The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education with an emphasis in Higher Education & Student Affairs (HESA) draws on the rich, interdisciplinary field of Higher Education.  While there is no specific academic preparation for student affairs administration at the undergraduate level, any baccalaureate degree provides sufficient preparation. Current students hold bachelor degrees in a variety of fields, including business, communications, general studies, and sports management. Most students pursuing graduate education in higher education/student affairs are actively involved in campus life or are working at a college/university in a student services or related area.

Course Requirements

Thirty-six (36) hours are required to complete the Master of Arts degree.  The following sequence is recommended by the Program’s faculty.  Adequate course options are available each semester to accommodate unforeseen scheduling conflicts that may prevent students from following this sequence and to allow for the completion of all required courses prior to the comprehensive exams.  The comprehensive exam will be administered during the final semester of study.  The expectation is that full-time students will be able to complete this program in two years. Students who are employed on a full-time basis and pursue the M.A. program part-time will work with a faculty advisor to determine appropriate course sequencing.

Suggested Course Sequence

This suggested course sequence is offered merely as a guide, and not as a substitution for academic advising. Upon acceptance to the program, each new student should contact Dr. Brian Bourke, who serves as the advisor for the students in this master's program.

1st Year, Fall Semester (9 hours)
ELRC 4364 Introduction to Student Affairs
ELRC 4249 Research Methods in Education
ELRC 7601 Foundations of Higher Education

1st Year, Spring Semester (9 hours)
ELRC 7612 Student Development Theory
ELRC 4365 Helping Skills for Student Affairs
3 hours ELRC 7404 Practicum or other Higher Education elective

Summer (3 hours – Optional, but encouraged)
ELRC 7404 Internship (at another institution)

2nd Year, Fall Semester (9 hours)
ELRC 7605 Law & Ethics in Higher Education
ELRC 7611 College Students in the U.S.
3 hours Elective addressing diversity/multiculturalism in education

2nd Year, Spring Semester (9 hours)
3 hours ELRC 7609 or 7610 (Strategic Planning or Assessment)
3 hours Higher Education Elective
3 hours Higher Education Elective

Possible Higher Education Electives:
ELRC 7602 Admin, Org Structures & Behavior
ELRC 7603 Leadership in Higher Education
ELRC 7890 Special Topics in Higher Education
ELRC 7600 Race & Gender in Higher Education

Contact for current and prospective students who have questions or need more information:

Brian Bourke, Ph.D.
121B Peabody Hall
bbourke@lsu.edu
Phone: 225.578.4759

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