Higher Education and Student Affairs (MSE)
Preparing students for jobs in higher education & learning organizations
As a UD Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) major, you'll prepare for a variety of academic and student affairs positions in higher education, or similar adult learning-focused organizations.
This 39-hour Master's of Science in Education degree (M.S.Ed.) consists of coursework that integrates theory and research with practice. Our updated curriculum includes traditional higher education and student affairs content — such as foundational perspectives, student development, cultures, organizational leadership, and law — and innovative coursework in learning design, assessment, and diversity and social justice. Students complete internships or a practicum and a unique scholarly research project.
Full-time students can complete the program in two years. Part-time students with full-time jobs can graduate in as little as three years. Students with a range of experiences and commitments are welcome, as the program offers evening classes that accommodate most work schedules.
2
years to program completion (full-time students)
3+
years to program completion (part-time students)
39
credit hours to program completion
A High-Quality Education
Learn, Then Do
The UD Higher Education and Student Affairs program is designed so course content is accompanied by appropriate field experiences. Internships and practica are opportunities for you to apply your learning throughout the program in a work setting. Students not currently working full-time in a professional position within higher education complete three, 100-hour internships in professional settings that interest them. Students who are working full-time in a higher education position complete a 90 contact-hour project, or practicum, at their current institution. Each experience is coordinated with guidance from a faculty advisor and practice supervisor. The Dayton area is well-situated to have myriad learning opportunities at a wide variety of types of higher education institutions nearby, as well as many not-for-profit, innovative learning organizations in the area.
From unique coursework focused on learning, community, and social justice, to internships and study abroad opportunities, Higher Education and Student Affairs students explore their interests while developing the skills needed for a successful career
Students benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio, abundant opportunities for practicum and internship experiences, study abroad opportunities, service projects, and a private university education at the cost of a public university. The program uses a scholar-practitioner model, which prepares students for professional positions and/or doctoral work. Distinctive curriculum focuses on learning, community and social justice at a mission-driven institution.
Visit Campus
Interested in learning more about Higher Education and Student Affairs? We'd love to meet with you. Schedule an academic appointment by contacting HESA Program Coordinator Michele Welkener at mwelkener1@udayton.edu or Assistant Professor Graham Hunter at ghunter1@udayton.edu.
Student Research
Students work alongside faculty to conduct and publish research in respected journals. Students also participate in UD's annual Stander Symposium, a campus-wide event that allows students from all disciplines to showcase their intellectual accomplishments.
Study Abroad
Summer programs offer opportunities to develop an understanding of the structures and approaches to higher education and student affairs used in other countries. Students can enhance their global understanding, broaden their points-of-view about how higher education may serve its various constituents, and help prepare them to address the diverse needs of international learners and students studying abroad.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships are available to Higher Education and Student Affairs students through the UD Division of Student Development. Student Development GA’s are valued as contributing staff members, serving on impactful University committees, shaping the UD community through their roles, and preparing for success in their career following graduate school.
Private University Education at the Cost of a Public University
The UD HESA program, part of the School of Education and Health Sciences, offers a private university education at the cost of a public university. Discover tuition costs per semester for SEHS by clicking the link below.
2
years to program completion (full-time students)