Higher Education Student Affairs
For immediate assistance or detailed information about this program, please contact Dr. Yancey Gulley at nygulley@wcu.edu
Virtual Open House Tuesday, March 3, 5-6:30pm
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom! You鈥檒l have the opportunity to learn more about 蘑菇短视频, participate in a Q&A with current students, and meet key program representatives.
What You'll Learn
The M.Ed. in Higher Education Student Affairs is a 39-semester hour program that provides graduates with comprehensive knowledge and experience to pursue professional employment within an institution of higher education or seek to continue to a doctoral program. Students will learn about issues in higher education such as student development, history, legal issues, finance and more. Students will also learn from, and work with, a variety of campus partners to better understand the varying roles and opportunities that exist in the collegiate environment.
WCU's HESA Graduate Program is student-centered. Just as we teach the importance of holistic student development to aspiring student affairs professionals, we practice what we teach by facilitating meaningful classroom experiences and engaging out-of-classroom professional experiences (Internships and Graduate Assistantships).
We are an intentionally small program (cohort-based) designed to:
- Maximize faculty-student interaction
- Foster significant scholarly learning experiences for students
- Offer guaranteed paid Graduate Assistantships (professional experience) to all qualified, full-time students
Where You'll Go
Graduates of our program can work in a wide variety of settings in higher education, and some include the following:
- Academic & Career Advising
- Admissions & Recruitment
- Financial Aid
- Orientation
- Residential Living
- Service Learning
- Sorority & Fraternity Life
- Student Leadership & Involvement
- Tutoring & Disability Services
Next Steps
College life is full of activities outside of the classroom and informational sessions that help students adapt to, and enrich, life on campus. From the time a new student arrives on campus for orientation, to seeking advice on life after college with career affairs, Higher Education Student Affairs professionals are an integral part of the collegiate experience. 蘑菇短视频鈥檚 Master of Education in HESA is a chance to learn about supplementing the college experience outside of traditional academics. This program follows the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Education. Learn more by visiting the College of Education and Allied Professions and explore all available programs.
More About Our M.Ed. in Higher Education Student Affairs Program
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education Student Affairs at Western Carolina University prepares emerging professionals to support the holistic development, success, and well-being of college students in a wide range of campus environments. The program emphasizes equity-minded practice, reflective leadership, and the integration of student development theory with real-world application across the diverse landscape of higher education.
Students progress through a cohort-based curriculum that blends coursework with hands-on professional experience. Classes explore foundational and advanced topics such as student development, higher education structures, leadership, assessment, campus environments, and social justice in student affairs. Throughout the program, students engage in supervised internships, assistantships, and applied projects that strengthen their skills in advising, program planning, student support, assessment, and inclusive campus engagement.
Applicants submit materials through the Graduate School and may optionally apply for Graduate Assistantships during the same cycle. The priority deadline increases opportunities for funding support, including assistantships and tuition remissions.
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