Prospective Students

Thank you for considering graduate study in higher education at Florida State University. 

At the master’s level, our students benefit from a close relationship with practicing professionals in the field through graduate assistantships, internships, and other activities. In the classroom, we provide a curriculum that is rigorous, with an emphasis on theory-to-practice perspectives immediately transferable to higher education management and leadership. We offer a master’s in one of two areas of emphasis: student affairs or general administration.

At the doctoral level, our students often come to the program with backgrounds of work experience in higher education. In the classroom, doctoral students can draw on past experiences in their interactions with classmates and faculty. Doctoral students are expected to demonstrate superior skills in writing, researching, and applying theory to practice. Many of our doctoral students choose to enroll on a full-time basis and work as graduate assistants while in school. Others attend on a part-time basis and retain their current employment status.

The Florida State University Higher Education Program encourages prospective students to participate in our annual Visiting Days, scheduled each year in February. Visiting Days are designed for newly admitted students to meet faculty and students, tour the campus, and interview for graduate assistantships available with a range of agencies. However, while Visiting Days are the best opportunity to interview for an assistantship, other arrangements for interviews can be made for individuals who are admitted to the higher education program after Visiting Days have concluded (see Admissions Procedures for admissions requirements and deadlines).

We welcome your interest in our program, and invite you to contact us by e-mail, phone, or in person if you have questions.

Thank You,

Dr. Shouping Hu
Higher Education Program Coordinator