The program prepares individuals for appointments as school principals and for positions in area education agencies and state departments of education. Upon completion of this degree, students will have completed the requirements to earn a master's degree and to obtain pre-K-12 principal and pre-K-12 supervisor of special education endorsement (State of Iowa endorsement 189). In order to obtain the State of Iowa endorsement, an individual must have at least three years of teaching at the pre-K-12 level.

With the aid of an advisor, each M.A. student prepares a plan of study that includes the following core requirements.

The Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) M.A. program curriculum consists of course work in postsecondary administration, college students and their environments, and current and emerging issues in higher education, as well as in research and assessment. The curriculum integrates theory and practice and is designed to be completed in two years of full-time study or equivalent part-time study. At the time of application, students choose one of two tracks?student affairs or higher education administration and policy.