Higher Education Student Affairs Administration

The Higher Education Student Affairs Administration (HESAA) curriculum integrates psychological theory, interdisciplinary electives, and supervised work experience to provide a solid foundation for entering or advancing a career in student affairs. Students benefit from teaching by Nazareth’s faculty in psychology and other programs, a dedicated career coach, supervision by student affairs professionals and, being on our small, student-focused campus.

Students in the HESAA program:

1. Learn how college students develop as individuals and within a socio-cultural context, including the context of higher education.
2. Develop skills and competency in the use, design, and conduct of research/assessment that can inform and strengthen professional practice in student affairs.
3. Explore and learn about issues, trends, and challenges in higher education as well as become familiar with principles and practices for implementing effective programs.
4. Learn about forces that shape higher education, its changing nature, and the role it plays in a multicultural society.
5. Develop professional skills through coursework, reflective activities, and disciplinary frameworks in two 200-hour structured internships, with an option for a 3rd internship.
6. Integrate multiple perspectives and disciplines into their professional practice and problem solving.

The program aligns with the recommendations for practice from the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Education (CAS) and the professional competencies of the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).

PROGRAM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1. Online Application
2. Completion of the professional statement as described on the application
3. Official transcripts from all colleges attended
   • Applicant must have completed, or will be completing, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative index of 3.0 and a “B” average in the major field by the start date of the desired term.
     • Applicants who do not meet these grade point average expectations must address them in their professional statement; please see the Professional Statement section of the admissions application for further information.
4. Two letters of recommendation, ideally one academic and one professional.
5. Resume
6. Applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted by the Program Director.

Application Deadline
April 1 for Fall Term
Rolling admissions, with preference given to applications completed by April 1st.
Cohort model program with Fall semester start date preferred; Spring semester start date possible.
Applications received after April 1st will be processed on a space-available basis.
 

• Full-Time - program is designed as a full time, two-year program
• Part-Time - part-time program schedules are also possible, and may be adapted to meet individual circumstances and need. Typically requires completion of 2 courses (6 credits total) per semester and must be planned carefully in consultation with Program Director