The program prepares students for positions in higher education administration, student development, non-profit higher education associations, and government organizations. Today's higher education professionals are required to address both the needs of incoming traditionally aged students, as well as those of older students returning for a degree and special populations. The wide range of student backgrounds in the current complex context requires a holistic approach to college student development.
The Master of Arts degree in Higher Education and Student Development will prepare future higher education leaders who understand higher education in the digital age, student development, multicultural and diverse populations, program development, professionalism, and learning assessment. This multidisciplinary program offers both thesis and project capstone options and is full and part-time student friendly. Alumni hold positions in areas such as career development, academic advising, assessment, facilities management, admissions, and residence life.
Admissions
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For specific information, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Policies
For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Transfer Credit
Courses applied to the degree are subject to the following restrictions: a maximum of 6 credits may be taken through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area; a maximum of 9 credits may be transfer credits; a maximum of 6 of the transfer credits may be from other accredited institutions.
Transfer credits include credits taken before first enrolling as an admitted degree-seeking student (at another institution or in Mason non-degree status) or credits taken at another institution after admission to the degree program through study abroad or study elsewhere (which requires prior written approval of the director and the dean). Additional information may be found in AP.6.5.2 Transfer of Credit.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 33
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HE 600 | Introduction to Higher Education | 3 |
| HE 606 | Cultural Pluralism in Higher Education | 3 |
| HE 624 | Finance and Fiscal Management in Higher Education | 3 |
| HE 645 | College Students Today | 3 |
| HE 685 | Practicum | 3 |
| or HE 786 | Research Apprenticeship | |
| HE 703 | Higher Education in the Digital Age | 3 |
| HE 721 | History of Higher Education | 3 |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Capstone or Thesis Requirement
Students choose either the capstone course option or thesis option as described below. Electives can be taken outside of HE courses and should be selected in consultation with the advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Capstone Course Option | ||
| Electives (9 credits) | 9 | |
| HE 797 | Higher Education Capstone | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Option | ||
| Electives (9 credits) 1 | 9 | |
| HE 799 | Higher Education Thesis (3 credits required) 2 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
Students will take a research methods course as one of their electives.
- 2
A thesis is a rigorous scholarly inquiry that requires the collection of original data and is presented in a traditional, formal, written format. The guideline and deadlines for thesis submission are set by the University and administered by the University Dissertation and Thesis Service.
Program Outcomes
- Understand and apply concepts of leadership, teaching, administration, and assessment through an interdisciplinary lens within the context of the complex higher education enterprise.
- Become socialized members of a community of higher education professionals to contribute to and lead scholarly conversations by consuming, critiquing, and creating scholarship.
- Understand and employ effective pedagogical approaches.
- Examine current issues related to existing and emerging technologies in theory and practice.
- Value assessment, understand its role, and be skilled in enacting analytical processes.
- Reflect on themselves as cultural beings and analyze how culture and history influence their work in higher education.
- Value diversity, equity, and inclusion and meet multicultural competencies.
- Use theory as a base from which to ground the practice of effective and ethical leadership, teaching, and administration.
- Be prepared to implement programs and services that support institutional mission while adhering to oversight and accountability requirements.