[I'm Sinking! There's So Many Choices!]

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.

[HE/SA Applications, Round Two?]

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.

[MA Programs in College and School Counseling- Is this possible?]

JBurns,

 

Would this program interest you?

 

http://www.bloomu.edu/gradschool/counseling-student-affairs

[HE/SA Applications, Round Two?]

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.

[HESA vs International Education]

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

[Starting school search - Need help narrowing down my list! Higher Ed/Student Affairs]

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?

[Virginia Tech HED program]

Hello,

 

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

[Starting school search - Need help narrowing down my list! Higher Ed/Student Affairs]

I'm also in PA. I would suggest adding Kutztown University to the list for an in-stage college. I went there for my psychology undergraduate and have applied for their masters in Student Affairs: College Counseling- Licensure. The psychology department was fantastic, and I've only heard fantastic things from their education department.

 

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...

[Starting school search - Need help narrowing down my list! Higher Ed/Student Affairs]

UMass Amherst has a nice mix to their practice and theory. When I visited it seemed everyone found an assistant ship, and even if you don't find one until mid-semester you'll get the benefits of them as if you had it all semester courtesy of the contract the school has with the graduate union. UMass Amherst's program has a social justice bend which I found incredibly attractive as well, and the program is definitely rigorous. The faculty also seemed very attentive and the students seemed to get a ton of hands on experience in their areas.

 

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?

[Starting school search - Need help narrowing down my list! Higher Ed/Student Affairs]

I'm from Pennsylvania, too. I went to Shippensburg as an undergraduate, and I'm in the midst of a graduate certificate from Millersville. Granted, neither of these are Indiana, but I wouldn't target those schools for a serious graduate course of study. They seem way too expensive considering what you're getting. I did Millersville only because they had a certificate in an area that few schools have (Gifted education)--my options were there, or something 100% online.

 

But, Indiana--and the program you're interested--might be different. I guess I shouldn't generalize.

 

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. 

 

 

What do you hope to do once you graduate?  Since a master's program is pretty much all course work, I would make sure the schools that you are applying to have courses in your area of interest.  Also-- where are you hoping to live after you graduate?  Usually, your schools have more networks and connections within their region.  It looks like most of your schools are in the Midwest or New England.  Is this where you want to live after you are done?

 

Besides that I would also look into funding.  Do all students get assistantships that cover tuition and healthcare?  If not, how do these schools expect you to pay for your degree?

 

I applied to 5 schools when I was looking to get my master's in higher ed.  I found it a bit overwhelming because all of the programs I applied to required a multiple day on-campus visit with numerous interviews.  I ended up declining one visit because it was too close to another's schools and I was exhausted from all the previous travel.  If you are a strong candidate, I would narrow it down to a handful of schools to apply to (5 - 7 although 7 seems really on the high end). 

 

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!

[Starting school search - Need help narrowing down my list! Higher Ed/Student Affairs]

I don't know anything about higher education or student affairs, but I'm curious how you arrived at "Indiana University of Pennsylvania" as one of your preliminary choices. 

 

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?

 

Welcome! I have read that HGSE's higher Ed is very practice-based!

 

Thank you for this tip, but I am only considering public universities!

[Starting school search - Need help narrowing down my list! Higher Ed/Student Affairs]

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!