Master of Science in Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs

This 36-semester-hour program offers theoretical and methodological bases for professional development, while providing comprehensive scholarly, paraprofessional education for persons seeking careers in this field. A required core of learning experiences is supplemented by course work in areas of instruction, administration, and research to prepare both generalists and specialists. The program provides opportunities for individualization to take into account the student’s goals and needs and usually includes a faculty-supervised internship in programming, teaching, counseling, or evaluating. This program is designed to prepare students to assume a variety of administrative positions within postsecondary institutions.

Admission

In addition to the standard requirements for graduate admissions to the Graduate School at NIU, the Higher Education and Student Affairs M.S.Ed. program has additional requirements for graduate admission. The Higher Education and Student Affairs M.S.Ed. program requires degree-seeking applicants to submit the following materials:

• Written statement of goals outlining interests in the program, professional aspirations, and relevant experience.
• Two letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors who can provide
•  supportive evidence of an applicant’s professional qualifications and potential for
• success in graduate study.
• Copy of current resume/CV

The higher education and student affairs admissions committee reserves the right to request an interview with an applicant with virtual or in-person options.

The Higher Education and Student Affairs M.S.Ed. program admits new graduate students during the fall semester, on an annual basis.

The priority application deadline for the Higher Education and Student Affairs M.S.Ed. program is February 1 with rolling admissions until May 1. Note, the Higher Education and Student Affairs M.S.Ed. program deadlines are earlier in the application cycle than the general Graduate School deadlines.

Applicants are reviewed holistically on their academic performance and preparedness for the graduate program. Official notifications are released by the Graduate School, once a graduate admission decision has been made and processed.

Student-at-Large, Study-Abroad, and Transfer Credit

A maximum of 9 student-at-large and transfer semester hours in combination may be applied toward the master’s degree in higher education and student affairs. See “Requirements for Graduate Degrees” for limitation on study-abroad credit. The faculty advisor and the office of the dean of the Graduate School have final authority in determining course credit applicable toward the master’s degree in higher education and student affairs.

Check departmental information for any additional requirements.