Higher Education Student Affairs Graduate Certificate
Tackle the challenges facing today's college students with advanced training through our Higher Education Student Affairs Graduate Certificate.
- Offered 100% Online.
- 1 year
- 12 credit hours
- No thesis required
- No foreign language credits required
Higher Education is Student-Centered
Cultivate an enriching student experience with our Higher Education Student Affairs graduate certificate. Designed for current and aspiring student affairs educators, our certificate aims to provide the knowledge and tools to help you craft a safe, welcoming and enjoyable college experience for all students. Through a carefully chosen blend of theory and practical experience, you can broaden your understanding of student development, crisis management, interdepartmental collaboration and leadership. After all, the student experience extends beyond grades and classrooms; it starts with people like you.
Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
With a graduate certificate in Higher Education Student Affairs, you can explore a number of leadership and support roles in higher education institutions.
Career Possibilities
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
Our graduate certificate aims to prepare you to take on leadership roles in student services, enhancing the overall student experience in higher education.
What Might I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Student Development Theories
Gain a deep understanding of key student development theories, enabling you to support students’ academic, social and emotional growth throughout their college experience.
Crisis Management and Student Support
Develop expertise in managing student crises and providing comprehensive support services, ensuring a safe, responsive and caring campus environment.
To Welcome Others
Acquire the knowledge and skills to create welcoming campus spaces that address the needs of students from all backgrounds.
Leadership and Administration in Student Affairs
Strengthen your leadership abilities to oversee student affairs departments, collaborate across campus and implement programs that enhance student well-being and success.
Taking Classes
Advance your career in higher education with our 100% online Higher Education Student Affairs Graduate Certificate program. Designed for current and aspiring student affairs professionals, this flexible and convenient program covers critical topics such as student development, crisis management and leadership in student services. What’s more, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty and connect with industry experts who are dedicated to your success.
For an up to date list of current course offerings, locations and meeting times, please check the schedule of classes, which is subject to change.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the essential skills to support student success in higher education. Focused on key areas such as student development, crisis management and leadership, this program blends theory with practical experience. Learn to effectively address students’ evolving needs, contribute to creating inclusive campus environments and lead initiatives that enhance the overall student experience.
Adding Value with Certificates
Get noticed. Adding additional graduate certificates can boost your job skills and help you stand out.
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Instructional Design Graduate Certificate
This certificate program prepares you to create top-notch curricula. Once you complete this certificate, you’ll be eligible to begin your career as an instructional designer, training coach or other related path.
Organization Development Graduate Certificate
If you are passionate about helping organizations thrive, this certificate is for you. With this certificate, you will find a career in organization development, change management and other careers related to organization development.
Talent Development Graduate Certificate
This certificate prepares you to train employees to be leaders in the workplace. With this certificate you will be able to find careers in and related to human resource development.
Finding My Community
We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated mentors who are committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.
Mary Jo Dondlinger, Ph.D.
Faculty
Dimitra J. Smith, Ph.D.
Faculty
Michael Ponton, Ed.D.
Faculty
Student Organizations
Our campus has many ways to engage and get involved. At East Texas A&M, you have access to professional and student organizations that support career development and practical experience. These organizations strive to offer opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration. By participating in events alongside peers and faculty, you can gain practical insights into student affairs while developing leadership capabilities and building connections that can significantly advance your career in higher education!
I’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Back to menuOn-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Back to menuCost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Back to menuAdditional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
- GPA minimum 2.5
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Admission Process
Once admitted, you must:
- Earn a 3.0 GPA on all required coursework (No course substitutions may be applied on graduate certificates)
- Submit a Completion of Certificate Request while taking your final graduate certificate courses.
Note: This program is not currently available to international students.
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accept evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact the Department
- Department of Higher Education and Learning Technology
- 903.886.5618
- [email protected]
- Young Education North #126
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011