Higher Education (M.A.Ed.)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Higher Education and Student Affairs (HED) Master's Degree Program educates entry-level professionals about the essential knowledge, skills/experiences, and dispositions necessary for practice in higher education.
Graduate students are prepared to work as student development educators and administrators in higher education. Specifically, students may expect employment in residential programs, campus activities, career planning, judicial programs, counseling, admissions, financial aid, student orientation, multicultural services, and related campus programs.
A small cohort experience ensures individual attention and shared learning, opportunities to specialize in one area, or explore many areas, of student affairs through assistantships, practica and summer internships, and a solid grounding in program assessment and evaluation. Our students plan both fun and educational activities through the Higher Education Advisory Council (HEAC).
Students are strongly encouraged to collaborate. Our students are actively engaged in the profession. Over 90% held memberships in one or more professional associations, 88% participated in professional development activities, 42% presented one or more conference programs, 39% held leadership positions in professional associations, 24% were writing for publication, and 10% published manuscripts in professional journals before graduating.
Graduates will be eligible for employment in positions at colleges and universities in residence life, student activities, student success, academic advising, new student orientation, leadership development, diversity and inclusion offices, and career and professional development, and advocacy and crisis management, among others.
The Higher Education and Student Affairs (HED) Master's Degree Program provides entry-level professionals with the essential knowledge, skills, values, and dispositions necessary for a wide variety of student affairs positions in higher education. The HED program is designed to meet the standards for master's level preparation in student affairs of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS). Additional information can be found on the M.A.Ed. program guide (linked here).
WHAT YOU'LL STUDY
Graduate education is concerned with enhancing the broad spectrum of talents in students. Some of these talents are addressed by structured, in-class activities determined primarily by faculty, while others are addressed by out-of-class activities that often are student-directed. Both types of learning opportunities are incorporated into each student's Plan of Study. Faculty serve as teachers, advisors, colleagues, and mentors to students.
The master’s curriculum consists of courses in four areas: Foundations, Research, Concentration, and Cognate, and centers on four tenets: professional practice, scholarship, professional involvement, and service.
A total of 48 credit hours is required for the master's degree. Given the delivery of the curriculum, students are required to register for classes during at least one summer term. You will complete courses such as introduction to student affairs profession, theories of college student development, higher education in the United States, higher education law, and assessment in higher education.
Course Descriptions
EDHE 5105:Theoretical, practical, and policy issues in the assessment of student learning outcomes. Principles for evaluation of co-curricular or higher education-related programs, services, or facilities. Assessment of student learning outcomes in those programs and activities. Pre: Graduate standing. EDHE 5106: Application of theoretical, practical, and policy issues in professional education settings such as administrative or service delivery department in higher education. Development of assessment plans, collection and analysis of data, evaluation of findings, and preparation of final assessment reports. Pre: 5105.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Prerequisite(s): EDHE 5105
Supervised work experience within a higher education setting. Application of classroom knowledge to the workplace setting in higher education including assessment and evaluation, program development and execution, research, personal development and career planning. Pre: Graduate standing.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture, Online Lecture
History, philosophy, and goals of the student affairs profession in American higher education. Standards and contexts for student affairs, including scholarly literature related to students and student organizational culture, ethical principles, and professional and quality standards. Pre: Graduate standing.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Theories of college student development. Foundational, integrative, and social identity theories, fundamental criticisms of well-known student development theories, identification of current student populations affected, and applying theories to student affairs practice and personal development. Pre: Graduate standing.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Study of the characteristics and attitudes of traditional and nontraditional college students; effect of the college environment on students.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
Corequisite(s):
Study of human resource management in education. Emphasis on recruitment and selection, orientation, supervision, staff development, performance appraisal, and separation. Application of a human resource development perspective guides research and assessment of current and future practices. Pre: Graduate standing.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture, Online Lecture
Selected topics in administration, counseling, adult and continuing education, research and evaluation, and community college and other domains of higher education. Emphasis is on interactive discourse on topics not typically included in regularly scheduled courses. (Maximum 3C per course).
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 3
Lecture Hour(s): 1 TO 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture, Online Lecture
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Lecture Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Independent Study
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Lecture Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Lecture Hour(s):
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Research
Antecedents of public policy affecting education in the United States, and the relationships between policy making and implementation and educational administration.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Advanced graduate study of the governance and administration of the modern, contemporary university in the United States with a focus on the research literature in the field.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Diversity of institutions of higher learning is examined through variations in the respective goals and purposes of distinct types of institutions and examined through variations in the constituencies served by different types of institutions and their differential impact on students and faculty.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Financing higher education. Emphasis on examination of the revenue source and patterns of funding and the roles of federal, state, and local governments in the fiscal support of higher education. Methods for the determination of institutional resource allocation, program and financial planning, and the internal allocation and effective use of resources.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
College and university leadership and administration. Focus on executive leadership, governance, development, research, outreach and engagement. Pre: Graduate standing.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture, Online Lecture
Study of educational organization theory and behavior. Emphasis will be given to understanding institutional structures and cultures in their educational, social, economic, and political contexts with a view toward organization improvement, development, and reform.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Conceptualize and write elements of a research proposal suitable for a doctoral dissertation including topic selection, literature reviews, conceptual frameworks, research questions/hypotheses, and select research techniques appropriate for gathering data. Pre: EDRE 6605, EDRE 6606, and EDRE 6524.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture, Online Lecture
Prerequisite(s): EDRE 6605, EDRE 6606, EDRE 6524
Study of institutional conditions that determine effectiveness including effects of institutions on student learning and personal development. Includes assessment of general education, the academic major, affective student learning, retention, employment suitability, and other aspects of student life related to teaching and learning.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Advanced applied research and/or evaluation study in one or more educational institutions or agencies. The student is graded on the basis of the design of the study and ability to conduct the study and report the results. (Maximum 12C).
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 12
Lecture Hour(s): 1 TO 12
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Planned program of advanced clinical practice in education through assignment under direct supervision of outstanding practitioner for periods of up to two semesters. (Maximum 24C).
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 24
Lecture Hour(s): 1 TO 24
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Lecture Hour(s):
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Research
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FACULTY
AFFILIATED FACULTY
Emerita and Emeritus Faculty Members
Don G. Creamer, Professor Emeritus, Higher Education
Joan B. Hirt, Professor Emerita, Higher Education, School of Education
Patricia Hyer, Affiliated Faculty; Associate Provost Emerita, University Provost’s Office
Steven M. Janosik, Associate Professor Emeritus, Higher Education, School of Education
Edward F. D. Spencer, Affiliated Associate Professor; Vice President Emeritus for Student Affairs
THE COHORT MODEL
This program operates on a cohort model. Members of a given cohort attend all of the same classes in the same sequence and pursue common plans of study.
The benefits of a cohort model are many. It is designed to facilitate social interaction, collaboration, and the formation of a supportive learning community.
Students in cohorts learn from and help each other with the successful completion of coursework and professional networking. They report a strong sense of community and are more likely to complete their programs of study in a timely manner.
Program Overview
The HED program is designed to meet the standards for master's level preparation in student affairs of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS).
The master’s program in Higher Education is a 48-credit hour program that provides entry-level professionals with the essential knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary for a wide variety of student affairs positions in higher education. The Higher Education (HED) preparation program educates entry-level professionals about the essential knowledge, skills/experiences, and disposition necessary for practice in higher education. Graduate students are prepared to work as student development educators and administrators in higher education. Specifically, students may expect employment in residential programs, campus activities, career planning, judicial programs, counseling, admissions, financial aid, student orientation, multicultural services, and related campus programs.
Why choose this program?
A small cohort experience that ensures individual attention and shared learning, opportunities to specialize in one area, or explore many areas, of student affairs through assistantships, practica, and summer internships, and a solid grounding in program assessment and evaluation. Our students plan both fun and educational activities through the HEA (Higher Education Association). Students are strongly encouraged to collaborate. Our students are actively engaged in the profession. Over 90% held memberships in one or more professional associations, 88% participated in professional development activities, 42% presented one or more conference programs, 39% held leadership positions in professional associations, 24% were writing for publication, and 10% published manuscripts in professional journals.
What You'll Study
The master’s curriculum consists of courses in four areas: Foundations, Research, Concentration, and Cognate. A total of 48 credit hours is required for the master's degree. Given the delivery of the curriculum, students are required to register for classes during at least one summer term. You will complete courses such as introduction to student affairs profession, theories of college student development, higher education in the United States, higher education law, and assessment in higher education.
Graduate education is concerned with enhancing a broad spectrum of talents in students. Some of these talents are addressed by structured, in-class activities determined primarily by faculty, while others are addressed by out-of-class activities that often are student-directed. Both types of learning opportunities are incorporated into each student's Plan of Study. Faculty serve as teachers, advisors, colleagues, and mentors to students.
Graduates will be eligible for employment in positions at colleges and universities in residence life, student activities, student success, academic advising, new student orientation, leadership development, multicultural affairs, and career services, among others.
Students who complete our M.A.Ed. program are very successful in the job search. Last year, 100% of our graduates accepted a position in higher education or student affairs.
Most master’s graduates accept positions in the field within a few months of graduation.
The capstone ePortfolio experience, in which students synthesize and document their knowledge, skills, and abilities, impresses employers and helps students prepare for the job search.
Recent graduates are employed in residence life, student activities, student success, academic advising, new student orientation, leadership development, multicultural affairs, and career services, among others.
Graduates from the HED M.A.Ed. program will develop knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes that are consistent with effective, ethical, and equitable practice as a college educator. Our curriculum centers on four tenets:
- Professional Practice,
- Scholarship,
- Professional Involvement, And and
- Service
The Higher Education program welcomed three new faculty members in fall 2019: Dr. Sharrika Adams, Dr. Chase Catalano, and Dr. Tonisha Lane. Click on their profiles for more information.
This degree program is offered at the Blacksburg campus. The Blacksburg campus offers students the full services of the university, including an extensive library, technology support, and the Graduate Life Center.
Admission to the master's program in Higher Education is determined by an admission committee composed of program faculty. An earned GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study is required. TOEFL scores are required of all international students whose first language is not English, except those applicants who have graduated from an accredited university where English is the language of instruction. TOEFL scores are not required of US permanent residents and US naturalized citizens. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is also accepted; a 6.5 minimum score is required. International applicants should consult the Graduate School web page for more information about the TOEFL and or other application requirements. Additional admission procedures are determined by the HED Admission Committee.
Visit this page for information on how to apply, including requirements, deadlines, and application fee.
The HED Admissions Coordinator will guide applicants through the process of applying for available Graduate Assistantship positions. While funding is not guaranteed, admitted students are generally offered a “package” with an offer of admission and a graduate assistantship position. The GA position and provides a monthly stipend, a health insurance benefit and covers tuition (not fees).
Potential GA Opportunities Include:
- Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity
- Department of Recreational Sports
- Cultural and Community Centers
- Career and Professional Development
- Office of First Year Experiences
- Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
- Office of Housing and Residence Life
- Office of Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program
- Office of New Student and Family Programs
- Office of Student Engagement and Campus Life
- Office of Student Conduct
- Pre-College and Pipeline Initiatives
- The Student Success Center
- University Academic Advising Center
A question on the application for graduate admission asks whether you want to be considered for a teaching assistantship. Check yes. Please note that Indicating that you wish to be considered for an assistantship does not mean that you will be offered one, only that you wish to be considered for one, if available.
Learn more about other available funding opportunities
Deadlines for Domestic and International Application
Applications for Fall 2021 are due on December 31.
Kathy Tickle
Program Support Technician
Enrollment Services Specialist
402 Wallace Hall (0565)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-9721 | ktickle@vt.edu
Questions?
M.A.Ed. program
Sharrika D. Adams, Ph.D.
1750 Kraft Dr., Room 2016
Blacksburg, VA 24060
540-231-5872
davissd@vt.edu
Faculty Experts in Higher Education
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Affiliated Faculty
Emerita and Emeritus Faculty Members
Don G. Creamer, Professor Emeritus, Higher Education
Joan B. Hirt, Professor Emerita, Higher Education, School of Education
Patricia Hyer, Affiliated Faculty; Associate Provost Emerita, University Provost’s Office
Steven M. Janosik, Associate Professor Emeritus, Higher Education, School of Education
Edward F. D. Spencer, Affiliated Associate Professor; Vice President Emeritus for Student Affairs
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