Program Overview
in Higher Education and Student Affairs It's about all of you: supporting your personal, academic and professional success. Join us as we prepare the next generation of practitioners and leaders in higher education and student affairs (HESA). You’ll build a strong foundation in the theoretical groundwork, practical application and contextual understanding of higher education and the diverse students it serves. Social justice and inclusion are foundational elements to the program and are woven throughout our curriculum.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Northern Illinois University.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Education.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Adult and Higher Education Mission programme at Northern Illinois University develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional networks that leading employers in education value. Common career destinations include:
- University Lecturer / Professor: Teach and conduct research at higher education institutions.
- Curriculum Developer: Design and evaluate educational programmes and learning materials.
- School Principal: Lead school strategy, operations, and community engagement.
- Educational Consultant: Advise schools, governments, and NGOs on learning outcomes.
Graduates have secured roles at multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and high-growth startups. Many also progress to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
Program Curriculum
Curriculum and Requirements
You’ll build expertise in areas such as leadership, higher education organization/administration, policy analysis, program assessment and college student development theory. Our program emphasizes inclusion, equity and social justice, giving you skills to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body and succeed in the complex environment of today’s college campus. You’ll have opportunities to:
- Collaborate with a campus partner on an applied assessment project
- Complete a capstone experience
- Develop a professional portfolio to showcase your learning and development
View Program Requirements View Coursework
Learning Outcomes Examine different organizations, contexts and/or leadership in HESA Apply college student development and/or learning theories in HESA practice settings Utilize theory-to-practice models in HESA settings Apply principles of assessment and evaluation to the practice of HESA Engage in professional praxis that promotes inclusion, equity and social justice Internship The required internship includes at least 120 hours of professional career experiences, allowing you to develop an in-depth understanding and working knowledge of a specific functional area in higher education and student affairs. Since most internships are in the Chicago region, you'll have opportunities to work with culturally diverse students and take advantage of professional development experiences and networking throughout the city and surrounding areas. You can also pursue internships on the national and global levels.
Admission Requirements
How to Apply
You’ll apply through the Graduate School .
- Priority application deadline: Feb. 1
- Priority deadline for international applicants with F-1 or J-1 visa: Jan. 1
- Rolling admissions until May 1
Application Materials You'll need to submit the following materials: Graduate School application Official transcripts Goals statement Names and contact information for two references Current resume Use the following questions to guide the writing of your goals statement, which should be one to two pages in length, single-spaced: Why are you interested in pursuing a career in higher education and student affairs? What experience in school, work or life prompted your interest in pursuing a career in higher education and student affairs? How do you hope to contribute to the field of higher education and student affairs? How do you think the graduate program at NIU, in particular, will help you achieve your goals? Looking at our learning outcomes for the program, what areas are you most excited to learn more about?
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students .
Assistantships
Most full-time students in our program hold a graduate assistantship (GA), which provides financial support (typically a tuition waiver and stipend), as well as career preparation. Assistantships are offered across campus in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs , Division of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Division of Academic Affairs .
GA Interview Day We host an interview day to connect prospective students with employers. A virtual interview day will take place Thursday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Plan to set aside the entire time for interviews, which will be held on Zoom. Interviews last for 30 minutes. You can interview for up to 10 positions. GA Application Process and Timeline Date Activity February 10 Registration for interview day opens. Prospective students (i.e., admitted students, students who started an application for our program, students who attended an info session and those who connected with our Academic Counselor) receive link to available GA job descriptions and the application. You will be able to indicate in your registration which positions you are interested in. We encourage you to apply for all positions of interest, even if you don't think you're qualified. You may have transferable skills, and many positions can be tailored to your interests. The application requires answers to three questions aimed at providing employers with insights into your career goals and transferable skills. You will be asked to upload a resume with your application. This resume should highlight your education and experiences related to employment and university or community involvement. February 22 Registration closes March 3 Participants selected for interviews will receive their interview schedule and Zoom login information via email. March 5 GA Interview Day March 6 Participants complete form by 10 a.m. to rank their potential GA positions. Employers will take your preferences into consideration. Week of March 9 GA offers are extended. Participants will receive one offer. As candidates accept and decline offers, additional offers may be sent out to those still seeking a graduate assistantship over the following weeks. Support for International GA Applicants International student admissions decisions are made in late January. In February, we contact admitted international students to provide support for the graduate assistantship application process, including: Application review Resume review Mock interview Virtual one-on-one meeting
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 700/year (international)
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students .
Assistantships
Most full-time students in our program hold a graduate assistantship (GA), which provides financial support (typically a tuition waiver and stipend), as well as career preparation. Assistantships are offered across campus in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs , Division of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Division of Academic Affairs .
GA Interview Day We host an interview day to connect prospective students with employers. A virtual interview day will take place Thursday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Plan to set aside the entire time for interviews, which will be held on Zoom. Interviews last for 30 minutes. You can interview for up to 10 positions. GA Application Process and Timeline Date Activity February 10 Registration for interview day opens. Prospective students (i.e., admitted students, students who started an application for our program, students who attended an info session and those who connected with our Academic Counselor) receive link to available GA job descriptions and the application. You will be able to indicate in your registration which positions you are interested in. We encourage you to apply for all positions of interest, even if you don't think you're qualified. You may have transferable skills, and many positions can be tailored to your interests. The application requires answers to three questions aimed at providing employers with insights into your career goals and transferable skills. You will be asked to upload a resume with your application. This resume should highlight your education and experiences related to employment and university or community involvement. February 22 Registration closes March 3 Participants selected for interviews will receive their interview schedule and Zoom login information via email. March 5 GA Interview Day March 6 Participants complete form by 10 a.m. to rank their potential GA positions. Employers will take your preferences into consideration. Week of March 9 GA offers are extended. Participants will receive one offer. As candidates accept and decline offers, additional offers may be sent out to those still seeking a graduate assistantship over the following weeks. Support for International GA Applicants International student admissions decisions are made in late January. In February, we contact admitted international students to provide support for the graduate assistantship application process, including: Application review Resume review Mock interview Virtual one-on-one meeting
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students .
Assistantships
Most full-time students in our program hold a graduate assistantship (GA), which provides financial support (typically a tuition waiver and stipend), as well as career preparation. Assistantships are offered across campus in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs , Division of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Division of Academic Affairs .
GA Interview Day We host an interview day to connect prospective students with employers. A virtual interview day will take place Thursday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Plan to set aside the entire time for interviews, which will be held on Zoom. Interviews last for 30 minutes. You can interview for up to 10 positions. GA Application Process and Timeline Date Activity February 10 Registration for interview day opens. Prospective students (i.e., admitted students, students who started an application for our program, students who attended an info session and those who connected with our Academic Counselor) receive link to available GA job descriptions and the application. You will be able to indicate in your registration which positions you are interested in. We encourage you to apply for all positions of interest, even if you don't think you're qualified. You may have transferable skills, and many positions can be tailored to your interests. The application requires answers to three questions aimed at providing employers with insights into your career goals and transferable skills. You will be asked to upload a resume with your application. This resume should highlight your education and experiences related to employment and university or community involvement. February 22 Registration closes March 3 Participants selected for interviews will receive their interview schedule and Zoom login information via email. March 5 GA Interview Day March 6 Participants complete form by 10 a.m. to rank their potential GA positions. Employers will take your preferences into consideration. Week of March 9 GA offers are extended. Participants will receive one offer. As candidates accept and decline offers, additional offers may be sent out to those still seeking a graduate assistantship over the following weeks. Support for International GA Applicants International student admissions decisions are made in late January. In February, we contact admitted international students to provide support for the graduate assistantship application process, including: Application review Resume review Mock interview Virtual one-on-one meeting
About Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, United States
Northern Illinois University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields....
University Profile- Application Deadline 2017-10-04
- Start Date 2018-01-01
- Language English
- Credits 60–120 ECTS (confirm with the university)