Curriculum

This 36-credit program promotes interdisciplinary exploration of issues in higher education. You’ll have the flexibility to focus your studies on your areas of interest, such as student affairs, administration, international education, or social justice. The program merges academic learning with hands-on experience through internships at NYU and throughout New York City and includes a culminating capstone project. 

The Master of Arts program in Higher Education and Student Affairs merges academic learning with hands-on experience through internships at NYU and throughout New York City. As a part-time student, you can integrate your coursework with your existing role in higher education.

Core Course Sequence

You’ll take core courses in foundations problems in higher education, diversity and leadership, internationalism, and college student learning and development. You’ll also take classes in research methods and techniques. In addition to core courses and electives, you’ll have the opportunity to create an Area of Study to dive deeper into a specific subfield that excites you. Areas of Study include:

Academic Affairs and Administration

You’ll be prepared for entry- and middle-level administrative positions in post-secondary institutions. This concentration is great if you’re seeking positions in admissions, financial aid, strategic planning, governmental relations, enrollment management, and institutional research.

International Higher Education

You’ll develop academic and cultural competencies in global and international post-secondary studies. If you want to pursue a career in study abroad offices, international student services, and globalized curricula, you should consider this area of study.

Student Affairs

You’ll be prepared to serve in leadership positions in working with college students, student affairs administration, and/or research about college students. This concentration emphasizes professional practice, college student development, and leadership in higher education.

Research and Policy

This area of study is designed for students that are invested in developing acumen in areas of research and policy.

Social Justice

This area of study is designed to enable you to gain a deeper and broader analysis of topics related to access, retention, and the promotion of equity in systems of education ranging from K-20. If you’re passionate about this focus, you can explore careers inMulticultural Affairs, Pre-College Programs, Opportunity Programs, Residential Life, Teacher Education, Offices for Diversity and Inclusion, and Admissions.

Individually Designed

Students wishing to take a wider or different selection of electives may opt to develop, with their adviser, an individually designed course of study.