Abilene Christian University

What you'll study

The program emphasizes history and current trends in U.S. higher education, student development theory, legal and ethical issues, resource and enrollment management, assessment and research methods, and spiritual formation in college contexts. Example course topics cited on the program page include:

• Vocation and Career Formation
• College Students and Student Developmental Theory
• Spiritual Development in College Students
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Higher Education

The 24-credit core addresses institutional structure, student affairs functions, diversity, program analysis, data collection, and enrollment/retention strategies. Students then select one concentration to tailor their studies:

• Academic Advising – prepares current advisors for leadership and newcomers for advisor roles, focusing on advisor responsibilities and student success practices.
• Enrollment Management – concentrates on theory and practice around marketing, recruiting, and retention to form a holistic view of enrollment operations.
• Student Affairs Leadership – develops skills to lead and manage student services and administrative units within higher education.

Entry requirements

The program page does not list specific admissions criteria. Prospective applicants should consult ACU admissions for official entry requirements and application procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of administrative and student-support positions. The program lists common job titles that include academic advisor, residence life director, student activities coordinator, study abroad director, development officer, financial aid counselor, intramurals director, career services advisor, director of multicultural affairs, and admissions counselor. The page also notes that a higher-education-focused M.Ed. can be a stepping stone toward doctoral study; additionally, it cites a projected 8% employment growth for postsecondary administrators between 2020 and 2030 (BLS).

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program offers a Locked-In Tuition option that guarantees a constant tuition rate for the duration of the graduate degree. The published cost on the page is $600 per credit hour with a $210 resource fee per term. Applicants should contact ACU for details on scholarships, assistantships, employer tuition benefits, and other funding opportunities.