Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA), Cetificate

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Courses

Overview

The Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) Graduate Certificate offers a blend of theory, practice, and professional application designed for those working in or pursuing a career in higher education. Students complete 15 credit hours of graduate coursework focused on understanding college students, the environments and systems that shape their experiences, and the administrative and leadership roles that support student success. Courses emphasize foundational knowledge in student affairs, equity and diversity, assessment, and law, along with opportunities to build practical skills in leadership and intervention. The program culminates in a supervised field experience that allows students to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world higher education setting. Most courses are offered on the Kalamazoo campus and are designed with working professionals in mind, balancing academic rigor with practical relevance to today’s colleges and universities.

Meet Terry

Terry Burleson, M.A. ’25, serves as Manager of Recruitment and Student Outreach at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan.

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Program of Study

This certificate combines theory and practice to prepare professionals for leadership roles in colleges and universities. Through 15 credit hours of graduate coursework, students explore topics such as student development, equity and diversity, higher education administration, and assessment. The program concludes with a supervised field experience, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings. Designed for working professionals, most courses are offered on the Kalamazoo campus and provide a flexible, relevant pathway to deepen expertise and advance careers in higher education.

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Cost & funding

Admissions information

Admissions Criteria

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Two-page written statement describing your rationale and fit for pursuing the certificate (also serves as a writing sample).
Professional experience: Applicants must either
- Hold a full-time position in higher education relevant to the certificate,
- Be enrolled in another graduate program and demonstrate commitment to higher education, or
- Receive advisor approval.
GRE scores are not required.

Application Deadlines

Preferred deadline: January 15 for fall admission.
Applications are reviewed on a space-available basis after that date.

Application Requirements

Submit your application through the WMU online application system and include:

Resume or CV
Written statement (two pages, double-spaced)
Education history and official transcripts from all institutions attended (except WMU)
Letter of support
- From your supervisor (if employed full-time in higher education), or
- From your academic advisor (if enrolled in another graduate program)

Take it further!

Obtain your master's degree.

By completing this graduate certificate, you're already more than halfway to earning your full master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. In many cases, just one or two additional courses can unlock the full MA. It’s a smart, streamlined path if you're considering deepening your expertise or advancing your career even further.

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