Online Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs

Designed for passionate leaders, professionals, helpers, advocates, policymakers, and others who lead student organizations, Butler University’s online Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs prepares you to champion student-centered experiences and influence the future of the field.

Through a curriculum exploring the mental, physical, and emotional needs of college students alongside the history of student affairs, you will build a specialized skillset to accelerate your career. Each course is led by scholar-practitioner faculty members who are dedicated to helping you create positive change as a leader in provost offices, dean’s offices, and other student services settings today and tomorrow as student affairs evolves.

100% Online Coursework

2–3 Years to Complete

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Gain Interdisciplinary Student Affairs Expertise

In the online MS – Higher Education and Student Affairs program, you will learn to develop and lead impactful student affairs initiatives through coursework grounded in competencies from ACPA—College Student Educators International and NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

Dual Well-Being and Counseling Focus

Dedicated courses in counseling foundations and college student well-being help you graduate ready to support diverse populations.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

With built-in practicums and an emphasis on applied research, our curriculum delivers the hands-on expertise you need to make an impact.

Become an Inclusive Leader in Higher Education

This program provides advanced knowledge for rewarding careers in a range of student affairs contexts, including residence life, campus safety, counseling and support services, financial aid, admissions, and more. Graduates are also qualified to pursue continued education at the doctoral level.

Career Paths in Student Affairs

Director of Career Services $76,126 per year1

Director of Student Services $72,902 per year2

Academic Advisor $65,140 per year3

Our Mission

Butler University, founded on ideals of equity and academic excellence, creates and fosters a collaborative, stimulating, intellectual learning environment. We are inspired to boldly innovate and broadly educate, enriching communities and preparing all learners to lead meaningful lives.

Quality Online Education from a Top-Ranked University

No matter your goals, Butler University can help you get there. Our online programs are designed to provide the flexibility you need along with the detailed instruction that prepares you to positively impact communities and individuals. You’ll study with expert-level faculty who bring their real-world understanding into the virtual classroom. Online or in person, you’ll receive a top-tier education at Butler.

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Sources

  1. Payscale. Average Director, Career Services Salary. Retrieved Jan. 2026, from https://www.payscale.com/.
  2. Payscale. Average Director, Student Services Salary. Retrieved Jan. 2026, from https://www.payscale.com/.
  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. School and Career Counselors and Advisors. Retrieved Jan. 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/.