ABOUT OUR HESA PROGRAM

Our MA graduate program in higher education and student affairs administration (HESA) is the first program of its type in China. It is a 34 credit hour program designed for students who are planning careers as student affairs administrators and other professionals in higher education in China. Students have up to two years to complete the degree program.

The HESA program enrolls approximately 15-18 international students per year in the program. We believe that the small size and the diverse background of the class cohorts are conducive to forging positive and powerful relationships among students
and faculty, enriching the educational environment, and expanding horizons through international partnerships. Most of our students are placed in some type of scholarships, ranging from full coverage of tuition, fees, and living expenses for two years to partial coverage of tuition and fees for one year. Students are also provided with opportunities to do practicum in the functional areas at BNU or in other places to gain the professional experience that enables them to apply theory to practice.

Our faculty have strong scholarly records and extensive experience in senior and midlevel administrative roles. Overall, our faculty resources include expertise in the areas of student development, organization and administration, teaching and learning, assessment and evaluation, comparative education, economics and finance, enrollment management, institutional research, and policy studies.

PROGRAM MISSION & LEARNING OUTCOMES

Program Mission:

The mission of our HESA program is to prepare student affairs administrators and other professionals in higher education who can work effectively, efficiently, and ethically in a variety of higher education environments.

Learning Outcomes:

By the time our students have successfully completed all coursework and practicum requirements, they will be able to:

1. Understand the dynamic roles and functions of higher education and student affairs in higher education.

2. Articulate the mission and philosophy of their institutions and their functional areas.

3. Work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups of students and faculty to promote their success.

4. Design, implement, assess, and evaluate development programs within the context of higher education.5

5. Engage in managerial and administrative functions with an ethical and cultural awareness.

6. Manage and develop resources, including program budgets, staff, information technologies, and strategic plans.

7. Solve problems that require effective communication, thoughtful decision making, coping with ambiguity, and managing conflict.

8. Develop a professional identity based on professional values, career goals, group dialogues, and personal reflections.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Thesis Requirements

The HESA program requires that each and every student complete a master’s thesis (6 credits) before they are permitted to apply for graduation. This final project must be approved by and conducted in conjunction with the adviser. Students are strongly encouraged to focus on a research topic which relates their knowledge and expertise to their future careers. For detailed information about your thesis, please read BNU’s Graduate Student Handbook.

Thesis Proposal and Eligibility Criteria

At the beginning of the third semester, students must meet eligibility criteria before they are allowed to write and defend their thesis proposal. Minimum eligibility requirements include:

Matriculation in the HESA program
1. Successful completion of all core and elective courses
2. Preliminary identification of a thesis topic or area of interest.
3. Agreement from at least two faculty members to serve on the thesis committee, including his/her advisor.

Minor exceptions to the above criteria may be made in exceptional cases. Students who fail to pass the minimum eligibility criteria will have a second chance to start with their thesis proposal if approved by their thesis committee and their advisors.
In case they fail for the second time, they will no longer be allowed to continue in the HESA program.

Credit Hour Requirements

A minimum of 34 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree is required to earn a master’s degree in the HESA program, including at least 9 core courses, 5 electives, and a thesis. In addition, candidates should complete at least 20 credits in the first academic year and submit a thesis proposal, to be examined and approved by their supervisors in Mid-Course Examination. All required credit hours must be completed at BNU within a period of two years. 

School Introduction

The School was founded during an era of dramatic globalization and the astonishingly rapid development of China. During the past decade, extensive reforms in public policy and management have been adopted around the world; governments have been eagerly improving their nations with a competitive spirit, and the Chinese government has endeavored to better its people's livelihood and construct a harmonious society. In order to meet the needs of the day, we have chosen the promotion of social equity and justice as our mission and the creation of a meritocracy as the core values of the SSDPP. The school integrates knowledge and academic strength from various disciplines among the social sciences, with a focus on empirical research and the implications of public policy, and pursues collaboration with the public sector, including governmental as well as academic exchange with both domestic and international institutions.

1．BNU Application Form for International Students (upon completion of the online application form it must be downloaded and printed. Please attach a photo and ensure that the application form is signed by the applicant)

2．Completed Personal Statement Form(Please download and print the form, （Masters） this form should be signed by the applicant)

3．Recommendation letters from two associate professors or scholars with higher academic titles. There is no specified format for the recommendation letters and all letters must be signed by the referee.

4．An original or notarized copy of the undergraduate academic transcripts and bachelor’s degree certificate and graduation certificate (in English ) for master application; 

5．Applicants who are non-native English speaker should provide a certificate of their English proficiency (please refer to the school prospectus for more details).

6．One passport-sized photo (with the name of the applicant and the school applied for written on the back)

7．One photocopy of the first page of applicant’s passport (this must be a valid, ordinary passport)

8．Please submit any published academic papers, patents, or other academic achievements (originals or copies if applicant has)

9．600 RMB Application Fee

Note:All documents should be written in English; Application materials and registration fee will not be returned.

1. Register an account at http://apply.bnu.edu.cn and apply online. Complete and print Beijing Normal University International Students Application Form, sign and attach 1 passport photo. 
2. Pay application fee
Option 1: Pay online
Option 2: Come to the International Students Office in person and pay 600RMB
3. Send the application documents via mail or hand deliver to the International Students Office. 
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