Redesigned Student Affairs and Higher Education graduate program goes online for aspiring campus leaders
“The lifeblood of what happens at a university”
•
Published
Academic and career advising, alumni relations, Greek life, financial aid, and other key campus roles are also a part of the SAHE program
Redesigned Student Affairs and Higher Education graduate program goes online for aspiring campus leaders
•
Published
When we think about college, we often think about sprawling academic quads, invigorating classroom discussions, and the vibrant hum of student life unfolding across an idyllic campus environment.
But what we don’t always see are the dedicated professionals behind the scenes — such as the student affairs and higher education practitioners and administrators — who not only help guide students during a pivotal time in their lives, but who also guide institutions through the evolving nature of higher education.
For more than 60 years, Miami University has prepared leaders who shape the college experience far beyond the classroom. And now, the College of Education, Health, and Society (EHS) is offering a newly revised Student Affairs and Higher Education (SAHE) graduate program, which provides a wide range of career opportunities in this field.
“Some of the most important college experiences often happen outside the classroom,” said Elisa Abes, professor of Educational Leadership and SAHE program director. “Helping students learn and develop in college means fostering personal growth and creating supportive campus communities. This work is the lifeblood of what happens at a university, and student affairs and higher education professionals provide the leadership to help students succeed.”
Careers in this field span residence life, admissions, orientation, academic and career advising, alumni relations, Greek life, financial aid, and other key campus roles. The newly revised SAHE program responds to these demands with a fully online format, combining synchronous and asynchronous courses, making the program more flexible and accessible than ever.
The program also introduces an innovative stackable graduate certificate model, covering three distinct areas:
• Student Affairs in Higher Education
• Higher Education Administration
• Counseling and Crisis Management in Higher Education
Each certificate can stand alone or combine with others to complete a master’s degree, culminating in a professional portfolio that allows students to showcase their expertise to potential employers. This flexibility is also ideal for professionals already working in higher education who want to advance into leadership roles or deepen their expertise.
“The SAHE program at Miami has a long legacy and a national reputation,” Abes said. “But colleges and universities have changed. College students have changed. Rethinking the curriculum and moving online allows us to reach a broader audience and prepare more leaders for this important work.”
In today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape, professionals who can foster holistic student well-being and guide institutional strategy are more essential than ever.
“Our college students really need us right now,” Abes said. “There’s not a more important time for well-prepared, innovative leaders in higher education. This program opens the door for more people to do the critically important work of creating environments that help foster the personal and academic growth of our students and addressing contemporary issues facing institutions of higher education.”
But what we don’t always see are the dedicated professionals behind the scenes — such as the student affairs and higher education practitioners and administrators — who not only help guide students during a pivotal time in their lives, but who also guide institutions through the evolving nature of higher education.
For more than 60 years, Miami University has prepared leaders who shape the college experience far beyond the classroom. And now, the College of Education, Health, and Society (EHS) is offering a newly revised Student Affairs and Higher Education (SAHE) graduate program, which provides a wide range of career opportunities in this field.
“Some of the most important college experiences often happen outside the classroom,” said Elisa Abes, professor of Educational Leadership and SAHE program director. “Helping students learn and develop in college means fostering personal growth and creating supportive campus communities. This work is the lifeblood of what happens at a university, and student affairs and higher education professionals provide the leadership to help students succeed.”
Careers in this field span residence life, admissions, orientation, academic and career advising, alumni relations, Greek life, financial aid, and other key campus roles. The newly revised SAHE program responds to these demands with a fully online format, combining synchronous and asynchronous courses, making the program more flexible and accessible than ever.
The program also introduces an innovative stackable graduate certificate model, covering three distinct areas:
• Student Affairs in Higher Education
• Higher Education Administration
• Counseling and Crisis Management in Higher Education
Each certificate can stand alone or combine with others to complete a master’s degree, culminating in a professional portfolio that allows students to showcase their expertise to potential employers. This flexibility is also ideal for professionals already working in higher education who want to advance into leadership roles or deepen their expertise.
“The SAHE program at Miami has a long legacy and a national reputation,” Abes said. “But colleges and universities have changed. College students have changed. Rethinking the curriculum and moving online allows us to reach a broader audience and prepare more leaders for this important work.”
In today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape, professionals who can foster holistic student well-being and guide institutional strategy are more essential than ever.
“Our college students really need us right now,” Abes said. “There’s not a more important time for well-prepared, innovative leaders in higher education. This program opens the door for more people to do the critically important work of creating environments that help foster the personal and academic growth of our students and addressing contemporary issues facing institutions of higher education.”
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the College of Education, Health, and Society (EHS) or the Student Affairs and Higher Education (SAHE) graduate program? Visit their website for more information.