Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs

Recognizing the breadth of possible experiences and positions within student affairs, the MA program in Student Affairs Administration is developed around the competencies of ACPA and NASPA, the two primary student affairs professional associations. The program conforms to the norms and standards found in the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education.

Upon satisfactory completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

1. Understand and articulate the role of student affairs in the context of postsecondary education as well as the inherent values of the profession.
2. Understand complexities of diversity, multiculturalism, equity, access, and inclusion as they affect higher education and student affairs.
3. Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate theory (e.g., student development, organizational, learning, leadership, etc.) and data-based decision making to assist institutions in accomplishing their missions.
4. Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and awareness of resources necessary to design and evaluate effective educational interventions and/or programs for individuals and groups.
5. Critique a study or evaluation and be able to design, conduct, and report on a sound research study, assessment study, or program evaluation, all grounded in the appropriate literature, as well as use assessment results to inform and improve professional practice and student learning.

The Master of Arts (MA) degree in Higher Education & Student Affairs (HESA) Administration is designed to prepare students for a variety of student affairs positions in postsecondary institutions. Our program is unique because it emphasizes justice and service to diverse student populations across various types of institutions within a student affairs context.

The MA program has been developed around the competencies of ACPA and NASPA, the two primary student affairs professional associations, and conforms to the norms and standards found in the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education. 

The program has been redesigned for students starting Fall 2026 and later. Click here to learn more about the Newly Redesigned Master's Program and the Residency Weekend structure. Program requirements include: 

• 10 Courses offered in a hybrid or remote (Zoom) modality throughout the year. This model makes graduate study possible for adult learners who are already working in higher education and student affairs. You can balance full-time work and family responsibilities while earning your degree. 
  • Low-Residency model: All core courses meet in a hybrid format. Students gather once per semester at Morgan State for Residency Weekend, an immersive, in-person experience focused on the HBCU context, community building, and professional development. The rest of the semester’s coursework takes place online in real-time via Zoom. 
• Residency Weekend: As part of our low-residency format, all master’s students participate in a Residency Weekend at Morgan State University each semester. These weekends bring our community together in person and provide an essential connection to the HBCU experience.
• Practicum: Every student must complete at least one semester of supervised fieldwork (Practicum, RDHE 685). You can fulfill this requirement at Morgan State or at another approved higher education institution or non-profit organization close to where you live and work. This flexibility allows you to gain hands-on experience in a setting that fits your career goals and location.
• Student Affairs Professional Portfolio (SAPP): During their final semester, students complete a culminating portfolio documenting their learning and development. 

Required Courses (30 Credits; 10 courses)

• RDHE 702: Historical Foundations of Higher Education
• RDHE 727: Legal Issues of Higher Education
• RDHE 733: Assessment and Evaluation Methods in Student Affairs
• RDHE 725: American College Student
• RDHE 755: Issues and Problems at Urban and Special Mission Institutions
• RDHE 745: Student Development Theory
• RDHE 765: Counseling and Student Affairs 
• RDHE 735: Student Affairs Administration
• RDHE 785: Supervised Practicum/Internship (only Summer & Fall)
• Graduate-level Elective. Students are required to take 1 Elective course from a predetermined list of existing graduate-level courses both in DASLP and related graduate programs. All electives require preapproval from the Program Director. 

Admission Application Deadlines:

• January 15 – Priority Application Deadline
  Submit a complete application by this date to receive full consideration, especially if you are seeking graduate student funding. All application materials must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies.
• March 1 – Last Day to Apply for Graduate Student Funding
  We encourage you to apply for funding immediately after you receive your admission decision email. 
• March 1 – Final Application Deadline
  This is the last day to submit a complete application to the School of Graduate Studies. All required materials must be received by this date for your application to be considered for admission.
• Rolling Admission
  Admissions decisions are typically made within two weeks of receiving a complete application between January 15 - March 1.
• April 15 – Commitment Deadline
  Admitted students must confirm their intent to enroll by April 15, 2025 by notifying the School of Graduate Studies. Timely confirmation helps ensure appropriate planning for orientation, course registration, and funding coordination.

All application materials must be received by this date for consideration.

The MA program only admits students to start in the Fall term (i.e., starting classes in August). We do not admit students for the Spring or Summer terms.

Visit the Graduate School page to apply today!

Application Requirements: 

Below are the requirements for applications due Spring 2026 for the Fall 2026 cohort. 

1. Transcripts
   • Unofficial transcripts from all institutions must be submitted. If an applicant has multiple degrees from the same institution, upload the unofficial transcript multiple times. 
   • Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to beginning coursework. Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted before starting classes.
   • International applicants must submit certified transcripts and credential evaluations as part of the application process. Learn more about how the School of Graduate Students coordinated this process here. 
2. Grade Point Average (GPA)
   • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected. 
     1. If a student has a cumulative overall GPA between 2.5-3.0 but has a 3.0 or better for the last two years of undergraduate work, they may be offered conditional admission.
   • A minimum 3.0 GPA in any prior graduate coursework is also required.
     
3. Letters of Recommendation - Two (2) official letters of recommendation are required from supervisors, faculty members, or professionals who can speak to the applicant’s academic readiness and potential for success in graduate-level study. Please note: Recommendations from family members will not be accepted.
4. English Language Proficiency (for International Applicants) - Applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following: TOEFL: Minimum score of 590 (PBT) or 97 (iBT) or IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5. Applicants must also demonstrate strong verbal and analytical skills through their written materials and may be asked to participate in an interview. Learn more about how the School of Graduate Students coordinated this process here.
   
5. Personal Statement - A written personal statement is required (2–3 pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font). This statement must be written in your own words and should address the following:
   1. Your professional background, including any relevant experience in higher education or student affairs
   2. Your specific career goals within the field of higher education
   3. How earning a master’s degree through Morgan State University’s HESA program will support your goals and professional growth
6. Resume - Submit a current 2-page resume that highlights relevant professional and educational experiences, with a particular emphasis on roles related to higher education or student affairs. Find resume advice from Morgan State University’s Career Center here.
7. Writing Sample - Submit a recent academic or professional writing sample, such as a course paper or scholarly essay that demonstrates your ability to engage in graduate-level writing and critical thinking. This writing sample should be your original work, written in your own words. If you do not have a recent writing sample, please submit a 3–5 page essay (double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font) responding to the following prompt: What do you see as three major trends or issues currently facing higher education and student affairs? What are the implications of these trends or issues for college campuses and their stakeholders (e.g., students, faculty, staff, or administrators)? This writing sample should be your original work, written in your own words.

Are you interested in Higher Education & Students Affairs but not yet ready to commit to an entire program? Or perhaps you're considering taking one or two courses to use your tuition remission benefits? Consider enrolling as a non-degree student! As a non-degree-seeking student, you can take 1 -2 courses toward a graduate degree without enrolling in the program. It's a great way to explore the field, grow as a professional, and expand your professional network. 

Only US Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible.

Learn more here. 

If you have any additional questions please email Dr. Virginia Byrne at virginia.byrne@morgan.edu

Our program offers three types of funding:

• Graduate Research Assistantships
• Graduate Teaching Assistantships
• Tuition Awards

Many of our students also leverage their Tuition Remission benefits from local institutions like the USM schools, JHU, or Morgan State. Tuition Remission is determined and coordinated by your institution. We encourage you to speak with your HR representative about how to use these benefits.