Masters degree in higher education and student affairs online

Masters degree in higher education and student affairs online

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Create Supportive Solutions Through a Master’s in Student Affairs

You’re shaping a better future for your students. Invest in brighter possibilities for you too. Regent’s Master of Education – Student Affairs program provides advanced training for higher education professionals invested in the social development of students and how that influences their academic and future success. Explore legal and business aspects of higher education in areas such as career counseling, residence life, orientation, admissions, financial aid, and dean’s office as you prepare for career advancement.

Location: Online

Total Credit Hours: 36

Next Session Start: January 9, 2023

INCREASE YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL

Capitalize on a higher salary and better benefits.

CREATE ENGAGING ENVIRONMENTS

Help students develop and grow in a dynamic community.

EXPAND YOUR CAREER PATH

Enjoy leadership opportunities in a variety of employment areas.

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE

Experience Regent ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report for three years (2019, 2020 and 2022). Its programs have also been recognized among the top 5 online graduate education programs in Virginia for 10 years in a row (2013-2022). Regent graduates are empowered to make a difference in lives, which has led to more than 850 alumni being recognized as Teachers of the Year in Hampton Roads since 2004.

Presented from a Christian worldview, this in-demand degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Career Opportunities

On completing the Master of Education – Student Affairs degree, you will be able to:

  • Understand the developmental needs of students and create supportive solutions.
  • Help create successful student service programs that enhance the learning experience.
  • Apply strategic planning techniques that improve the social development of students.

Career Opportunities

  • Academic Advisor
  • Admissions/Financial Aid Specialist
  • Orientation/First Year Experience Administrator
  • Residence Life/Student Housing Specialist
  • Student Activities/Development Leader

Best Online Graduate Education Programs in Virginia U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020

Core Courses

Focuses on the role of the school leader or educator as a consumer (basic, applied and orientational), a user (evaluation) and a producer (action) of educational research. As consumers, candidates learn how to identify, read, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, explain and apply quantitative, qualitative and mixed research. As users, candidates utilize descriptive statistics and data-driven decision making in problem-based learning applications. As producers, candidates follow the structure of a research proposal to develop competency with the literature, methods, designs and data analysis techniques germane to the field.

EDCO 501 Strategic Planning & Program Evaluation 3

Examines strategic planning and the role of program evaluation in the planning-implementation-evaluation cycle to include the curriculum planning process. Topics include various theoretical and philosophical perspectives, alternative evaluation designs and related methodologies including collaborative action research and issues related to design, measurement and utilization. The goal is to help educators become active collaborators in the evaluation process and to give them the tools to judge the value of an evaluation. Whether the task is designing an internal evaluation of a local program, contracting for an external evaluation at the district level, or critically reviewing an evaluation report as a basis for making an administrative decision, this course offers important leadership preparation. Each student will prepare an evaluability assessment related to a self-selected educational program in his/her area of concentration. Prerequisite: a graduate level research course. Cross-listed with EDCO 801.

EDU 600 Graduate Foundations for Education 2

Provides the knowledge, resources, and essential skills needed for success at the graduate level. Topics include academic writing, online learning, information literacy, and advising and support services for Education.

EFND 523 History & Contemporary Issues of American Higher Education 3

Overview of American higher education from the colonial period to the present. Form a foundational understanding of higher education and the origins of contemporary practices and problems within the academy. Investigate diverse institutions such as land grant colleges, historically black colleges and universities, research institutions, liberal arts colleges, religious colleges and universities and access to higher education. Examine and discuss early innovators of higher education and their policies. Cross-listed with EFND 723.

EHEA 501 The College and the Student 3

An examination of issues relevant to college students. Topics may include intellectual growth, moral development, values, career choice, psychosocial changes, and the role of extracurricular activities. Cross-listed with EHEA 801.

EHEA 502 Higher Education Finance: Strategy, Costs & Value 3

Focuses on the knowledge and skills required to effectively deal with financial changes and trends for institutions of higher education. Students will further their skills in analysis and evaluation of issues from various perspectives - administrative, consumer and societal (government and organizations in the private sector that influence the source and use of funds). Financial management of higher education (administrative perspective) focuses on effectiveness and efficiency issues associated with the use of funds. The consumer perspective (access and choice issues in financing students) focuses on the source of institutional funds; both state and federal policies and programs and budgeting will inform the learner from that perspective. Cross-listed with EHEA 802.

EHEA 503 The Law & Governance of Higher Education 3

Provides historical and contemporary legal issues that have and will continue to shape colleges and universities today. Discusses legal issues regarding the college and trustees, administrators and staff. Investigates the legal basis of higher education in the United States to include constitutional provisions and federal statutes that influence higher education policy. Prepares emergent administrators for preventative law measures in an increasing litigious environment. Cross-listed with GOV 628 and EHEA 803.

EHEA 504 Student Services Administration 3

An examination of the historical underpinnings of student affairs, the numerous departments under student affairs, the administrative interaction between student affairs and other university departments, and administrative theory relevant to the student affairs administrator.

EHEA 595 Professional Field Experience 6

On-site training provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and develop an understanding of the relationship between theory and practice, as well as, to develop and refine professional and personal competencies and attitudes important to effective student affairs professionals. To be completed in an approved educational setting under the supervision of the internship coordinator and a qualified site supervisor with a required minimum of 150 hours of work and participation in an online internship seminar. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

EHEA 602 Role and Mission of the Christian College & University 3

Centers on the need for the continuance of Christian colleges and universities in a post-Christian culture. Particular emphasis will be placed on the strategies, objectives and goals that can best ensure the future continuance of the spiritual mission and Orthodox beliefs of Christian colleges and universities. Cross-listed with EHEA 702.

EHEA 603 Essential Student Affairs Counseling & Support Skills 3

Foundational knowledge, perspectives, and skills essential to student affairs in a higher education setting. Theoretical practical, and ethical considerations of helping techniques will be examined and applied. Fundamental aspects of confidential counseling, academic advising and career development are explored.

Admissions Requirements

2022-23 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All new students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session A Friday, August 12 Monday, August 22
Session M Friday, September 9 Monday, September 19
Session B Friday, October 14 Monday, October 24
Session C Wednesday, January 4 Monday, January 9
Session T Friday, January 27 Monday, February 6
Session D Friday, March 3 Monday, March 13
Session E Friday, April 28 Monday, May 8
Session F Friday, June 9 Monday, June 19

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

  • Submit your application at www.regent.edu/apply.

Step 2: Complete Your Admissions Questionnaire

  • After you submit your application, you will receive a link to complete the required admissions questionnaire.

Step 3: Submit Your Unofficial College Transcripts

  • Email your unofficial college transcripts to  using the subject line: Unofficial Transcripts.
  • Upon conditional acceptance, Regent University will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution.
  • International transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company.

Step 4: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

  • Email a photo of your government-issued ID to  using the subject line: Government ID.
  • Please note that all items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Tuition & Fees

2022-23 Tuition Rates

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Career Switcher$250 6 $1,500
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$565 6 $3,390
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$800 6 $4,800
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$800 3 $2,400
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$800 3 $2,400

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Career Switcher$250 9 $2,250
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$565 9 $5,085
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$800 9 $7,200
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$800 6 $4,800
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$800 6 $4,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) $800
University Services Fee (Online Students) $650

2021-22 Tuition Rates

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Career Switcher$250 6 $1,500
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$550 6 $3,300
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$775 6 $4,650
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$775 3 $2,325
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$775 3 $2,325

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Career Switcher$250 9 $2,250
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$550 9 $4,950
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$775 9 $6,975
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$775 6 $4,650
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$775 6 $4,650

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) $800
University Services Fee (Online Students) $650

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Estimated Cost of Attendance: View the estimated cost of attendance to see an example of the total cost of tuition and fees.

“If you are considering a career in teaching, consider preparing at Regent University.”

Doreatha White, M.Ed., 1997 Principal, J.J. Roberts Elementary School

“I am grateful for Regent’s rigorous, Christ-centered Special Education program. I look forward to sharing my passion and experience with the next generation of special education teachers. I’m also excited to continue my research on educational practices utilized in public schools.”

Allisha Beerwart, Ed.D., 2018 Assistant Professor of Education, School of Education, GSW State University

“Looking back, I can take almost every single facet of my daily work and tie it to my training at Regent. ”

Thomas "Randy" Brunk, M.Ed., 1989 Head of School, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

“My career has evolved over a short period of time because of my faith and the teacher preparation programs at Regent. The academic, spiritual and leadership guidance shared during my time at Regent gave me the foundation needed to excel in my field.”

Chonita Walker, M.Ed., 2011 Reading Specialist

“Regent University taught me how to be a servant leader when it comes to reaching children. I've learned to not just teach students, but to serve them according to what they need.”

Anthony Swann, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, 2014 5th Grade Teacher, Rocky Mount Elementary

Is a masters in higher education administration worth it?

With a master's in higher education administration, salary potential, and the opportunity for career advancement has been shown to increase. As previously stated, college administrators with a master's degree make an annual average of $22,000 more than those with only a bachelor's degree according to Burning Glass.

Are online master degrees recognized?

Yes. Advanced degrees completed online have just the same value as if you were to attend class in person. Just look for one that's verified by one of the many accrediting agencies out there and backed up by U.S. News & World Report's highest level higher education rankings.

Is an online masters in education worth it?

An online master's degree is worth the time and effort as long as you go through an accredited program and ensure that it meets the standards of potential employers. If the program seems suspicious or you notice that the university does not have a third-party accreditation, then opt for a different online program.

Do Ivy Leagues have online masters?

Of the eight Ivy League schools, seven currently offer online master's programs; Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, UPenn, and Yale.