Program Description

Student Development in Higher Education

The MS in Counseling, Student Development in Higher Education (SDHE) program consists of 51 to 57 units over three years (6 semesters). A program planner will be provided to each student upon admission, and each student will be assigned a faculty advisor. Students enroll in 3 to 4 courses each semester of the program. See Typical Schedule below. 

With Thesis: 57 unit minimum
Without Thesis: 51 unit minimum

There are no course prerequisites for the program.  Please review the Eligibility Requirements website for GPA and application information.

Please see the University Catalog for course descriptions.

Take all of the following (51 - 57 units):

  • SDHE 510- Student Development in Higher Education (3) ♦♦♦
  • SDHE 511- Equity and Access for the U.S. College Student (3)
  • SDHE 512- Law & Ethics in Higher Education (3)
  • SDHE 513- Critical Perspectives in Student Development Theory and Practice (3)
  • SDHE 514- Leading for Equity and Change in Higher Education
  • SDHE 516- Counseling and Adult Development: Theory and Practice (3)
  • SDHE 517- Critical Approaches to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (3)
  • SDHE 520- Introduction to Counseling for Diverse Populations in Higher Education (3) ♦♦♦
  • SDHE 521- Advanced Counseling for Diverse Populations in Higher Education (3) ♦♦♦
  • SDHE 522- Group Dialogue and Counseling in Higher Education (3)
  • SDHE 523- Career Counseling in Higher Education (3)
  • SDHE 530- Introduction to Research Methods in Student Affairs and Higher Education (3) ♦♦♦
  • SDHE 531- Advanced Research Methods in Student Affairs and Higher Education (3)
  • SDHE 532- Institutional Effectiveness for Equity and Student Success in Higher Education (3)
  • SDHE 640- Professional Development Seminar: Student Development in Higher Education (1) ♦♦♦
  • SDHE 641- Intermediate Professional Development Seminar: Student Development in Higher Education (1)
  • SDHE 642- Advanced Professional Development Seminar: Student Development in Higher Education (1)
  • SDHE 643- Fieldwork: Student Development in Higher Education (3)
  • SDHE 644- Advanced Fieldwork: : Student Development in Higher Education (3)

Take one of the following:

  • SDHE 698 Thesis (must take 6 units)
  • Comprehensive examination

♦♦♦ Denotes this class is required for Advancement to Candidacy

Please note this is a typical course schedule for a student. Once admitted to the program, students are assigned a faculty advisor. A program planner will be provided to each student upon admission. 

Year 1: Fall

  • SDHE 510
  • SDHE 520
  • SDHE 530

Year 1: Spring

  • SDHE 511
  • SDHE 512
  • SDHE 521
  • SDHE 640

Year 2: Fall

  • SDHE 513
  • SDHE 514
  • SDHE 522

Year 2: Spring 

  • SDHE 516
  • SDHE 523
  • SDHE 531
  • SDHE 641

Year 3: Fall

  • SDHE 517
  • SDHE 643

Year 3: Spring

  • SDHE 532
  • SDHE 642
  • SDHE 644

Note: The timing of course offerings may change on an annual basis and with limited advanced notice.