Program Overview

The Master's Degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) provides candidates with the content knowledge and credentials necessary to effectively lead in higher education institutions. The Master's Degree is a thirty (30) hour fully online program that is typically completed in five (5) semesters (spring/summer/fall) in under two (2) years.

The HESA program is highly professionally oriented, and candidates are expected to currently be employed or working in a professional or graduate-level role in a post-secondary educational organization (e.g., university, college, or student affairs unit). Field activities accompany the semester's work to provide a synthesis of the practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for today's higher education leader.

At the conclusion of the program, candidates will possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to lead higher education organizations. The core coursework in the master's degree in educational leadership is a meaningful step toward successful leadership for all educational leaders. The Higher Education and Student Affairs Concentration coursework prepares students for the unique contexts of leading post-secondary institutions and serving adult learners.

Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) Track

After completing their coursework, graduates from the Master's Degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) will be eligible for a variety of leadership positions in post-secondary education, including, but not limited to, placements in various student affairs units, university administration, and college athletics administration. The Higher Education Student Affairs concentration coursework fully adheres to the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) standards for master's level higher education and student affairs professional preparation programs.

Please note: To fulfill CAS expectations regarding supervised practice, candidates should have work or volunteer placement under the supervision of a qualified mentor.

M.Ed. at a Glance

  • Fully Online
  • Thirty (30) hours
  • Typically Completed in 5 semesters (classes available every Fall, Spring, and Summer)
  • Entry Points: fall, winter, spring

Core Courses (21 hours)

EDL 7101 - Critical Analysis of Policy, Theory, and Praxis for Educational Leaders
EDL 7315 - Data Analysis School Leaders
HESA 7000 - Leadership for Learning and Change in Higher Education and Student Affairs
HESA 7100 - Foundations of Higher Education and Student Affairs
HESA 7200 - Organizational Management in Higher Education and Student Affairs
HESA 7250 - Leading Student Development and Evaluation
HESA 7500 - Legal Issues and Ethics for Higher Education and Student Affairs Administrators

Concentration Courses (9 hours)

HESA 7150 - Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness in Higher Education (3 hours)
HESA 7400 - Human Resources Management in Higher Education (3 hours)
HESA 7600 - Financial Management in Higher Education (3 hours)

Admission Requirements

Must possess the following beyond the general KSU Graduate College Admission Requirements:

  • Degree – Bachelor’s degree.
  • Employment – Employed in role within an organization providing educational services.
  • Résumé or Professional Vitae – Uploaded to graduate application.
  • Recommendation/Evaluation Form (1) – Forms and their directions are in the online graduate application. May submit letter of recommendation or utilize evaluation form to be completed via the graduate application. The KSU Graduate College will send electronic evaluation forms to these sources. This recommendation should come from an educational professional who has taught or supervised your work and who can write with authority about your abilities as an educator.
  • Mentor Form – Completed by a mentor. Mentor requirements may be found within the Mentor form.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FIELD OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

Student affairs professionals work in a variety of different positions on college campuses and universities. Check out the careers you can step into with a degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs.

Need More Information?

Are you interested in Graduate School? Are you looking to kick off your career in Student Affairs and looking for the next step towards this goal? Check out our NEW master's degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education and Student Affairs.

HESA Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantship opportunities are available for students enrolled full-time in the HESA concentration. Students can apply for these opportunities and receive tuition waivers and stipends.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HESA GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Deadlines for Applications

Spring: Nov 15 | Summer: May 1 | Fall: July 1

Contact Us

For additional questions, please email the Program Coordinator, Dr. Chinasa Elue at celue@kennesaw.edu or email edldepartment@kennesaw.edu for additional information.

APPLY TO START IMPACTING LIVES CHECK MY APPLICATION STATUS Tuition & Fees