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 across campus and internships 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.
Course Work
The master of education (M.Ed.) in student affairs in higher education (SAHE) 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. As a culminating experience, students present a comprehensive case study analysis to a panel of faculty members.
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. The latter include vice presidents, assistant vice presidents, deans, and directors. The nationally recognized faculty actively participate in major professional associations and hold leadership roles in these organizations. 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
|
U.S. Citizen
January 15 (*Flexible)
|
International
January 15 (*Flexible through June 1)
|
*A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.
|
Funding Information For scholarship, fellowship or assistantship consideration, applications must be completed by the deadline above. |
|
Decision Timeline This program reviews applications on a firm basis.* |
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.
-
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
- semi-finalist applicants will be expected to participate in an interview
Review important information about documents.