Higher Education Student Affairs Overview - Fort Hays State University (FHSU)

MSE in Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA)

Designed around the three pillars of affordability, quality, and flexibility, earn your master's degree in higher education student affairs and advance your career! Students may complete their coursework fully on-campus, fully online, or a combination of the two.

On-campus students can also do a graduate assistantship that provides the full cost of tuition, a $10,000 stipend, on-campus housing, and $3,000 campus dining dollars.

The MSE in Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) is a 36 credit-hour program designed around the current theory and practice of higher education with practical, hands-on learning experiences. The HESA curriculum was developed in consultation with the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) Masters-Level Student Affairs Administration Preparation Programs, as well as the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators.

Program Handbook

Please review the HESA Program Handbook (2022-2023) for detailed information about the program.

Required Coursework

HESA 813 Assessment, Evaluation, and Research in Higher Education (3 credit hours)
HESA 814 Technology in Higher Education Student Affairs (3 credit hours)
HESA 815 Higher Education Law (3 credit hours)
HESA 816 Governance and Finance in Higher Education (3 credit hours)
HESA 817 Student Development Theory (3 credit hours)
HESA 818 Student Personnel in Higher Education (3 credit hours)
HESA 819 Supporting Student Success in Higher Education (3 credit hours)
HESA 820, Leadership in Higher Education (3 credit hours)
HESA 821, Diversity in Higher Education (3 credit hours)
Graduate-Level Elective (3 credit hours)
HESA 879 Practicum (6 credit hours; taken twice for 3 credits each)

Program Coordinator

Dr. Taylor Kriley, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs (FHSU)

Adjunct Faculty

Dr. Joseph Bain, General Counsel (FHSU)
Dr. Vincent Bowhay, President (Independence Community College)
Dr. Teresa Clounch, Associate Vice President of Student Life & Dean of Students (Washburn University) | NASPA Region IV-W Past Regional Director
Dr. Dennis King, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs (FHSU)
Dr. Joseph Linn, Vice President for Student Affairs (FHSU)
Dr. Phillip Olt, Associate Professor of Higher Education Student Affairs (Department of Advanced Education Programs, FHSU)

Learn More about the MSE in Higher Education Student Affairs

Contact Information
If you are interested in learning more about the Higher Education Student Affairs program, please contact Amanda Frank (adfrank@fhsu.edu) or (785) 628-4325. If you are ready to apply to the program, visit the FHSU Graduate School Website to get started.