salemstate.edu/graduate
PROGRAM
Founded in 2004, Salem State University’s Master of Education in Higher Education in Student Affairs (HESA) program is designed for people who are interested in pursuing a career in student affairs administration at universities, colleges and community colleges. The program focuses on the development of college students and the skills, competencies, aptitude, and motivation necessary to be an effective student affairs practitioner. The program places particular emphasis on the importance of working collaboratively within diverse and dynamic organizations in higher education.
The program equips graduates to work in areas such as residence life, student activities, student conduct, admissions, financial aid, academic and personal advisement, international student services and career services. Graduates will apply student development theories to areas like policy development, program planning and assessment and administration in diverse environments.
The HESA program unites full-time and part-time students from various backgrounds and experience levels, fostering a robust and inclusive learning environment. Full-time students attend classes in person while working professionals enrolled part-time can choose HyFlex courses, attending classes virtually or in person. Our program offers the adaptability and flexibility needed for students to succeed as both learners and practitioners.
CURRICULUM
The curriculum consists of 36 credits (9 core courses and 3 electives) and the successful completion of one practicum (3 credits). Practicums can be completed at Salem State or at another institution with permission of the program coordinator.
SAMPLE COURSES
EDU 704 Multicultural Issues in Student Affairs
EDU 773 Theories of College Student Development
EDU 811 Administration and Organization in Higher Education
EDU 803 Helping Skills for Student Affairs Professionals
EDS 710 LGBT Issues in Higher Education
EDU 776 Current Issues in Student Affairs
EDS 750 Applied Leadership in Higher Education
“The HESA Graduate Retention Fellows who have worked with the Student Transition and Engagement Program (STEP) have made a lasting impact on our students. STEP supports a cohort of 75 Pell Granteligible first-year students, most of which are also first-generation.
Through this experience, HESA students have honed their skills in advising, helping skills, student development, leadership development, and multicultural competence. The fellowship directly prepares graduates for a number of student affairs positions related to Academic Advising and Student Academic Support.”
— Megan Wigton, MA, MEd Assistant Director, Student Success and the First Year Experience
ELECTIVE COURSES
The MEd, HESA requires three elective courses (9 credits). Six credits (2 courses) must be selected from the list of HESA electives listed below. Students may choose from the following options to fill the remaining three elective credits: 1) a third HESA elective, 2) a professionally relevant graduate seminar offered by another Salem State department or interdisciplinary area, or 3) an independent study (EDU 875A ).
All non-HESA electives must be approved by the program coordinator prior to enrollment in the course. Please contact your HESA program coordinator to discuss your elective plans.
Additional notes:
1. HESA electives are offered on a rotating basis. Consult with your program coordinator for an updated schedule.
2. In addition to Salem State graduate seminars, there may be an opportunity to take elective courses in the UMASS Boston Doctoral Program in Higher Education Administration. Information will be emailed to HESA students if this option is available.
3. Students may also seek to transfer in elective credits completed through another graduate program. Please see the Transfer Credit Policy in the School of Graduate Studies Catalog.
MED HIGHER EDUCATION IN STUDENT AFFAIRS
FACTS AND FIGURES
• Full-time students are enrolled in nine (9) credits per semester, take classes in-person and typically hold a Graduate Assistantship.
• Part-time students are enrolled in six (6) credits per semester. The part-time option offers flexible modality options and is available to individuals employed full-time at a higher education institution.
• Most students complete the program in two years. Part-time students can complete the program in two years by taking summer courses.
• Learn from exceptional faculty with extensive experience as full-time higher education leaders in academic and student affairs, who bring real-world experience to the classroom.
• Faculty research interests include: accessibility of higher education, intergenerational issues in higher education, retention of students of color, student leadership development, higher education leadership, student affairs administration, and how marginalized identities impact educational opportunity and academic achievement in secondary and higher education.
CAREERS
The MEd, HESA prepares students for a variety of employment opportunities at institutions of higher education. HESA alumni hold positions in residence life, student activities, student conduct, multicultural affairs, international student services, academic and personal advisement, financial aid, career services, and admissions. Graduates of our program have a 99% employment rate in obtaining a student affairs professional position. In addition, numerous HESA alumni have enjoyed success in the pursuit of a doctoral degree.
COST
For Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $514.20,* which includes tuition and fees. For non-Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $609.30.* The program is 36 credits (excluding prerequisites). For assistance funding your graduate education, options such as financial aid, graduate assistantships, employer reimbursement and tuition remission, and veteran’s benefits may be available.
*Tuition and fees subject to change.
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
The opportunity to gain professional experience that aligns with graduate coursework is a key feature of the HESA program. In addition to the required practicum, many HESA students choose to complete a second practicum as an elective. Our students also secure graduate assistantships at Salem State or at one of the 54 colleges and universities in the greater Boston area. These assistantships may offer tuition remission, stipends and/or housing. Please see the HESA application website for more information on HESA graduate assistantship opportunities.
MEd, HESA Bachelor’s degree 3
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Upon acceptance into the program, you will complete a tentative Plan of Study in consultation with the program coordinator. You must request that any transfer credits be considered at this time. Please note that no more than three courses taken at Salem State University before admission can be counted towards this program. You should meet regularly with the program coordinator to discuss your progress and revise your plan of study, as needed.
All candidates for the MEd, HESA must complete 1) a minimum of 36 credit hours of course work as described below, 2) successful completion of one practicum of at least 150 hours. The Practicum can be completed at Salem State University or at another institution with permission of the program coordinator.
MED HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENT AFFAIRS
Salem State’s Master of Education in Higher Education in Students Affairs (HESA) prepares students for professional careers in student affairs at public and private colleges and universities.
A highlight of our curriculum is the inclusion of one required practicum with the option to complete a second as one of the electives, providing students with practical skills and extensive professional experience as part of their graduate studies.
The culminating experience for those enrolled in the HESA program is a professional e-portfolio in which students can document and reflect on their achievements in the professional competency areas as framed by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).
Through a comprehensive curriculum and faculty who are committed to student success, our program is designed to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the changing environment and shifting demographics of higher education.
Apply: salemstate.edu/apply
Financial Aid: salemstate.edu/finaid
Email: gradadmissions@salemstate.edu
Phone: 978.542.6200
For accommodations and access information, visit salemstate.edu/access.