Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs - Ed.S.

The Educational Specialist degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs provides continuing educational opportunities for practitioners who wish to hold careers as higher education administrators and staff professionals. The coursework prepares students for the varied challenges facing two-year, four-year and graduate institutions today and in the future.

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of theories of student and adult development that guide the profession and influence student learning and development within their collegiate environment.
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding and conversant knowledge of the legal issues facing higher education today, including being familiar with legislation that impacts decision making within higher education and understanding the rights and responsibilities of students, staff, faculty and institutions.
3. Demonstrate, through practical experience in two or more functional areas within higher education, the potential to succeed in professional leadership positions.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the administrative and financial functions performed on a college or university campus.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the diverse nature of higher education in the United States, and articulate the challenges and opportunities associated with the provision of a diverse, multicultural educational setting.

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university for unconditional admission
• Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale (minimum 3.250 graduate GPA is recommended) for unconditional admission
• Official transcript(s)
• GRE scores with recommended scores at 50th percentile or higher (GRE is waived if master's degree GPA is 3.250 or higher)
• Résumé or vita
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 77 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 Duolingo English Test score

Applications are assessed holistically, considering applicants' academic credentials, related professional experience, academic or professional references, scholarly and professional activities, among others.

For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education's admission website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of theories of student and adult development that guide the profession and influence student learning and development within their collegiate environment.
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding and conversant knowledge of the legal issues facing higher education today, including being familiar with legislation that impacts decision making within higher education and understanding the rights and responsibilities of students, staff, faculty and institutions.
3. Demonstrate, through practical experience in two or more functional areas within higher education, the potential to succeed in professional leadership positions.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the administrative and financial functions performed on a college or university campus.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the diverse nature of higher education in the United States, and articulate the challenges and opportunities associated with the provision of a diverse, multicultural educational setting.

Submitting your English test score

When applying as an undergraduate or graduate student to Kent State, there are a variety of ways to submit your score depending on which type of test you took.

• Students should request that ETS send official TOEFL scores directly to Kent (institution code: 1367).
• An IELTS or PTE report needs to be uploaded as a scanned PDF into our online application system..

All English scores will be verified for authenticity. Students with fraudulent documents will result in denial of admission or immediate dismissal.

Proficiency Waivers

Depending on your educational background, you may be eligible for an English language proficiency waiver, meaning you do not need to take a language exam. See our country list and related requirements.

¹ Based on one academic year, two semesters for a full-time international student. Program and special course fees are additional.

² Based on a standard double room and basic board plan. Other room types and board plans at different prices are available.

³ Based on the Student Health Insurance premium for one year. The United States does not have universal health care. For this reason, the university requires all international students to purchase the sponsored student health insurance plan. Under certain criteria, a student may request a waiver of this charge.  Total is based on an estimated cost of the required books/supplies for each term and is subject to change each fall.

All international students are required to pay the $20 per semester International Student Activity Fee.  The fee is assessed each semester to support the delivery of the various programs ISSS provides to its students.

Follow the steps below to become part of the Kent State community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us any time.

Submit an Online Application and Fee

Prepare Application Documents to Upload as You Apply

• Passport biographical page.
• English Language Proficiency official results report for IELTS, PTE or MELAB. TOEFL score should be submitted officially through ETS (Institution Code 1367).
• College transcript/detailed marksheets (Certified English translation and original language). 
• College Graduation Certificate/Diploma if already issued (Certified English translation and original language). 
• GRE/GMAT or other standardized tests if required (submit official test report through test center).
• Graduate assistantship application (if applicable).
  • Assistantship application.
  • Graduate assistantship applicants may need to meet earlier deadlines. Please check with department for deadlines. 
• Additional documents if required. *Review requirements from individual department or school.
• Financial guarantee (bank statements) that show sufficient funds to cover educational expenses.*
• Kent State University Financial Information Worksheet.*
  • *Financial documents are only required after acceptance. 

Upload All Required Documents to the Online Application System

For faster processing, all the documents should be uploaded in the online application system to complete the application.

Check Your Application Status

Apply for Immigration Documents (I-20)

Transfer Your SEVIS record (If Applicable)

If you are an F-1 student transferring from a school in the United States, please review the Transfer In Guide regarding your SEVIS record transfer. F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record in order to maintain their F-1 status.

Provide Final and Official Documents After Arrival

For admissions purposes, we accept scanned documents of international credentials and scanned copies of official U.S. transcripts. When an applicant is admitted, his/her final and official transcripts and diploma should be brought to the International Admissions Office for verification. This should be done within the first semester (or the first module for ESL students). Otherwise, the student's account will be put on HOLD.