Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs
Sara Connolly, PhD
Assistant Dean for Student Success
Program Director, Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs
Phone: 203 365-7653
E-mail: connollys2@sacredheart.edu
Sacred Heart University's 36-credit Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs is fully online and asynchronous, with classes offered in an 8-week format, that is ideal for those looking to join this growing field. Students who take two courses per term can finish the program in one year.
Students interested in the program come from a wide variety of undergraduate majors. Those who have enjoyed being student leaders in residential life, student activities, and student government often find the many job opportunities in higher education and student affairs an enriching and rewarding career path.
Benefits
The curriculum is designed to provide students with the theoretical framework, knowledge, skills and practical experiences to begin a career in higher education and student affairs on a college campus. It further focuses on developing the skills and competencies necessary to be an effective student affairs professional.
The program follows the standards outlined by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education.
Three credits are waived for students who work in higher education or hold a graduate assistantship. For local students who are able to work in person on SHU's campus, graduate assistantships are available.
Learning Outcomes
Students acquire the knowledge, awareness and NASPA/ACPA competencies needed to work with students and colleagues from different cultural contexts and levels of ability in various roles in higher education. By understanding the current issues in the field, as well as their historical underpinnings, they learn to conduct, review and apply research, assess needs of differing groups and implement programs to address those needs.
Career Outlook
The MA in Higher Education & Student Affairs prepares individuals for careers in administration, management and leadership in public and private, two- and four-year colleges, universities and other institutions. New graduates often take jobs in the following areas:
- Residential life
- Campus activities
- Academic advising
- Greek life
- Student leadership
- Career development
- Enrollment management
- Financial aid
- Bursar
- Registrar