Frequently Asked Questions | Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) Leadership
Educational Leadership
Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership Concentration
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HESA Leadership concentration?
The Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership concentration is one of four concentrations in the Master of Arts Performance Driven Leadership program. It is designed to prepare reflective scholar-practitioners for careers in the field of student affairs.
What type of job can I get with a degree in HESA Leadership?
Graduates can obtain employment in admissions, academic advising, residence life, student services, financial aid, career services and offices designed to support historically underrepresented student populations. Graduates of the program work in a variety of settings at community colleges, public universities and private universities.
When should I apply to the HESA program?
Applications are accepted on an ongoing
basis
until the number of available openings in the program are filled.
However, there are fixed deadlines in place for graduate
assistantships, scholarships and other financial opportunities. In order to participate in the HESA Leadership Interview Days program, a student must be accepted into the HESA MA Leadership concentration. To ensure full review of your HESA application (certificate and cohort) and to be eligible for HESA Leadership Interview Days 2014 please complete and submit all parts of your application (including references) by December 15, 2013.
What exams are required for admission into the HESA Program?
The HESA Leadership concentration does not require exams (i.e. GRE) for admission into the master’s program.
Which undergraduate majors are accepted into the HESA program?
Students from any academic major are encouraged to apply.
Are there assistantships or scholarships available for my education?
There are many opportunities available through the College of Education and Human Development, the Graduate College and Financial Aid to help with the cost of your education. Students in the program hold graduate assistantships across campus (Student Activities, Academic Advising, Residence Life, Greek Life, Career Services and the Office of Student Conduct, to name a few). Assistantships are also held at Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
Will I have to write a thesis?
A thesis is not required; however, all students are required to develop a portfolio highlighting growth and experience throughout the program.
How long is the program?
The HESA program is a 39 credit-hour program including a diversity cognate and a 300-hour internship.
Where do graduates get jobs?
Graduates from the program currently hold student affairs positions all
over the country. WMU graduates hold the following positions:
- Residence Director at Syracuse University
- Director of Career and Assessment Services at Kalamazoo Valley Community College
- International Student Advisor at University of Texas-Austin
- Academic Advisor at Western Michigan University
- Area Coordinator at the University of Central Florida
- Assistant Director of Student Activities at Nova Southeastern University
- Academic/Retention Advisor at North Carolina A&T