A ‘Next Generation’ Grad Program

Seattle University’s College of Education has formally launched the online Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership and Administration (HELA) program, a next generation graduate degree building on more than three decades of excellence in student affairs and leadership preparation.  

Designed for higher education professionals and aspiring leaders nationwide, the HELA program transforms the legacy of Seattle University’s distinguished Student Development Administration graduate degree into a fully online, asynchronous, practitioner-oriented master's degree. It equips emerging and current leaders with the advanced competencies needed to lead with equity, influence organizational change and expand student success across diverse postsecondary environments.  

The HELA degree blends theory, research and practice to meet the evolving needs of higher education today. Students learn to direct strategic change, advocate for just institutional policies and lead initiatives that foster inclusive campus cultures.  

“This program represents the future of professional preparation for student affairs and higher education leadership,” says program faculty and co-director Paige Gardner, PhD. “We are committed to shaping leaders who are equity-minded, reflective and ready to advance social justice across higher education.”  

Program Highlights & Student Experience 

• Flexible Online Format: Designed for working professionals, the fully asynchronous curriculum allows students to balance graduate study with career and life commitments.
• Deep Professional Preparation: HELA’s 42-credit program includes coursework in strategic leadership, equity and inclusion, governance, policy analysis and organizational change—paired with applied projects and reflective practice. 
• Faculty Expertise & Mentorship: Students benefit from mentorship by experienced scholar-practitioners, including Associate Teaching Professor Erin Swezey and Assistant Professor and Director Paige Gardner, who bring extensive practitioner experience to the online learning environment. 
• Network & Professional Growth: Graduates build a national professional network and complete a culminating practitioner or research project that aligns with their career goals. 
• Support & Accessibility: Seattle University has eliminated the application fee and offers tuition support options, including assistantships and scholarships, to increase access to graduate education.

For more information on the HELA program, contact Ashley Miller, senior admissions counselor, at ashley.miller@seattleu.edu or call (206) 296-5774.