Student Affairs in Higher Education (M.Ed.)
M.Ed. Student Affairs in Higher Education
Program Overview
Students take courses in a cohort-based model, which contributes to a strong learning community. Students hold graduate assistantship positions and internships at Texas State and at institutions in the Central Texas region and beyond, allowing for the development of valuable experiences and skills and an opportunity to bridge classroom learning and professional practice. More information on these opportunities can be found on the Student Affairs in Higher Education program webpage.
Course Work
The master of education in student affairs in higher education program requires 42 credit hours. Courses are taken in a sequenced cohort model and include 12 hours of foundation course work, 18 hours of professional studies, six hours of theory to practice (internship) and six hours of electives. The internships include 135 hours in a student or academic affairs department at Texas State or other regional or national institutions. Students select elective courses from a variety of graduate-level courses offered in various departments or can participate in an independent study, research project or study abroad program.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option |
|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.Ed. | Hours 42 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Program Details
Students in the program reflect a diverse array of backgrounds and experiences, contributing to the richness of the learning environment.
Program Mission
The purpose of the student affairs in higher education program is to develop well-prepared student affairs practitioners who are able to:
- provide leadership and facilitate student development in a variety of professional roles
- work effectively with faculty, students, administrators and other members of the academic community
- apply theory, research, and assessment and evaluation models to student affairs issues, problems and programs
Students participate in a dynamic and multi-modal learning setting in which critical thinking, scholarship, intentional practice, introspection and ethical practice are valued. Classroom learning is complemented by three substantial practical experiences (one graduate assistantship and two internships).
Career Options
Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in many different functional areas including:
|
|
Program Faculty
Classes are taught by a combination of full-time faculty members and professionals who hold key student affairs roles at Texas State and nearby institutions, including vice presidents, assistant vice presidents, deans and directors. The nationally recognized faculty actively participate in major professional associations and are recognized nationally as leading scholars in the field. Faculty are committed to advancing student learning and providing opportunities for professional and personal development. They challenge students academically, fostering a climate of high expectations reinforced by personal support, care and professional mentoring.
Contact The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Paige Haber-Curran
ph31@txstate.edu
sahe@txstate.edu
512.245.7628
Education Building (ED), Room 4041
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Shannon Dean
srd73@txstate.edu
sahe@txstate.edu
512.245.5868
Education Building (ED), Room 4042
Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?
Application Deadlines
| Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
Deadlines Fall - Priority | U.S. Citizen January 15 | International January 15 |
Deadlines Fall - Standard | U.S. Citizen June 15 (*Flexible) | International June 1 |
*The program has a priority deadline for first-consideration for admission as well as fellowships and graduate assistantships. The standard deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means that if spots remain in the cohort, applications received after the priority deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served (rolling) basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.
Funding Information
For scholarship, fellowship or assistantship consideration, applications must be completed by the priority deadline above.
Decision Timeline
This program reviews applications received by the priority deadline on a firm basis and reviews applications received after the priority deadline on a rolling basis as space allows.
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
-
Application
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
-
Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
OR - $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
-
Transcripts & GPA
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- competitive GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
Effective Fall 2024:
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- a competitive overall GPA or a competitive GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
-
Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores.
-
Documents & Other Requirements
- resume/CV
- statement of purpose (maximum 500 words, double-spaced in essay format) addressing the following (Your statement of purpose will be evaluated for content, style, and quality. While you may seek consultation and editing suggestions, this statement must be representative of you and your current level and style of writing.):
- What experiences have led you to pursue a career in student affairs?
- What qualities, values, characteristics, and/or skills do you possess that make you a strong candidate for the student affairs in higher education (SAHE) program at Texas State?
- What do you hope to gain from the SAHE program at Texas State, and how does this relate to your personal and professional goals?
- three forms of recommendation. Effective fall 2025: two letters of recommendation and accompanying recommendation forms.
- semi-finalist applicants will be expected to participate in an interview
Review important information about documents.