Appalachian State University
Higher Education and Students Affairs: Master of Arts (MA)
Application Deadlines
Spring Admission
Nov. 1
Fall Admission
April 1, priority deadline is February 1
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary by program. Learn more
Location
On campus and online
Completion Time
2 years (full time)
Excel as a higher education leader.
Earning your Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs at App State will prepare you to make a lasting impact on student development and success.
Through this program, you will acquire the knowledge, skills, competencies and philosophy required for exemplary professional practice in 21st century postsecondary educational institutions and other settings.
Our faculty will help you understand what it means to focus on students and study their experiences, and you will engage in dialogues with your peers who will also foster your learning.
As a graduate, you will be positioned to lead in a wide range of areas on college and university campuses, including advising, career development, student activities, residence life, admissions and student success.
App State’s Higher Education and Student Affairs program is also offered fully online — learn more by visiting App State Online.
Learn more about the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at App State.
A National Leader in Teacher Education
App State is the nation’s No. 1 school for National Board Certified Teachers. Learn more
A 2025 Best
The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and the Southeast for 2025.
Top 3
U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top 3 university for innovation for 8 consecutive years.
Top School for 2024–25
Forbes magazine ranked App State among “America’s Top Colleges” for 2024–25.
Concentrations and Courses
Careers and Mountaineers
Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go!
Careers
Graduates typically advance to mid- and upper-level management and administrative positions in colleges and universities in areas such as:
- Academic administration
- Admissions
- Advising
- Athletics
- Career development
- Distance education
- Financial aid
- Institutional research
- Marketing and advancement
- Multicultural student development
- Student success programs
Employers
- Two-year and four-year higher education institutions across the Southeast and U.S.
Career information resource
App State’s Career Development Center
Services provided by the Career Development Center include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools for you to achieve life and professional success.
More to Explore at App State
International Experience
Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more
Professional Development
Invest in yourself with opportunities designed to stimulate career growth. Learn more
Graduate Assistantships
Earn some money while you earn your degree. Learn more
Apply
Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.
Admissions questions? Contact us.
Connect
Program Contact
Dr. Chauntee Thrill
Program Director
[email protected]
828-262-4963
Department of Counseling, Family Therapy and Higher Education
Visit Campus
Experience the beauty of App State’s Boone campus firsthand. Tour campus, virtually or in person. Explore App State’s Boone home.
Admissions Events
Want to know more about the people and programs of App State’s School of Graduate Studies? Attend an information session.