The online Master of Arts (MA) in Higher Education & Student Affairs (HESA) is the perfect degree for current university or college employees and those seeking employment in higher education.
The Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs is for people in higher education seeking to advance their careers or those pursuing their first professional position within a postsecondary institution. This degree can give you the educational administration experience you need to prepare for leadership roles in a university setting. This program offers students three specialized concentrations, designed to prepare individuals for meaningful careers or enhance their current roles in higher education:
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Complete your degree on your own time through fully online coursework and learning tools.
Learn MoreComplete 10 courses consisting of 8 core courses and 2 approved electives.
Learn MoreSpecialize in 1 of 2 concentrations that fit your career goals and interests.
Graduates with a master’s degree in higher education can work in various administrative positions in virtually all departments at public and private colleges and universities. This is also ideal for those who want to strengthen their skillset to navigate and improve higher education policies, opportunities, and more. Furthermore, the median pay for post-secondary administrators is projected at $97,500 annually (bls.gov).
Graduates have pursued university positions including:
Preferred Application Deadline | Term | Start Date |
---|---|---|
December 10 | Spring I | January |
February 10 | Spring II | March |
May 1 | Summer | June |
August 1 | Fall I | Late August |
September 10 | Fall II | October |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
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To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
*Required application packet materials include:
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.
The MA in HESA degree has the choice of two online concentration options both requiring 30 credit hours. The Administration concentration requires completion of 24 credit hours of core courses (core consists of practice and advanced classes) and six credit hours of electives. The Sport Administration Concentration requires the completion of 27 credit hours of core courses and 3 credit hours of electives. Courses are 100% online, asynchronous and delivered in 8-week terms, except LEAD 690 and 697 (standard term length).
The typical degree path includes:
Courses | Hours |
---|---|
Practice Core | Hours |
LEAD 600 Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics OR LEAD 666 Program Development and Assessment in Higher Education |
3 |
LEAD 682 The Organization and Administration of Higher Educational Institutions | 3 |
LEAD 693 College Students in the United States | 3 |
LEAD 690 Professional Project in Higher Education | 3 |
Advanced Core | |
LEAD 680 Legal Issues in Postsecondary Education | 3 |
LEAD 684 Educational Resource Management in Postsecondary Education | 3 |
LEAD 694 Diversity in Higher Education | 3 |
Specialization | |
Specialization/Electives | 6 |
Exit Requirement * | 3 |
LEAD 697 Organizational Improvement in Higher Education | 3 |
Total Credit Hours | 30 |
Courses | Hours |
---|---|
Practice Core | Hours |
LEAD 600 Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics OR LEAD 666 Program Development and Assessment in Higher Education |
3 |
LEAD 682 The Organization and Administration of Higher Educational Institutions | 3 |
LEAD 693 College Students in the United States | 3 |
Advanced Core | |
LEAD 680 Legal Issues in Postsecondary Education | 3 |
LEAD 684 Educational Resource Management in Postsecondary Education | 3 |
LEAD 694 Diversity in Higher Education | 3 |
Specialization | |
SPAD 680 Athletics and Higher Education | 3 |
SPAD 625 Sport Management and Leadership | 3 |
Elective (approved by advisor) | 3 |
Exit Requirement * | 3 |
SPAD 692 Internship in Sport Administration | 3 |
Total Credit Hours | 30 |
* Exit requirement vaires depending on concentration
For more information about specialized concentrations please contact our enrollment counselors at 800.871.8635 or online@louisville.edu.
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The set of questions and answers outlined below can help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission process, financial aid options and how to succeed as an online student at UofL.
Professional-level positions in higher education can be across various departments of the University such as academic, student, institutional, athletic and fiscal affairs. Additional departments include facilities, I.T., research, and office personnel. People pursuing professional career options can expect to see annual salaries starting at $31k with a median of $61k and a maximum of $142k (according to HigherEdJobs.com) varying by type of institution.
Administrators in higher education fall under such titles as bursar, athletics officer, alumni affairs administrator, student financial aid officer, assistant provost and more. People pursuing administrative career options can expect to see annual salaries starting at $57k with a median of $137k and a maximum of $535k (according to HigherEdJobs.com) varying by type of institution.
Executive-level positions in higher education fall under such titles as Dean, Chief Academic Affairs Officer, Provost, Executive Vice President, Vice Chancellor, Chief Financial Officer and others. People pursuing executive career options can expect to see annual salaries starting at $59k with a median of $132k and a maximum of $543k (according to HigherEdJobs.com) varying by type of institution.
For answers to any other questions you might have, please submit an Information Request Form.