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. 

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: Contemporary College Students
• 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 685/785: 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. 

Recommended Full-Time Plan of Study

The following sequence is recommended for students pursuing the program on a full-time basis. Full-time students can typically complete the program in approximately 1.5 years, assuming enrollment in at least one summer course. Course sequencing may vary based on course availability, student circumstances, and academic advising.

Year 1: Fall Semester

• RDHE 725: Contemporary College Student
• RDHE 745: Student Development Theory
• RDHE 755: Issues and Problems at Urban and Special Mission Institutions

Year 1: Spring Semester

• RDHE 702: Historical Foundations of Higher Education
• RDHE 735: Student Affairs Administration
• RDHE 765: Counseling and Student Affairs

Year 1: Summer Semester

• Graduate-level elective or RDHE 785: Supervised Practicum/Internship
• Portfolio preparation

Year 2: Fall Semester

• RDHE 733: Assessment and Evaluation Methods in Student Affairs
• RDHE 727: Legal Issues of Higher Education
• Graduate-level elective or RDHE 785: Supervised Practicum/Internship
• Student Affairs Professional Portfolio due

Students following this sequence typically complete the program in December of their second academic year.

Recommended Part-Time Plan of Study

The following sequence is recommended for students pursuing the program on a part-time basis. Part-time students can typically complete the program in approximately 2.5 years, assuming enrollment in at least one summer course. Course sequencing may vary based on course availability, student circumstances, and academic advising.

Year 1: Fall Semester

• RDHE 725: Contemporary College Student
• RDHE 745: Student Development Theory

Year 1: Spring Semester

• RDHE 735: Student Affairs Administration
• RDHE 765: Counseling and Student Affairs

Year 1: Summer Semester

• Graduate-level elective or RDHE 785: Supervised Practicum/Internship

Year 2: Fall Semester

• RDHE 733: Assessment and Evaluation Methods in Student Affairs
• RDHE 727: Legal Issues of Higher Education

Year 2: Spring Semester

• RDHE 702: Historical Foundations of Higher Education
• Graduate-level elective or RDHE 785: Supervised Practicum/Internship

Year 2: Summer Semester

• Portfolio preparation

Year 3: Fall Semester

• RDHE 755: Issues and Problems at Urban and Special Mission Institutions
• Student Affairs Professional Portfolio due

Students following this sequence typically complete the program in December of their third academic year.

All MA students complete one semester of supervised fieldwork through RDHE 785: Supervised Practicum/Internship. The practicum/internship provides students with an opportunity to apply graduate coursework in a professional setting and to further develop their knowledge, skills, and professional identity in higher education and student affairs.

Students may complete the practicum/internship at Morgan State University or at another approved higher education institution, student affairs office, educational organization, or nonprofit organization. Placements should align with the student’s professional goals and must be approved in accordance with program requirements.

Students are responsible for securing their own practicum/internship placement. However, students are encouraged to consult with the MA Program Director for assistance identifying appropriate sites, placement types, and potential contacts.

Residency Weekend is a required component of the MA in Higher Education & Student Affairs. As part of the program’s low-residency format, students come to Morgan State University each semester for in-person learning, community building, professional development, and engagement with Morgan State’s HBCU context.

Students should expect to attend Residency Weekend in person for a full Friday and Saturday. 

During Residency Weekend, students may participate in:

• In-person class meetings connected to their enrolled courses
• Workshops focused on leadership, equity, professional practice, and career development
• Community-building activities with faculty and peers
• Opportunities to connect coursework to practice in higher education and student affairs
• Departmental events, including research and professional development activities when applicable

Residency Weekend attendance is required. Students are expected to plan in advance for travel, work schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and other obligations so they can participate fully in the Friday and Saturday sessions each semester.

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.
• April 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. 

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.

No GRE Required. 

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

International applicants are welcome to apply to the MA in Higher Education & Student Affairs and must follow all application procedures established by Morgan State University’s School of Graduate Studies.

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following:

• TOEFL: minimum score of 590 PBT or 97 iBT
• IELTS: minimum overall band score of 6.5

Applicants must also demonstrate strong written, verbal, and analytical skills through their application materials. Some applicants may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the admissions review process.

International applicants must follow the School of Graduate Studies process for international transcripts, credential evaluations, and related documentation. Applicants should consult the School of Graduate Studies for the most current requirements.

Because this is a low-residency program, international applicants should carefully review visa and enrollment requirements before applying. Based on U.S. visa requirements, enrollment is typically only possible for international students who secure an in-person graduate assistantship or other approved in-person educational placement at Morgan State University. Graduate assistantships are competitive and are not guaranteed.

Graduate funding may be available through assistantships, tuition awards, or other University processes. Funding is not guaranteed. Applicants interested in funding are encouraged to apply by the January 15 priority deadline and to review all funding information provided by the School of Graduate Studies and the Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policy.

Our program offers three types of funding:

• Graduate Research Assistantships
• Graduate Teaching Assistantships
• Tuition Awards

Students who are employed by Morgan State University or another institution should consult their employer’s Human Resources office regarding tuition remission or tuition assistance policies. 

Is the MA in Higher Education & Student Affairs fully online?
No. The program is hybrid/low-residency. Most coursework is completed online through synchronous Zoom class meetings, but students are required to attend Residency Weekend at Morgan State University each semester.

Is Residency Weekend required?
Yes. Residency Weekend is a required component of the program each semester.

Can students work full time while enrolled?
Yes. The low-residency format is designed to support graduate students who are balancing academic study with professional and personal responsibilities. Students may enroll full time or part time.

How many credits are required?
The program requires 30 graduate credits, or 10 courses.

How long does it take to complete the program?
Full-time students can typically complete the program in approximately 1.5 years. Part-time students can typically complete the program in approximately 2.5 years.

Does the program require a practicum or internship?
Yes. All students complete one semester of supervised fieldwork through RDHE 685/785: Supervised Practicum/Internship.

Does the program require a comprehensive exam?
No. In lieu of a traditional comprehensive examination, students complete the Student Affairs Professional Portfolio during the final semester of the program.

Is the GRE required?
No. The GRE is not required for admission.

When can students begin the program?
The MA program admits students for the Fall semester only. Students are not admitted for Spring or Summer entry.

What are the Fall application deadlines?
The priority application deadline is January 15. The final application deadline is April 1.

Who should prospective students contact with questions?
Prospective students may contact Dr. Virginia Byrne, Associate Professor and MA Program Director, at virginia.byrne@morgan.edu.