Attention International Applicants: International applications will paused until the U.S. government re-opens. Because the GVSU M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESAA) program shifted from an M.Ed. to an M.A., the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVIS) must audit the new M.A. program to ensure that international admits are eligible to receive a visa. Though this process typically doesn't take much time, SEVIS is non-operational during the government shutdown. Consequently, the M.A. in HESAA program is unable to open the application to international applicants until after SEVIS has completed their audit. We apologize for the inconvenience and delay in the application process, and continue to hope for a swift end to the shutdown.
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESAA) program prepares students to become effective practitioner educators who pursue various administrative roles in higher education contexts, facilitate student learning and promote student success, and shape inclusive higher education communities. Graduates of the HESAA program are prepared to work in a variety of areas such as admissions, student orientation, housing, academic advising, financial aid, inclusion and equity, and international affairs.
Important Admission Deadlines:
Fall 2026 Admission (International students): May 1, 2026
Fall 2026 Admission (Domestic students): July 15, 2026
Spring/Summer 2026 Admission (Domestic students only): March 15, 2026
For questions about the program contact the Graduate Program Director: [email protected]
Please note that the best way to express interest in the HESAA program is to apply!
November 19, 2025 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Are you interested in pursuing a master's degree in higher education? Please join us on Tuesday, October 21st from 7-8 p.m. EST to learn more about the M.A. in Higher Education and Student...
EDH647: College Student Development Theories in Practice (Winter)
EDH649: Professional Seminar in Higher Education and Student Affairs (Fall)
EDH651: Introduction to Higher Education and Student Affairs (Fall)
EDH652: College Students and Their Environments (Winter)
EDH653: Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education (Winter)
EDH655: Advising and Supporting in Student Affairs (Fall)
EDH656: Organization and Administration of Higher Education (Fall)
*EDH685/686: Practicum/Graduate Field Experience in Higher Education* (Spring/Summer/Fall)
EDH693: Master's Culminating Project (Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer)
EDF660: Educational Inquiry and Evaluation (Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer)
In addition to the above core courses, students are required to take three elective offerings, approved by their faculty advisor.
EDH648: Learning in Adulthood
EDH650: Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education
EDH654: Student Affairs and the Law
EDH657: The Community College
EDH658: Critical Issues in Higher Education
EDH659: Gender and Sexuality in Higher Education
EDH661: Crisis Management in Higher Education
EDH662: Religion and Spirituality in Higher Education
EDH665: Affect and Emotion in Higher Education and Student Affairs
Students in the HESAA program are required to complete two supervised professional experiences in order to meet program requirements. Students primarily satisfy this requirement in one of three different ways:
Students who take EDH686 in addition to EDH685 will apply their EDH686 credits as elective credit.
Jamie Storey, PhD, was recently named Senior Director of Student Success at MCAN, where she serves as MCAN's primary systems-change strategist related to student success.
Oct 31, 2025
John Gipson, PhD, was selected as Ivy Tech Lake County's next chancellor and will join the College. He brings with him significant experience in academic operations and student advocacy through his previous roles in higher education.
Sep 4, 2025
Congratulations to Chad Garland (CSAL '97) on being named the new Director of the Memorial Union at Iowa State University effective April 15, 2024.
Mar 1, 2024
Be sure to update your contact information so you don't miss out! Click the image above to access our alumni database.
