Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) Leadership, Master of Arts

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Overview

The Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) master’s program at Western Michigan University prepares students to lead and support all types and aspects of college communities through hands-on learning and reflective practice. The 33-credit program blends theory, leadership, and real-world experience. Students progress through a cohort-based model, fostering connection and collaboration. Coursework emphasizes student development, leadership theory, and diversity and inclusion, including an individualized field experience and a practicum experiential component. Instead of a thesis, students complete a professional ePortfolio demonstrating their growth and competencies. Designed for both full- and part-time students from all academic backgrounds, the HESA master’s program equips graduates to create inclusive, transformative learning environments and build meaningful careers in higher education leadership. Starting Fall 2026, the program will be available in-person and virtually.

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Jonathan Pulley (M.A. ’18) is Director of Grant Development at the McGregor Fund, leading community partnerships, grant initiatives, and equitable funding efforts.

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Career Outcomes

  • 100% of HESA students complete field experiences (internships) around the world that often lead directly to employment.
  • 92% of graduates are employed full-time or actively advancing in their careers (based on 2015–2021 WMU data).
  • Skills developed in HESA are fully transferable across higher education and beyond, aligned with national Professional Competency Areas.

Individualized, Cohort-Based Experience

  • Enter a supportive, cohort-style program where faculty know you by name and are invested in your success.
  • Work closely with an advisor to select diversity and inclusion courses that fit your goals.
  • Build intercultural understanding through coursework, co-curricular engagement, and personalized coaching using the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI).

Professional Growth and Engagement

  • Gain practical experience through internships at public, private, and community colleges.
  • Take part in global engagement opportunities, including study abroad and internationally focused coursework.
  • Participate in research, co-teaching, and conference presentations to expand your professional network.
  • Create a HESA Leadership ePortfolio to showcase your competencies and transferable skills to future employers.

The HESA master’s program prepares students for entry- and mid-level leadership roles in higher education, emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and student-centered practice. Students develop professional competencies through a practitioner-scholar model combining coursework, field experiences, and a professional ePortfolio.

I. Leadership Core (7 credits)
Builds foundational leadership skills, exploring organizational systems, change, and professional development. Students also select electives aligned with their interests and career goals, allowing flexibility to pursue specialized topics or research projects.

II. Higher Education and Student Affairs Core (21 credits)
Provides essential knowledge of higher education systems, student development, administration, assessment, intervention, and legal/ethical considerations. Coursework emphasizes equity and advocacy for historically underserved populations.

III. Field Experience (3 credits)
Includes one or more supervised, hands-on internships in higher education settings. Students apply theory to practice, build professional networks, and gain real-world experience in the field.

IV. Diversity Cognate (6 credits)
An individually designed program of study focusing on diversity, inclusion, and access. Students select courses—locally or through study abroad—that prepare them to serve historically marginalized and underserved populations.

Sample list of diversity cognate courses

V. Capstone and ePortfolio (2 credits)
Culminates in a capstone seminar and professional ePortfolio, demonstrating mastery of competencies, applied learning, and readiness for leadership roles in higher education.

The HESA curriculum meets CAS Standards for Masters-Level Student Affairs Preparation Programs and students develop the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators through completion of the program. 

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In-person on WMU Kalamazoo campus: The in-person format is a cohort model in which students seeking GA positions or who are otherwise interested in a more “traditional” learning environment apply and attend this program.  Completion of the 33 credit hour program over a 20 month period

Online/Virtual: Starting Fall 2026, the online format is a cohort model designed for working professionals who are seeking to obtain a degree in higher education and student affairs and who otherwise might be limited by in-person requirements. The program includes two “residencies” of one week during the 20 month program.  Starting with a Summer II course, the program is structured around a two course per semester load with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online learning. 

Graduates can obtain employment in a variety of student services and administrative positions in higher education including:  Admissions, academic advising, residence life, student services, financial aid, career services, offices designed to support historically underrepresented student populations, pre-college outreach programs, student engagement and leadership programs, student centers and more. Graduates of the program work in a variety of settings at community colleges, public and private colleges and universities.

Visit some of the professional websites to learn more about careers in student affairs:

Where do graduates land jobs?

WMU HESA graduates hold student affairs positions all over the country and have secured these and other positions upon graduation.  

  • Academic advisor, Fordham University (NY)
  • Academic coach, University of Tennessee (TN)
  • Admissions counselor, Kalamazoo Valley Community College (MI)
  • Career services specialist, Purdue University Northwest (IN)
  • Coordinator of pre-college programs, Ferris State University (MI)
  • Coordinator for admissions & student engagement, Michigan School of Psychology (MI)
  • Financial aid specialist, Grand Rapids Community College (MI)
  • Graduate program coordinator, Emporia State University (KS)
  • Student leadership coordinator, Purdue University (IN)
  • International student advisor, University of Texas-Austin (TX)
  • Peer advocate leader, University of Colorado (CO)
  • Program advisor, Indiana University (IU)
  • Residence hall director, San Diego State University (CA)
  • TRIO student support services, Grand Valley State University (MI)

To learn about admission requirements, please visit the Graduate College's webpage.

Learn more

Held annually in the Spring semester, HESA Info & GA Interview Day gives newly admitted students the chance to:

  • Learn about WMU and the HESA program
  • Explore the curriculum and program opportunities
  • Connect with potential Graduate Assistant (GA) employers

All newly admitted students are encouraged to attend, whether or not they are participating in GA interviews.

2026 HESA Info & Interview Day: In person, February 12–13, 2026.

Department of Educational Leadership Research and Technology
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5283 USA
(269) 387-3897

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to explore a career in higher education is to do your homework—research the field, talk to professionals, and participate in pre-engagement activities. Graduate school is not just further education—it’s an entry into a meaningful profession. Ask yourself: Do you enjoy campus life? Are you motivated to learn and grow? Do you value higher education and want to expand access and opportunity for others? Consider conducting an informational interview or job shadow to gain firsthand insight and ensure the HESA program is the right fit for your goals.

Resources to explore before pursuing a careers in student affairs:
Exploring Graduate School and Careers in Student Affairs

Students from any academic major are encouraged to apply. Any major that helps students grow in their critical thinking, reading and writing skills will contribute to their success in graduate school.

Yes, the HESA program is designed to accommodate both full- and part-time students. Part-time students, often working full-time in higher education, work closely with a faculty advisor to create a schedule that fits their needs. Core courses are offered evenings on the Kalamazoo campus, with many diversity cognate and elective courses available online or in hybrid formats. Eligible full-time professionals may also waive up to 150 hours of the required field experience. On average, HESA Certificate students complete the program in 1.5–3 years, while master’s students typically finish in 2–4 years, depending on enrollment status.

View Flyer for Full-Time Working Professionals

The HESA program is a 39-credit-hour program, that includes the core curriculum, diversity cognate, 300-hour field experience, a 100-hour capstone experience and completion of a portfolio. The length of time to complete the program is determined by the individual, academic and personal needs of the student. Students work with a faculty advisor to select the best options for them.

  • Typically, full-time students complete the program in two years by taking nine credits each fall and spring semester and three credits in the summer.  Some students choose to slow down a bit and complete the program in three years (still as a full-time student but with six credits per semester).
  • Students attending part-time while working in full-time professional positions may opt to take one class at a time, or do what best fits their personal and professional life. Typically, HESA courses are offered once a year, so it is important that students follow the suggested rotation of courses.

HESA students not already working in higher education are encouraged to, but are not required to, apply for and hold GA positions. The large majority of HESA students hold GA positions or work part- or full-time in higher education. The HESA Info and Interview Days program, held each spring semester, provides an opportunity for admitted students to become familiar with the HESA program as well as interview for GA positions. In order to participate in HESA Info & Interview Days a student must be accepted into the HESA concentration by the priority deadline.

The HESA program works with students and offices on campus to help facilitate GA interviews, however the offices will determine who they wish to interview and will make final offers.

Graduate assistant (GA) are hired by the individual units/departments and are monitored by the unit and by the Graduate College. GA's will complete required training and orientation as outlined by both units in addition to any academic requirements for the HESA program. Information about stipends, dates of work, onboarding, and parking can be directed to the hiring unit.

Students in HESA hold graduate assistantships (GA) across campus and at other nearby colleges in a variety of student service or higher education administration related positions. Student GAs are typically at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College or Lake Michigan College. The areas open for GA positions vary from year to year depending on the needs of each department. Students have held GA positions in areas such as:  

  • Academic Advising, Admissions, Athletics Academic Services, Merze Tate College - Student Success, Office of Student Engagement--fraternity and sorority life and student organizations, WMU Student Center,  Residence Life, Seita Scholars, Health Promotion and Education, Office of the President, Career and Student Employment Services, Financial Aid, Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Lee Honors College, Multicultural Affairs, Upward Bound, Office of Pre-College Programs, Office of Student Transitions, Recreation Center/IM.

Additional opportunities for campus positions are posted on WMU's Handshake platform. Stipend information varies by office and information can be obtained during the interview process and through the Graduate College.  After HESA interview days, candidates will be contacted by offices directly. Not all WMU offices or campus partners may have posted their positions by HESA Interview Days; thus, even after interview days new positions become available. We will continue to work with students to secure a GA position who are interested and committed to attending WMU for their graduate education.

Students are encouraged to notify HESA regarding their decision to attend WMU as soon as possible. We understand that many graduate candidates apply and interview for multiple programs. The Council of Graduate Schools developed a “Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees and Assistants” which many graduate institutions (including WMU) have agreed to uphold. It states that students have no obligation to respond to offers prior to April 15. For the complete details of the resolution and a complete list of institutions that have agreed to uphold the resolution, review the Council of Graduate Schools Resolution. However, we encourage a response to offers as soon as possible, but not later than April 15.

There are numerous opportunities for professional development at WMU, in HESA and in the greater higher education and student affairs community. In collaboration with university and other institutional partners, the HESA program sponsors several networking, professional and career development events such as Job Search Jump-start, fall and spring networking events, lecture series and ongoing workshops. The Higher Education Masters Student Association (HMSA) student organization also supports professional development.

The state of Michigan is proud to have an ACPA-MI chapter where professional development opportunities, including an annual conference and annual summer workshops, are available. Each fall the HESA program makes an excellent showing at the ACPA-MI conference. The Midwest is sometimes called the heart of the student affairs profession and so we are in driving distance of a number of excellent professional development opportunities including NASPA Region IV-E.

Our university professionals attend conferences around the state and world in nearly every functional area including ACPA, NASPA, NODA, NACAC, NAFSA, NIRSA, Great Lakes College Association, ACUHO-I, NCAN and more! If you want to get connected, we can help you do so. Check out http://www.academic360.com or https://www.studentaffairs.com/resources/websites/professional-associations for more information about professional associations related to your areas of interest.

In addition to the numerous opportunities offered by the Graduate College, we also have an active and award winning Graduate Student Association (GSA). GSA offers professional, personal and academic support to all WMU graduate students.