of others. Cohorts for this program begin each fall. When applying for this program, be sure to select a fall semester on your application.
Courses in Student Affairs Administration concentration are typically semester-length, 16-week courses and are offered in-person. Students in this concentration will complete the following sequence of courses:
- Fall:
- EDHE 731: Student Affairs in Higher Education
- EDHE 730: History of Higher Education
- Elective
- Spring:
- EDHE 732: The American College Student
- EDHE 735: Academic Advising in Higher Education
- Practicum or Internship
- Fall:
- EDHE 739: Equity and Diversity in Higher Education
- EDHE 839: Institutional Assessment in Higher Education
- Elective
- Spring:
- EDHE 737: Legal Aspects of Higher Education
- EDHE 830: Organization, Administration, and Governance of Higher Education
- Elective
- Electives in the HESA program cover a wide range of special topics and are offered based on faculty availability. Previous topics include higher education athletics, higher education in popular media, international higher education, women’s higher education, the first-year experience, civil rights in education, and more.
Higher Education Leadership Concentration (online)
The Higher Education Leadership Concentration is designed with full-time professionals in mind, with accessible, 8-week online courses in a predetermined sequence. Students selecting this concentration will complete the full 36-credit hour master’s degree online. Students who stay on track with the sequence of courses can expect to graduate in two academic years. This concentration is focused upon building the necessary leadership skills for contemporary higher education leaders. Students in this concentration will take courses on subjects such as enrollment management, staff development, and higher education learning environments. Cohorts for this program begin each summer. When applying for this program, be sure to select a summer semester on your application.
Courses in the Higher Education Leadership concentration are fully online and typically 8-weeks long. Students will complete one course at a time but two courses over each semester, following the sequence prescribed below:
- Summer:
- EDHE 835: Leadership in Higher Education
- EDHE 730: History of Higher Education
- Fall:
- EDHE 830: Organization, Administration, and Governance of Higher Education
- EDHE 739: Equity and Diversity in Higher Education
- Spring:
- EDHE 748: Staff Development and Talent Management
- EDHE 742: Higher Education Learning Environments
- Summer:
- EDHE 839: Institutional Assessment in Higher Education
- EDHE 736: Financial Aspects of Higher Education
- Fall:
- EDHE 743: Strategic Planning for Data-Informed Decision Making
- EDHE 744: Enrollment Management in Higher Education
- Spring:
- EDHE 737: Legal Aspects of Higher Education
- EDHE 745: Capstone for Higher Education Leadership
Tuition
On-Campus Option (Student Affairs Administration Concentration Only)
Out-of-state students admitted to the on-campus Student Affairs Administration concentration pay regular non-resident tuition rate or applicable tuition depending on graduate assistantship status and/or funding offer.
Online Option (Higher Education Leadership Concentration Only)
Out-of-state students admitted to the online Higher Education Leadership concentration pay the same tuition rate as South Carolina residents. Therefore, the typical tuition rate for all students who select this concentration is $572.75 per credit hour with a total estimated program tuition including fees is $22,399.
See Specially Priced Online Degree Programs information on the fee schedule and the Graduate One Rate estimated cost to attend based on averages across all university programs.
Fees and rates are subject to change and are effective for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.
Financial Aid
Most students in this program receive assistance through loans and other forms of aid. Complete your FAFSA to be considered for these aid programs.
What sets the USC HESA program apart from other academic programs?
Program faculty include both full-time faculty members and affiliate faculty who are practicing administrators. As a result, program faculty bring both their scholarly knowledge and practical experiences into the classroom. The coursework blends theory, research, and practical application, allowing for comprehensive learning and engagement in higher education and student affairs.
The University of South Carolina is home to one of the strongest Divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Support in the nation that is invested in the success of the HESA program. USC is also home to the number one ranked University 101 program and internationally recognized National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. You will have opportunities to work with top leaders in the country through graduate assistantships, practica, and internships.
The HESA program is one of the most established programs in the nation and as a result, we have a large network of alumni across the globe. Our alumni are leaders in higher education, with many serving as vice presidents, deans, and directors in higher education institutions and professional associations. The alumni network continues to support the career and professional development of both our graduates and current students. Upon completing the HESA program, graduates have accepted positions at colleges and universities around the world and become part of a network of knowledgeable and experienced alumni that stretches across the more than 50-year history of the program.
Application Process
In addition to the requirements of the Graduate School, you will need to submit the following to apply for the M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs:
- Current resume which highlights educational and employment history, higher education or student affairs experience, and includes contact information.
- Personal statement (2-3 pages, double spaced) which addresses the following:
- Why are you interested in a career in higher education or student affairs?
- What experiences make you a strong candidate for the Higher Education and Student Affairs program?
- How will this degree program, specifically in your chosen concentration (Student Affairs Administration vs. Higher Education Leadership), contribute to your professional goals?
- Two (2) letters of recommendation.
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions you have attended.
- Non-refundable application fee
Recommendations for admission for the Higher Education and Student Affairs program are based on multiple indicators. The faculty of the Higher Education and Student Affairs Program make recommendations for admission to the Graduate School.