Courses for the new MSE program will begin in Fall 2026.
Wayne State has launched a Master of Science in Education (MSE) degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs, which will open for professionals wishing to advance their career in Fall 2026. The new program was approved by the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees at its Jan. 15 meeting in Lincoln.
The new fully online master’s program prepares graduate students to serve as ethical, inclusive, and student-centered leaders and professionals across a range of postsecondary settings. Rooted in evidence-based practice and student development theory, the program integrates coursework, applied learning, and reflective practice to develop professionals capable of advancing student learning, engagement, and success. Students explore critical issues in higher education – including student support services, organizational leadership, and conflict resolution. Graduates are equipped to embark on fulfilling careers across many leadership and service roles within higher education and student affairs.
This proposal restructures the MSE in Counseling focus area Student Affairs and College Counseling into a separate MSE degree program, Higher Education and Student Affairs. This restructuring allows the Higher Education and Student Affairs degree to be reduced from 60 credit hours to 30 credit hours, as it will not require the significant number of credits required for the nationally accredited Counseling degree program. The new 30-credit-hour MSE in Higher Education and Student Affairs will prepare professionals to advise, guide, and support students across postsecondary settings that do not require a counseling license or certification.
Student Learning Outcomes
This program is specifically designed to advance the careers of a variety of professionals working within higher education. Student learning outcomes for the new program include the integration of historical, theoretical, and ethical foundations of higher education and student affairs to guide professional identity, decision-making, and practice. Students will also learn to apply student development, social identity, and leadership theories to design, evaluate and implement inclusive programs that foster student learning, engagement, and success, and demonstrate professional competence through culturally responsive leadership, evidence-based assessment, and reflective practice that advances institutional effectiveness and continuous improvement.
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to the admission and registration procedures that apply to all degree seeking graduate students, each applicant must complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of a 2.75.
Students will be required to complete a thesis, internship, comprehensive examination, or project as the Final Scholarly Artifact requirement. Courses in the program include topics such as Introduction to Educational Research and Design, Leadership in Intercultural Communication, Career Development and Life Planning, Human Development Across the Lifespan, Introduction to Student Services, and Student Affairs and College Counseling.
Learn more about the Higher Education MSE program
Questions? Contact Dr. Christian Legler, associate dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, at [email protected] or 402-375-7379.