Higher Education

Overview

Our Master's Program in Higher Education 

• The Higher Education program of Virginia Tech provides entry-level professionals with the essential knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary for a wide variety of student affairs positions in higher education.The Higher Education (HED) preparation program educates entry-level professionals about the essential knowledge, skills/experiences, and disposition necessary for practice in higher education. Graduate students are prepared to work as student development educators and administrators in higher education. Specifically, students may expect employment in residential programs, campus activities, career planning, judicial programs, counseling, admissions, financial aid, student orientation, multicultural services, and related campus programs.

Why Study Higher Education Here?

• A small cohort experience that ensures individual attention and shared learning, opportunities to specialize in one area, or explore many areas, of student affairs through assistantships, practica, and summer internships, and a solid grounding in program assessment and evaluation. Our students plan both fun and educational activities through the HEA (Higher Education Association). Students are strongly encouraged to collaborate. Our students are actively engaged in the profession. Over 90% held memberships in one or more professional associations, 88% participated in professional development activities, 42% presented one or more conference programs, 39% held leadership positions in professional associations, 24% were writing for publication, and 10% published manuscripts in professional journals.

Career and Professional Development

• Graduates will be eligible for employment in positions at colleges and universities in residence life, student activities, student success, academic advising, new student orientation, leadership development, multicultural affairs, and career services, among others.