Frequently Asked Questions
-
Who should I contact for more information about the graduate degrees in Higher Education
and Student Affairs at OSU?
- MS Higher Education (online): lisa.will@okstate.edu
- MS College Student Development: amber.manning-ouellette@okstate.edu
- PhD Higher Education: steve.wanger@okstate.edu
- Graduate Certificates: kerri.kearney@okstate.edu
- International Programs: steve.wanger@okstate.edu
-
Are test scores required for application to the degree programs in Higher Education
and Student Affairs?
Application for our graduate degrees no longer requires exam scores. Our faculty use a holistic admissions process that considers all of the application elements as a whole and that has been shown to be predictive of student success in our programs.
- How are classes offered? What is the format?
Courses are taught in a variety of modes depending upon the course content and the degree/certificate program. Possible formats include hybrid (combination of face-to-face instruction and online instruction), online and traditional face-to-face courses. Courses may also be offered in five-week, eight-week, 16-week, weekend or other alternative delivery modes.
- Where are courses offered?
If there are sufficient numbers of qualified students, it is the intent of the HESA faculty to admit students to the Higher Education and Student Affairs PhD program on a three-year rotation in the OKC metro area. Students are admitted to the Stillwater campus each year. Information about international programs should be sought from Dr. Steve Wanger. PhD applicants who are interested in starting their degrees outside the established rotation may seek admission and take courses at another location or seek special student status from the OSU Graduate College; consultation with a faculty advisor is recommended.
Students in the college student development program take courses at the Stillwater campus and, occasionally, online. Master’s students in higher education take courses 100 percent online, although some courses have face-to-face sections available.
- Can I complete any of the degrees in Higher Education and Student Affairs at the OSU-Tulsa
campus?
Higher Education and Student Affairs degrees are not currently admitting students at the OSU-Tulsa campus. However, Tulsa-area students may be admitted to any of our programs. Students may also choose to take courses in other locations; consultation with a faculty advisor is recommended.
- What are the application deadlines?
The annual application deadline for the PhD program is March 15 (or the next business day if March 15 falls on a weekend). Occasionally, faculty offer alternative application deadlines; please contact Dr. Steve Wanger to inquire about alternative deadlines.
The master’s degree and certificate programs admit students on a rolling basis throughout the year. However, Feb. 1 is the priority deadline for Graduate Assistantship opportunities for those in master's programs.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
- What types of financial aid or other assistance are available for HESA graduate students?
General information about financial aid and scholarships at OSU is available online. The College of Education and Human Sciences also offers scholarships to support students in our programs. For fullest consideration, applicant information is due via the college scholarship application by January 4. The Higher Education and Student Affairs PhD program has additional scholarships for advanced PhD students, including the Kamm Fellowship. More information is available from program faculty members.
OSU graduate students may also be eligible for need based, non-need based, and other loans. These loans are available federally or privately. More information about graduate student loans at OSU can be found here.
- What is a graduate assistant?
A graduate assistant serves in a support role for OSU faculty or administrators while completing a post-graduate education. A graduate assistant can assist with instructional responsibilities as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA) or with research responsibilities as a graduate research assistant (GRA). Graduate assistants can also aid coaches with an athletic team, or be employed by other university departments across campus (such as residence life or academic advising) in an entry-level capacity. Assistantships provide practical experience for graduate students, thus increasing their future employment options.
OSU graduate assistantships are available for students at the master’s and doctoral levels. All graduate assistantships provide a monthly stipend as well as tuition and health insurance. Students on a graduate assistantship are responsible for paying all student fees.
Please note: Many departments who hire graduate assistants from our master’s programs interview their top applicants during an Interview Days Event each spring. To receive fullest consideration for these positions, please submit your application before January 31 and follow all deadlines posted by hiring departments. For more information, please contact Dr. Amber Manning-Ouellette.
Click here for more information about graduate assistantships in OSU Student Affairs.
- Are assistantships available within the Higher Education and Student Affairs program?
Students who are interested in applying for an assistantship through the HESA Program, to support a faculty member with his or her teaching and/or research, should contact the program coordinator to express their interest.
- I have additional questions not addressed here
We are happy to answer additional questions particular to your circumstances and/or interests. Please email us at osu-hesa@okstate.edu to connect with the appropriate individual.