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The higher education and Â鶹´«Ã½ affairs (HESA) concentration in the Master of Arts in educational leadership in the Department of Educational Leadership, Research and Technology at Â鶹´«Ã½ focuses on developing reflective practitioners for entry and mid-level positions in higher education. The program emphasizes a practitioner-scholar model to combine a broad-based Â鶹´«Ã½ development and leadership theory core with required individualized field experiences. Distinctive to higher education and Â鶹´«Ã½ affairs is an emphasis on the centrality of diversity and inclusiveness in higher education. One of the ways this is actualized is through a required and individually designed diversity cognate. The higher education and Â鶹´«Ã½ affairs (HESA) curriculum meets CAS standards for masters-level Â鶹´«Ã½ affairs preparation programs. Students also develop professional competency areas for Â鶹´«Ã½ affairs practitioners through the 39-credit hour coursework including two distinct, site-based field experiences and completion of the performance-driven leadership portfolio. 

Find links to frequently asked questions, admissions, courses and resources for current Â鶹´«Ã½s here.

HESA front page

Mission

The higher education and Â鶹´«Ã½ affairs (HESA) concentration at WMU prepares practitioner-scholars who:

• Have the knowledge and skills to enhance Â鶹´«Ã½ learning and development in a variety of higher education environments.
• Recognize the centrality of diversity and inclusiveness to higher education.
• Are able to effectively and ethically lead and serve in a dynamic educational culture.

Â鶹´«Ã½ the college, university, and Kalamazoo area

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Learning outcomes

Through the successful completion of coursework and supervised field practice, graduates of WMU's higher education and Â鶹´«Ã½ affairs (HESA) leadership concentration will be able to:

• Describe the dynamic roles and functional areas of higher education and Â鶹´«Ã½ affairs work.
• Articulate the influence of the philosophical foundations and historical documents on current and future issues of professional practice.
• Integrate awareness and knowledge of historically marginalized and/ or underserved Â鶹´«Ã½ populations in all areas of professional practice.

• Articulate an ethical framework to guide one’s leadership functions in professional practice.
• Apply theory to inform professional practice in higher education settings.
• Formulate a philosophy of practice guided by the values and professional standards.
• Engage in the process of research, program design, evaluation, and assessment within the context of higher education.
• Reflect upon one's professional competencies and the value of engaging in continuous professional development.

Partnerships and collaborations

The higher education and Â鶹´«Ã½ affairs (HESA) program values our partnerships and collaborations with numerous Â鶹´«Ã½ divisions, departments, offices and programs as well as community partners.

We are also proud to have collaborations with professionals at local colleges and universities in the Southwest Michigan area like Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kellogg Community College, Lake Michigan College, Calvin College, Glenn Oaks Community College, Hope College, and Southwest Michigan College,  (and the list grows each year) who offer our Â鶹´«Ã½s graduate assistantships, field and capstone experiences, and Â鶹´«Ã½ for networking and mentoring.