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School of Arts, Humanities & Education

Master of Education: Student Affairs in Higher Education

Online Master of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education (M.Ed.)

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$0 Application Fee
$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation

0 Entrance Exams
No GRE/GMAT Required

About This Program

Prepare to positively impact higher education with the master’s in student affairs online from American Public University (APU), featuring a unique combination of educational leadership and student affairs courses.

APU’s student affairs graduate program aims to develop professionals for academic advising, campus leadership, diversity services, student life, career services, financial management, and other higher education leadership roles at traditional brick-and-mortar and online education institutions. You will get real-world experience through distance education practicum opportunities at the end of the program.

Learning outcomes and curriculum are aligned to the professional competency standards of American College Personnel Association (ACPA®), National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA®), National Academic Advising Association, and the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS), depending on the concentration selected.

ACPA® is a registered trademark of the American College Personnel Association.

NASPA® is a registered trademark of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. 

NOTE: This program has specific admission requirements.

What You Will Do

  1. Demonstrate organizational, management, and leadership skills used in higher education settings
  2. Analyze how policy development, laws, compliance, and governance impact higher education
  3. Demonstrate effective skills when advising diverse individuals and groups
  4. Use digital tools, resources, and technologies to advance student learning, development, and performance
  5. Analyze current research, design research studies, use statistical methods, and interpret results to inform programs and services

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Number of Credits
36
Transfer up to 15 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$455 | $250*
$386.75** | $409.50***
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant
***with APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:

Focuses on NACADA®’s core competencies and values associated with academic advising in higher education settings. Conceptual, informational, and relationship components of advising are covered and applied to real-world scenarios. Topics include history of advising, relationship building, decision-making, goal setting, examining outcomes, advising approaches, and student learning and assessment.

NACADA® is a registered trademark of NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, Inc.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Develop a personal philosophy of academic advising in alignment with the core values, ethical standards, and core competencies of the profession.
  • Apply academic advising theories and evidence-based strategies through experiential activities and Practicum experiences.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 2812

|
Career Counseling and Development explores career development theories and the career decision making process. Students learn how to encourage motivation by connecting personal values and interests with academics. Topics include multicultural considerations, the relationship between one’s career development and other life roles, and assessment instruments relevant to career planning. The process of career development will be covered as well as the implications for students with disabilities.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5058

|
This course will explore learning theories and provide an overview of implementation strategies for enhancing student academic performance and assisting them with goal achievement. Research on learning and development will be reviewed. Ways to assess the quality of these efforts will be discussed as a means of determining the effectiveness of academic advising initiatives and their impact on student learning and success. (Prerequisites: SAHE510)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5063

|
This course will introduce students to the history and purpose of academic advising in higher education and the critical role it plays in promoting student success, retention, and learning. Students will learn foundational academic advising principles and values, academic advising models, and how academic advising delivery systems and programs have evolved to meet students’ changing needs. Essential competencies and skills will be discussed and standards for practice will be closely reviewed. (Prerequisites: SAHE510)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5064

|
In this course students will develop a deeper understanding of various academic advising theories and how they can be put into practice on a day-to-day basis with individuals and groups. Students will also examine their own philosophical perspectives and academic advising styles to identify and become more self-aware of their own personal approaches. Students will develop their personal advising philosophy during this course. Prerequisites: SAHE510 and SAHE520)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Focuses on theories, models, and effective practices often needed to serve in leadership roles within higher education settings and influence transformational change. Studies include effective administration, management, leadership, and supervision of higher education departments. Coursework topics include organizational leadership, transformational leadership and change, financial management, strategic planning, and evaluation of programs and data-driven decision-making.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate effective leadership skills in managing and supervising student affairs departments.
  • Apply leadership models and theories in experiential activities and Practicum experiences.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 5054

|
This course will examine and analyze the factors, challenges, and complexities of financing higher education institutions. Students will develop perspectives of how campuses are funded through a variety of revenue streams while also gaining practical experience to understand financial concepts, processes, institutional considerations, and budgetary tools. (Prerequisites: EDUC511 and either SAHE510 or ADHE601)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5057

|
In Leadership in Higher Education, students thoroughly examine various leadership theories and develop the ability to draw upon multiple paradigms and perspectives to improve their practices as leaders. Students will analyze current challenges in Student Affairs and discuss the leadership skills needed from all administrators involved. Throughout the course, students will reflect on how their values and philosophical perspectives influence their day-to-day leadership decisions and practices and how they respond to crises. (Prerequisites: EDUC511 and either SAHE510 or ADHE601)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5059

|
This course will introduce students to the process of developing strategic plans by guiding them through the cyclical process of planning, evaluation, and program review. Students will explore the theories relevant to the steps of this cyclical process and delve into the factors and circumstances that contribute to continuous improvement. Students will learn the necessary skills to evaluate programs by analyzing case studies and offering justifications for programmatic change. (Prerequisites: EDUC604 and SAHE510)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5060

|
This course will provide an overview on how organizations work and behave. The culture of organizations will be explored, how cultural values are developed and sustained, and how to bring about change. Students will review organizational theories in higher education and explore concepts related to management, performance, governance, and leadership. (Prerequisites: EDUC511 and either SAHE510 or ADHE601)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Focuses on the knowledge needed to help provide effective career coaching and services to students transitioning from educational settings into the world of work. Foundational coaching skills, theories of career development, and use of assessments associated with career coaching are covered.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Apply theory and evidence-based strategies in career coaching/services through experiential activities and Practicum experiences.
  • Apply coaching approaches to assist in career development and exploration in higher education.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4926

|
Foundations of Coaching is an eight-week course designed to introduce the models and basic skills used in executive coaching and/or life coaching practices. This course introduces the vital skills, methods, and strategies required of an effective coach including developing coaching relationships, setting goals and planning, developing awareness, asking powerful questions, communication and language, action and accountability and facilitating learning and results. Participants will examine various coaching models and gain knowledge of the ethical considerations associated with coaching relationships. This training prepares participants to coach individuals, groups, and teams for performance, development, skills and personal/professional growth. Participants will engage in coaching conversations, apply best practices, and practice creating empowering coaching experiences.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4927

|
Building on the foundational coaching skills gained in EDUC536 - Emotional Intelligence and Coaching Assessments provides participants with an understanding of emotional intelligence and when and how to use assessments in the coaching experience. Participants learn about Emotional Intelligence (EI) and its role in coaching. Participants examine several coaching assessments to gain familiarity and an understanding of when each assessment is appropriate for coaching. Specifically, participants will consider tools such as the Wheel of Life, Personality Type, DISC, EI, TPI, Strengths, and other assessments designed for diverse settings. Participants will also examine the ethical considerations associated with using assessments in the coaching relationship. (Prerequisite: EDUC536)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4928

|
Coaching Groups and Teams extends participants’ thinking about coaching from coaching individuals to coaching groups and teams. Participants compare strategies for team and group coaching alongside those for coaching individuals. This course offers participants an opportunity to examine coaching groups and teams within an organizational system. As with the other trainings in this series, participants will explore and expand the application of coaching competencies and focus on ethical considerations associated with coaching groups and teams vs. coaching individuals. (Prerequisite: EDUC633)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2812

|
Career Counseling and Development explores career development theories and the career decision making process. Students learn how to encourage motivation by connecting personal values and interests with academics. Topics include multicultural considerations, the relationship between one’s career development and other life roles, and assessment instruments relevant to career planning. The process of career development will be covered as well as the implications for students with disabilities.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 5053

|
Foundations of Higher Education is a comparative and historical survey of colleges and universities in the United States. The historical, social, and philosophical influences and assumptions that have shaped the growth and purpose of higher education will be studied from Colonial era to "virtual" public and private universities. Major areas of focus include the evaluation of higher education, contemporary issues, and policies and practices that characterize the operational environments of higher education institutions in the 21st century, including governance; equity, diversity, and inclusion; curriculum; and accreditation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5056

|
This course will examine ethical and legal issues relevant to higher education institutions and the campus policies commonly in place to address them. Key legal cases, statutes, and constitutional laws will be reviewed and students will use case studies to explore how campus leaders have upheld these decisions and, in some cases, responded to crises. (Prerequisites: EDUC511 and either SAHE510 or ADHE601)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5330

|
This course examines the influence of cultural and ethnic differences in the administration of student affairs. Students explore a variety of topics including culture, ethnicity, race, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical characteristics, education, values, and socioeconomic status. Students discuss how cultural variables affect student affairs advisement. Topics include theories, strategies for effective multicultural advisement, ethical delivery of services, and culturally responsive assessments. This course is designed to develop self-awareness, knowledge, and skills in working with diverse populations.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2811

|
This course provides an overview of approaches to research, rationales for methodological choices, integrity of research processes, and tools and techniques for data collection and analysis. Additional topics include reliability and validity, sampling, and evaluating quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research designs. There is an emphasis on adhering to ethical principles and creating research designs that are inclusive and diverse. Course participation and activities provide experiences designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to select, evaluate, and apply findings from extant research and conceptualize research studies related to issues at the K-12 and/or higher education level. (Prerequisites: Either ADHE601, EDUC502, EDUC503, EDUC509, EDUC511, or EDUC621)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5055

|
Student Development Theory is a course focused on the principles and key concepts of working with traditional and nontraditional students in college settings. This course will examine the developmental processes that impact college students, student development theories, and development of effective programs to meet their various learning, personal, career, and identity development needs. (Prerequisites: EDUC511 and either SAHE510 or ADHE601)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5061

|
Introduction to Student Affairs is an introductory course providing a comprehensive overview of the historical and philosophical foundation of student affairs in higher education. Organizational, management, and leadership theories relevant to college settings, the roles and functions associated with careers in student affairs and college counseling, and contemporary trends and challenges will be examined. Students analyze higher education policies and procedures, programs, and services that meet the needs of diverse students in various institutional settings, including community colleges, four-year universities, and those that offer programs via distance education (Prerequisite: EDUC511)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5062

|
The U.S. College Student is a study of the characteristics, needs, and goals of college students as they vary across the nation according to student demographics and institution types. The course will involve a consideration of campus environments, curriculum, sociocultural factors, and financial and political issues, and other influences on the student experience. Implications for Student Affairs practice, educational attainment, and student development will be discussed. (Prerequisites: SAHE510)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 5128

|
The Practicum is the culminating required course for the student who is preparing to enter a higher education student affairs-related role. Students will take theory to practice during practicum and gain supervised professional experience in their concentration. Students will complete 150 hours at an approved practicum site. This course includes a practicum seminar during which students will reflect on their practicum experiences and connect these to the virtual classroom learning they have had in their graduate program. Practicum sites and positions must be approved before students can begin their required 150 hours. [Prerequisites: Completion of all core courses plus at least half of the concentration-specific courses from one of the following concentrations: Academic Advising Concentration, Campus Leadership Concentration, or Career Coaching and Services Concentration]
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 03/23/25 Fall 2024 Session C 16 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session A 16 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 05/25/25 Winter 2025 Session K 16 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 06/22/25 Winter 2025 Session C 16 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session A 16 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 08/24/25 Spring 2025 Session K 16 Week session

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Admission Requirements

All APU master's degree and graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The following documentation is required for admission into M.Ed. in Student Affairs in Higher Education program, and must be provided prior to course registration:

  • Official bachelor’s transcript showing conferral of degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or a master’s transcript showing conferral of degree
  • Graduate writing sample
  • Signed statement of understanding (SOU)

Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation including a legible copy of your valid government-issued photo ID (civilian students) or government-issued JST or CCAF transcript (military students).

If you have a non-U.S. transcript, please view our International Admissions page for more information.

There is no fee to complete the APU admission application. View steps to apply.

An APU admissions coach will contact you via email or phone to assist you with the enrollment process, review your documentation, and to notify you when you have been admitted into the program and may register for courses.

Materials Cost

Technology fee: $85 per course 

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

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1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.