Why choose George Mason?
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Understand and apply concepts of leadership, teaching, administration, and assessment through an interdisciplinary lens within the context of the complex higher education enterprise.
- Become socialized members of a community of higher education professionals to contribute to and lead scholarly conversations by consuming, critiquing, and creating scholarship.
- Understand and employ effective pedagogical approaches.
- Examine current issues related to existing and emerging technologies in theory and practice.
- Value assessment, understand its role, and be skilled in enacting analytical processes.
- Reflect on themselves as cultural beings and analyze how culture and history influence their work in higher education.
- Value diversity, equity, and inclusion and meet multicultural competencies.
- Use theory as a base from which to ground the practice of effective and ethical leadership, teaching, and administration.
- Be prepared to implement programs and services that support institutional mission while adhering to oversight and accountability requirements.
Requirements: 36 credits total
The program offers two distinct tracks: (a) Student Affairs Administration and (b) Higher Education Leadership. The Students Affairs Administration track is built on the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education’s (CAS) standards and guidelines for Master’s Level Student Affairs Professional Preparation Programs. The Higher Education Leadership track takes an interdisciplinary approach to offer the flexibility for students to select courses that meet their professional needs.
Students Affairs Administration Track
The Students Affairs Administration track is built on the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education’s (CAS) standards and guidelines for Master’s Level Student Affairs Professional Preparation Programs. Graduates will have the knowledge, prospectives, and skills to serve in a wide variety of capacities within higher education.
Required Core Courses (30 credits)
HE 606 Cultural Pluralism in Higher Education | 3 credits
HE 610 Research Methods in Higher Education | 3 credits
HE 624 Finance and Fiscal Management in Higher Education | 3 credits
HE 644 Organization and Administration of Student Affairs | 3 credits
HE 645 The Contemporary College Student | 3 credits
HE 646 Student Development Theory | 3 credits
HE 685 Practicum | 6 credits*
HE 703 Higher Education in the Digital Age | 3 credits
HE 721 History of Higher Education | 3 credits
*CAS standard requires students to complete two practicums that provide distinct experiences. Students who are working full-time in higher education may substitute the 2nd practicum with an elective course.
Capstone Requirement (6 credits)
Students may choose the capstone course option or thesis option as described below.
Capstone Course Option
Students who select the capstone course option will complete one elective course (3 credits) approved by the advisor in addition to the HE 797 Higher Education Capstone. Electives can be taken outside of the Higher Education Program and should be selected in consultation with the advisor.
One elective course | 3 credits
HE 797 Higher Education Capstone | 3 credits
Thesis Option
A thesis is a rigorous scholarly inquiry that requires the collection of original data and is presented in a traditional, formal, written format. It is informed by experience gained from the research apprenticeship. The guideline and deadlines for thesis submission are set by the University and administered by the University Dissertation and Thesis Service. Students selecting the thesis option must complete an extra research course approved by the student’s thesis advisor in addition to HE 799 Higher Education Thesis.
One elective research course | 3 credits
HE 799 Higher Education Thesis (3 credits required) | 3 credits*
*Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 3 credit hours of HE 799. If the thesis is not completed within the timeframe of a 3-credit-hour course, the student must continue to register and enroll in HE 799 until the thesis is completed.
Higher Education Leadership Track
The Higher Education Leadership track takes an interdisciplinary approach to offer the flexibility for students to select courses that meet their professional needs.
Required Courses (21 credits)
HE 606 Cultural Pluralism in Higher Education | 3 credits
HE 610 Research Methods in Higher Education | 3 credits
HE 624 Finance and Fiscal Management in Higher Education | 3 credits
HE 645 The Contemporary College Student | 3 credits
HE 685 Practicum |3 credits
HE 703 Higher Education in the Digital Age | 3 credits
HE 721 History of Higher Education | 3 credits
Specialization Courses (9 credits)
Students should work with their advisor to select three courses (9 credit hours) either in the Higher Education Program or in another discipline that fits the students’ career goals.
Capstone Requirement (6 credits)
Students may choose the capstone course option or thesis option as described below.
Capstone Course Option
Students who select the capstone course option will complete one elective course (3 credits) approved by the advisor in addition to the HE 797 Higher Education Capstone. Electives can be taken outside of the Higher Education Program and should be selected in consultation with the advisor.
One elective course | 3 credits
HE 797 Higher Education Capstone | 3 credits
Thesis Option
A thesis is a rigorous scholarly inquiry that requires the collection of original data and is presented in a traditional, formal, written format. It is informed by experience gained from the research apprenticeship. The guideline and deadlines for thesis submission are set by the University and administered by the University Dissertation and Thesis Service. Students selecting the thesis option must complete an extra research course approved by the student’s thesis advisor in addition to HE 799 Higher Education Thesis.
One elective research course | 3 credits
HE 799 Higher Education Thesis (3 credits required) | 3 credits*
*Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 3 credit hours of HE 799. If the thesis is not completed within the timeframe of a 3-credit-hour course, the student must continue to register and enroll in HE 799 until the thesis is completed.
Please Note: Various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled. Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.
Financial Aid
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Additionally, your current employer may provide tuition reimbursement opportunities for graduate studies. (https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/tuition-fees/)
Careers
This master’s degree prepares students for positions in academic and student affairs as well as in associations, government agencies, and industries whose activities relate to or impact higher education
Three letters of recommendation
Goals statement (750-1000 words)
Writing Sample
Resume
Mason Online