Master of Science in Higher Education & Student Affairs
Build the skills to lead and support students.
Built for working professionals
- Fully online instruction designed with working professionals in mind
- Asynchronous courses with responsive faculty and staff
- Curriculum created by and for student affairs leaders
Focus on Students’ Well-Being
- A unique program centered on college student populations and their well-being
- Develop expertise in student development, leadership, diversity and inclusion, and organizational effectiveness
- Coursework includes College Student Populations and College Student Well-Being
Hands-on experience
- Student-centered experience with faculty mentorship and peer collaboration
- Hands-on learning through internships, graduate assistantships, and higher ed partnerships
- Two semesters of supervised practicum experience with student affairs professionals
To apply to the Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs program, applicants must submit:
- Butler Application
- Official transcripts or copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities where candidates:
- Earned a degree
- Earned more than 15 credits (undergraduate and graduate)
- Completed any program prerequisite (regardless of number of credit hours)
- Completed courses for which candidates are applying for transfer credit
Transcripts
Copies of official transcripts may be uploaded in the online application for application review only. Applicants who receive an offer of admission will be required at that time to submit official final transcripts issued directly from the institution(s) for verification prior to enrollment. More information is available in the application for admission.
Application Dates
Our program is now accepting applications for fall 2026.
Fall 2026 Application Deadline: July 1, 2026
Questions about the Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs can be directed to coegraduateprograms@butler.edu.
The MS in Higher Education and Student Affairs includes 12 courses delivered in an asynchronous, online format designed to meet your schedule, with responsive faculty and staff. Courses are designed by and for student affairs leaders.
Core Courses
- ED 520: History and Foundations of Higher Education and Student Affairs
- ED 540: College Student Populations
- ED 570: College Student Well-Being
- ED 572: Fundamental Counseling Theory and Techniques
- ED 660: College Student Development
- ED 673: Research in Human Services
- ED 690: Leadership and Management in Higher Education
- ED 695: Legal and Ethical Issues in Higher Education
Electives
Students will pursue two electives with guidance from faculty to support their professional interests and goals.
Practicum
Two semesters of supervised practicum experience with student affairs professionals.
Graduate program tuition schedule
- Hours required for degree: 36
- Cost per credit hour: $590
- Total tuition: $21,240
This program may be eligible for federal direct loans. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@butler.edu or 317-940-8200 to learn more.