MA, Higher Education and Student Affairs

About This Degree

Prepare for a career in higher education. Our curriculum encompasses broad themes in the history and development of higher education both in the US and abroad, and includes the study of colleges as institutions; student learning and development; the profession of student affairs; research and assessment methods; and access to higher education and diversity.

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Official title: Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs

Format: Full-time or Part-time
Credits: 36

Fall Start

Application deadline

December 15 Full-time Program

Spring Start

Application deadline

October 15 Part-time Program

Summer Start

Application deadline

March 15 Part-time Program

Our degree blends academic study with practice through intensive internships at NYU and throughout the New York City metropolitan area. Part-time students combine academic study with their practice in current higher education positions.

You can select a program of study from a wide range of interdisciplinary courses, and have the option of selecting an unofficial area of study in order to design a course plan around one of the following areas: student affairs, administration and academic affairs, international education, workplace learning leadership, and social justice.

During the final semester of study, you’ll complete a capstone project that integrates your experiences in the program into a portfolio that communicates your developing areas of interest.

Full-Time Study

All full-time students are required to have paid internships of 20 hours a week while they pursue the two-year curriculum. The internships provide a stipend and modest tuition support as well as extremely valuable practical experience and socialization into the profession. You’ll also take three courses each semester (courses are available during winter and summer breaks as well) and complete a capstone project summarizing your professional and academic development. You can complete the master’s degree in two years or fewer.

Part-Time Study

Part-time students must have a full time position in higher education to enroll in the master's program. You can individualize the pace of your part-time study, but most students complete the program in approximately three years. Courses are available during winter and summer breaks. You’ll also complete a capstone project summarizing your professional and academic development prior to graduation.

Careers

Graduates of the MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs are employed in entry-level and middle management positions in colleges and universities throughout the country. They hold positions as assistant deans, directors, and assistant directors of offices and programs in a broad spectrum of positions in student affairs and services.