Educational Leadership Studies, MS
Option in Student Affairs
The master's degree in Educational Leadership Studies, option in Student Affairs is designed for those seeking careers in student affairs at higher education institutions. Our graduates are inspired to make a difference in the lives of college students and work to improve leadership of and within student affairs organizations, including residential life, Greek life or student life. Those interested in working with students in the K12 system, please visit Educational Leadership for more information.
Curriculum
Required core curriculum for this 30-hour program includes:
- Introduction to Student Affairs
- Student Development Theory
- Assessment Techniques for Higher Education & Student Affairs
- Leadership & Ethical Decision Making in Higher Education
- Internship in Higher Education & Student Affairs
- Seminar in Student Development
- Capstone course
We also have a strong international focus demonstrated through additional international collaborations, centers and global internship opportunities.
Course information
Graduate Student Professionals in Student Affairs
Research and Faculty
Our student-oriented faculty are grounded in the history and mission of higher education, as well as attuned to emerging trends in global higher education. We focus on equipping contemporary professionals for the diverse context of today’s world.
Faculty research expertise includes:
- Hidden college student populations and higher education institutions
(The R is for Thursday Collective)
- Socially just education
- Diverse student-learning outcomes
- University and community engagement
- Organizational issues in higher education
- Leadership identity & navigating racial battle fatigue
Meet our faculty
College research initiatives
Admissions
Applications are accepted for matriculation in the fall and spring semesters. Preference for graduate assistantship positions will be given to those candidates who complete applications by February 1 for fall enrollment. The program's priority admissions deadline for the fall semester is February 15. If space remains available, applications received by April 1 may also be considered for the fall semester. The program's priority admissions deadline for spring is September 15 . If space remains available, applications receivedby November 1 may also be considered for the spring semester. Please email the program at osu-hesa@okstate.edu for additional information.
Please note that beginning with the Fall 2026 cohort, the Higher Education & Student Affairs (HESA) program will offer the Student Affairs option in a fully online format. As part of this online cohort, all HESA courses will be delivered entirely online and will include weekly synchronous meetings. Elective courses taken outside the HESA program may be offered in person, online, or in a hybrid format, depending on the delivery method of the respective department.
To apply to the Educational Leadership Studies - option in Student Affairs, MS program, complete the following: 
- Graduate College application
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions (3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA required)
- Current resume/vita
- Three letters of recommendation (At least two from faculty members is preferred)
- Personal statement, including career objectives and goals (1-2 paged, double spaced)
- Academic writing sample (optional)
- Interview: Program faculty may request an interview with the applicant.
Application requirements
Graduate student resources
Cost & Assistance
Graduate assistantships, as either a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or Graduate Research Assistant (GRA), may be offered through on-campus departments and programs to full-time students on a competitive basis. Learn more about assistantships offered through the OSU Division of Student Affairs.
Currently enrolled students are eligible for scholarships offered through the College of Education and Human Sciences.