3stars

University of Maryland - College Park is definitely more theory oriented. Bowling Green State University, IUP, Indiana State University, Rutgers and Ohio State are a few practitioner-based/hands-on programs that I can think of off the top of my head. OP - If there's a particular area/region of the country you're interested in studying in, please post. That will help as more people list suggestions. My 2 cents: it's ok to cast somewhat of a wide net, but I think that scattering your search and applying all over the whole country (ie. applying to Oregon State, Florida State, Michigan State and Rutgers) will just make things complicated and expensive when it comes time to visit the programs in February/March.

Juniper - Thanks so much for your insight. I did read that the cohort for their program is quite large. Being able to feel connected to others in my cohort is something that would be really important to me if I attend an out-of-state program. It does say on their website that the assistantship program is "highly decentralized," which could be good if students are encouraged to find an assistantship that genuinely interests them, instead of having to choose from what is available. That some of these assistantships might come without tuition remission is troubling though. When I check the HESA Outreach Connections list, virtually every student listed on there has an assistantship. Now I wonder what the details of some of these assistantships are.

JBurns, Would this program interest you? http://www.bloomu.edu/gradschool/counseling-student-affairs

Hi juniperoo, I'm a first-time applier, also for HESA Fall '14. Sounds like a good plan, mixing in state and out of state this time around. I applied to one in-state program for that exact reason - funding is important to me. You have some good in-state programs; I considered applying to James Madison. Any feedback you would be able to share about IU - Bloomington would be great.

Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA) offers a Master's in International Higher Education.

Hey, the OP is back I'm expanding my search to the South - Anyone know anything about the student affairs programs at: James Madison University Virginia Tech University of Georgia University of Tennessee - Knoxville I've heard that UGA's program has a great reputation, but I'm finding so-so information about culture at UGA as a school (huge, no sense of community, etc.). Any opinions on this? Any other solid, cohort-based programs in the Midwest or South that offer an assistantship and tuition waiver?

Hello, Curious to know what your impressions of Virginia Tech were - I'm thinking of applying for c/o 2016.

Thanks for the tip! I somehow overlooked Kutztown, and am now taking a look at their program for Student Affairs in Higher Ed - Administration. I like the idea of in-state tuition and a year-long internship, but when I came across their course offerings, it seemed like even the Administration-focused degree was still heavy on counseling-focused courses: http://www.kutztown.edu/academics/graduate/chs/academic/pdfs/student-adminstration%20REVISED.pdf Even the administration program curricularly seems like a counseling-focused program...I don't know if it would be a good fit for me, since I don't plan on going into academic counseling...

Thanks, this is great information to hear. Would you be able to speak anything about the location of the school? As you can see from my list, I lean Midwestern culturally. I've been to Boston, and didn't care for the city much....what is town and campus of Amherst like culturally?

I see what you mean, but I'd bet that all of the in-state schools have different strengths and weaknesses, especially for their graduate programs. There were a couple of other in-state schools that offered HE/SA programs, but they didn't appear to have the academics that I am looking for. Curriculum-wise, Indiana seems on par with the other schools I am considering. Actually, that's just it--I'm looking for a Master's program that isn't all course work! I understand that much of my time will be spent preparing for, being in, and working after class, but I'm looking for a program that reaches beyond that in the form of assistantships, internships, etc. Ideally, this will also help me finance my education. In regard to location, touché - I haven't listed any program in a region that I wouldn't want to live in after graduation. In regard to the number of programs, good point...I'm seeing that many of them include mandatory interviews, and there seems to be a fair amount of overlapping with the dates. I'll continue to do my research and see if I can whittle down my list to 6 or 7. Thanks!

I am a Pennsylvania resident, so I would be eligible for in-state tuition, and challenges in relocating and adjusting would be minimal. Now I am curious! Are you familiar with the school? Thank you for this tip, but I am only considering public universities!

Hello! I've been reading for a bit, but this is my first post here, so I apologize if it's in the wrong category. I am looking to apply for Master's programs in higher ed administration/college student personnel/student affairs. I am in the beginning of my search, and looking to matriculate in fall of 2014 (I like to plan ahead. ) Schools I am considering: Bowling Green State Illinois State Indiana State IUP Kent State Miami University of Ohio Michigan State Missouri State Ohio State U. of Connecticut U. of Vermont U Mass - Amherst So far, what I am looking for in a program is an emphasis on practice rather than theory (internships, assistantships, hands-on exp.) and affordability. If anyone is familiar with any of the programs at the schools listed, kindly speak up and share your experiences! Please help me choose some standouts, and narrow down my list. If you have any questions for me, please let me know. Thanks in advance!