弗吉尼亚理工大学

The HED program is designed to meet the standards for master's level preparation in student affairs of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS).

The master’s program in Higher Education is a 48-credit hour program that provides entry-level professionals with the essential knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary for a wide variety of student affairs positions in higher education. The Higher Education (HED) preparation program educates entry-level professionals about the essential knowledge, skills/experiences, and disposition necessary for practice in higher education. Graduate students are prepared to work as student development educators and administrators in higher education.

The master’s curriculum consists of courses in four areas: Foundations, Research, Concentration, and Cognate. A total of 48 credit hours is required for the master's degree. Given the delivery of the curriculum, students are required to register for classes during at least one summer term. You will complete courses such as introduction to student affairs profession, theories of college student development, higher education in the United States, higher education law, and assessment in higher education.

Graduate education is concerned with enhancing a broad spectrum of talents in students. Some of these talents are addressed by structured, in-class activities determined primarily by faculty, while others are addressed by out-of-class activities that often are student-directed. Both types of learning opportunities are incorporated into each student's Plan of Study. Faculty serve as teachers, advisors, colleagues, and mentors to students.

Career and Professional Development

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Graduates will be eligible for employment in positions at colleges and universities in residence life, student activities, student success, academic advising, new student orientation, leadership development, multicultural affairs, and career services, among others.

Program Highlights

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The Higher Education program welcomed three new faculty members in fall 2019: Dr. Sharrika Adams, Dr. Chase Catalano, and Dr. Tonisha Lane. Click on their profiles for more information.

Blacksburg Campus

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This degree program is offered at the Blacksburg campus. The Blacksburg campus offers students the full services of the university, including an extensive library, technology support, and the Graduate Life Center.