What is the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) unit?

The Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) unit at Michigan State University (MSU) is a dynamic community of scholars within the Department of Educational Administration (EAD). It is comprised of nationally and internationally recognized faculty members and dedicated master and doctoral students. In conjunction with the affiliated Center for Higher and Adult Education (CHAE), HALE scholars work to address real-world problems in postsecondary education.

For more information, visit the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education page.

What degree and certificate programs does the HALE unit offer?

The HALE unit offers three distinct degree programs:

• doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE PhD)
• master’s degree (M.A.) in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE MA)
• master’s degree (M.A.) in Student Affairs Administration (SAA MA)

The HALE unit offers a Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education.

What is the difference between the HALE MA and the SAA MA programs?

The Higher, Adult, & Lifelong Education (HALE) MA program is a 30-credit hour, 100% online program that promotes professional development among those working in higher, adult, and lifelong education in a variety of local, national, and international settings, including colleges and universities, public and nonprofit agencies, as well as private industry.

The Student Affairs Administration (SAA) MA program is a 36-credit hour, cohort-based, in-person program preparing graduate students with the knowledge and skills to work with students in postsecondary education and to cultivate educational environments promoting diversity and multiculturalism.

Who enrolls in HALE’s programs?

HALE programs enroll students from across the U.S. and around the globe. Across the three degree programs and the graduate certificate, students come from a variety of academic disciplines and with a range of professional and para-professional work experiences.

What are MSU’s initiatives supporting Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)?

Information about MSU’s DEI initiatives can be found on the Office of the President website as well as MSU’s Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives website.

Who are the HALE faculty and what are their areas of expertise and research interests?

The HALE faculty are nationally and internationally recognized scholars. Information about each faculty member can be found via the EAD Faculty website, the CHAE website, as well as the MSU Directory.

How can I find information on tuition costs for the HALE programs?

You can calculate your tuition estimate with the MSU Student Aid Calculator. The Office of Financial Aid also has tools for calculating tuition estimates and provides sample budgets.

Who can I contact for more information about the HALE degree programs and graduate certificate?

Please visit the individual program’s contact page for appropriate contact information:

• HALE Ph.D.
• HALE MA
• SAA MA
• Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education

What opportunities are there for getting involved in faculty research?

HALE faculty welcome student participation in their research projects. Some opportunities are paid while others are volunteer. In some instances, faculty will advertise research opportunities and interested students are encouraged to reply to these postings. Students can also contact individual faculty to inquire about possible opportunities. A good place to start is to review faculty research interests on the Center for Higher and Adult Education (CHAE) website.

How do I apply?

For admissions and application process information, visit the application page for the specific degree program/certificate to which you are intending to apply:

• HALE PhD Apply
• HALE MA Apply
• SAA MA Apply
• Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning

How can I speak with faculty and current students about the HALE program in which I am interested?

• Contact information for faculty can be found via the EAD Faculty website, the CHAE website, as well as the MSU Directory.
• To speak with current student ambassadors, visit the
  • HALE Ph.D.
  • HALE MA
  • SAA MA
  • Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education
• Each program may also provide an open house or informational session for individuals interested in applying to the program. When details are available, they will be posted on the HALE PhD Experiences and Events page and the SAA MA Apply page. For information on HALE MA Open House events, contact the HALE MA Ambassador to sign up for our contact list
• Additionally, students admitted to any of the three HALE degree programs are invited to the Graduate Research Colloquium (GRC) in the spring to meet with faculty, current students, and newly admitted students.

Can I transfer courses into my HALE degree program?

For course transfer policies, review the information provided on the respective program web pages:

• HALE MA
• SAA MA
• HALE PhD

Are letters of recommendation/reference required for admission?

• MSU degree programs/certificates require letters of recommendation/reference as part of an application for admission. At least one letter should be from a faculty member who can speak to your skills as a student.
• For many applicants, we are cognizant that you may be returning to graduate school after some time. You may ask any faculty member or a professional reference who can speak to your academic skills and ability to be successful in graduate-level work.

Is a resume or curriculum vitae required for admission?

MSU degree programs/certificates require a resume or curriculum vitae as part of an application for admission.

Is there a Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement for admission?

The Graduate School requires a minimum 3.0 GPA (from applicants’ undergraduate/bachelor’s degree program) for admission to graduate-level programs at MSU. However, applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission. Please review the program’s specific GPA requirements found on programs’ respective admissions webpages for more detailed information.

Is there an application fee?

A paid application fee or waiver is required for application review. While HALE does not offer any fee waivers for any of our programs, MSU’s Graduate School does have a few options. Check your eligibility for an application fee waiver on the Graduate School website or otherwise pay the required application fee.

What are the requirements for international applicants?

Prospective international students should review the Graduate School International Applicants webpage for a list of requirements for international applicants. Note that additional resources, support, and general information can also be found on the Office for International Students and Scholars website.

Passport Information: International applicants planning to attend MSU on an H1 or J1 visa need to enter their passport information in the Graduate Application portal after submitting their application. Applicants should visit the Graduate School website to find specific information about international student applicants.

English Language Competency: International applicants may be required to submit proof of English Language Competency. Those international applicants who may be eligible for a waiver of the English Language Competency policy should review the Procedure to Request a Waiver for English Language Competency.

Affidavit of Support: International applicants must provide financial proof in order to comply with U.S. Government regulations. The Graduate School provides an Affidavit of Support form and information under the “Financial Proof” drop-down. Applicants do not need to upload this information to the Graduate Application portal for their applications to be reviewed by the faculty for admission recommendation decisions. International students recommended for admission will need to submit an Affidavit of Support before MSU can officially admit them.

How long does it take to complete the HALE MA program?

This fully online master’s program is self-paced, so your timeline will depend on how many courses you take each semester.

The HALE MA is a 30-credit program, composed of ten (10) 3-credit courses.

Most students complete their degrees in about two (2) years, but you have up to five (5) years.

Tell me about the online student experience. Will I need to be available at specific times?

You will most likely not need to be available at specific times. Almost all online courses are completely asynchronous, so you can work on your own schedule.

There will be plenty of opportunities to connect with your instructors, faculty advisor, and fellow students virtually.

May I take any classes in-person instead of online?

No. The HALE MA program is a designated 100% online program, students are not able to take any in-person courses at MSU.

What is the cost of tuition for the HALE MA program?

The current cost per credit hour is $933/credit hour, regardless of residency.

The HALE MA is a 30-credit program, so tuition for the entire MA program is roughly $28,000.

MSU’s Tuition and Fees Calculator will help you estimate your tuition and student fees each semester. When using the calculator, select “In-State” for Residency, “Masters” for Level, “College of Education” for College and “Online MA/MS Education Programs” for Special Program Type. Most HALE students take one or two 3-credit courses per semester, so you can estimate your number of credits as 3 or 6 each semester.

You can find more information about tuition via MSU’s Office of the Controller website (the HALE MA programs are included under “Online Education Masters”).

Who is eligible for Financial Aid?

The College of Education’s Academic & Student Affairs Office has compiled some helpful information about financial aid on its website, including eligibility, how to start your application and when to apply.

Graduate financial aid advisors can be reached at ofagrad@msu.edu and through MSU’s Office of Financial Aid website. (Please note: This office is typically quite busy at the beginning of a semester.)

Are there funding opportunities for HALE MA students?

HALE MA students generally do not hold graduate assistantships, as they are typically full-time employees completing their degree part-time. However, HALE MA students may apply for graduate positions in other campus units. Currently there is no centralized process for HALE MA students to apply for graduate assistantships.

The College of Education website has information on graduate assistantship availability in the College of Education. Students interested in graduate assistantships in the EAD should contact the Coordinator of the HALE MA Program. Visit the HALE Happenings webpage for potential graduate assistant position postings.

Some offices on campus may post graduate/research/teaching assistantships or other paid work on the MSU Handshake website.

What class(es) should I enroll in for my first term?

Generally, HALE MA students should consider first enrolling in core courses:

• EAD 868 (typically offered in the fall semester)

• EAD 840 (typically offered in the spring semester).

It is best that HALE MA students review the HALE MA Requirements and discuss their schedule with their faculty advisor.

When and how is my faculty advisor assigned?

New HALE MA students are informed of their assigned faculty advisor before the beginning of their first semester.

Advising assignments are made by the HALE MA Program Coordinator (Dr. Riyad Shahjahan, shahja95@msu.edu) in consultation with the HALE MA faculty.

What does a faculty advisor do?

Your faculty advisor’s main role is to help you meet your educational goals as a HALE MA student, starting with your coursework and continuing through your Final Essay.

The HALE faculty follow the faculty advising recommendations provided in the Guidelines for Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Relationships.

Over the course of your time in the program, you and your faculty advisor will develop the collegial relationship necessary to keep you on track to earning your MA degree.

How often should I meet with my faculty advisor?

You should plan to meet with your faculty advisor at least once each semester to establish student/advisor expectations, review the HALE MA Checklist, develop your HALE Master’s Degree Program Plan, and help answer any questions you have about the program.

You are required to meet with your faculty advisor each spring semester to discuss your Annual Progress to Degree Form.

How do I change my faculty advisor?

The faculty advisor assigned to you as you begin your academic journey with HALE is not necessarily permanent. As you get to know the program faculty, you may find that your goals are better aligned with a faculty member other than your assigned faculty advisor. Changing faculty advisors is a common practice and HALE faculty are very supportive of these transitions. Graduate education is a personal journey for every student, and your advising relationship should align with your goals and objectives.

To change your faculty advisor, you need to complete the Changes in Faculty Advisor Master’s Degree Programs form. This form requires signatures from both the faculty advisor you are switching from and the faculty advisor you are switching to, along with your own signature. Once completed, the form needs to be submitted to the HALE Program Assistant (haleadm@msu).

What is the Responsible Conduct of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (RCRSCA) requirement?

Michigan State University requires that all graduate students be trained in the responsible conduct of research as part of their educational experience.

An explanation of the RCRSCA and how to complete it for the HALE MA program is in the Responsible Conduct of Research section of the Handbook & Forms section of the website. If you have additional questions, please contact your faculty advisor.

Where can I find information about completing my Final Essay?

Directions and information about completing the Final Essay are located under the Final Essay Requirement section of the Handbook & Forms section of the HALE MA website.

You should also consult your faculty advisor regarding the Final Essay.

How long does it take to complete the SAA MA program?

Most students in the program are full-time students (they enroll in 10 credits/semester) and typically complete the program in two academic years.

When must I commit to the SAA MA program?

It is customary for graduate students to inform graduate programs of their intent to enroll by April 15th. Graduate students offered graduate assistantships must inform the assistantship provider of their decision to commit to the assistantship by April 15th.

What classes should I enroll in for my first term?

Full-time, first-semester students should register for the following courses (9 credits total):

• EAD 805 Administration in Higher Education
• EAD 873 College Student Development
• EAD 874 Introduction to Student Affairs

For detailed information about degree requirements, visit the SAA MA Requirements webpage and review the SAA Master’s Checklist.

What opportunities are there for funding and/or graduate assistantships?

Information about the Ann Marie Bolger Memorial Scholarship in Student Affairs and additional opportunities for funding (e.g., graduate assistantships) can be found in the Funding section of the website.

In the spring, admitted students have the opportunity to interview for graduate assistantships. The SAA MA Program Coordinator provides additional information about the assistantship application process to admitted students.

Is having a graduate assistantship (GA) a requirement to attend the SAA MA Program?

No, students are not required to have a graduate assistantship, though most have them. Having a GA is a beneficial professional development opportunity that allows students to directly connect their coursework to practical experiences, to gain institutional insight, and to develop an in-depth working knowledge of a functional area within the field of student affairs.

What are Spartan Preview Days?

Students admitted to the SAA MA Program are invited to participate in Spartan Preview Days (SPD). SPD, held annually in the spring, includes an optional on-campus visit weekend, various virtual welcome and informational events, virtual interviews for graduate assistantships, and more. SPD helps the SAA MA Program welcome newly admitted students and gives students the opportunity to get to know the campus, faculty, student affairs partners, and their future cohort. 

When and how is my faculty advisor assigned?

Advising assignments are made by the SAA MA Program Coordinator in consultation with the SAA faculty. Students are informed of their assigned faculty advisor before the beginning of their first semester.

What does an advisor do?

Your advisor’s main role is to help you meet your educational goals as an SAA MA student. The SAA faculty follow the advising recommendations provided in the Guidelines for Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Relationships. Over the course of your time in the program, you and your advisor will develop the collegial relationship necessary to keep you on track to earning your degree.

How often should I meet with my faculty advisor?

In the first year, you should plan to meet with your advisor at least once each term to establish student/advisor expectations, review the SAA MA Checklist, develop a course plan, and help answer any questions you have about the program. Each Spring you are required to meet with your advisor to discuss your Annual Review of Academic Progress (a.k.a. Annual Progress to Degree).

How do I change my faculty advisor?

The advisor assigned to you as you begin your SAA academic journey is not necessarily permanent. As you get to know the program faculty, you may find that your goals are better aligned with a faculty member other than your assigned advisor. Changing advisors is possible, and SAA faculty are supportive of these transitions. Graduate education is a personal journey for every student, and your advising relationship should align with your goals and objectives.

To change your advisor, you will need to discuss the change with your current advisor and the advisor to which you hope to be reassigned. You and the advisors will complete the Changes in Advisor: Master’s Degree Programs form. This form requires signatures from both the advisor you are switching from and the advisor you are switching to, along with your own signature. Once completed, the form needs to be submitted to the HALE Program Assistant.

What is a practicum and how do I find practicum opportunities?

The SAA MA practicum requirement is designed to give students multiple opportunities to apply theory to practice and gain professional development. Students are required to complete one 150-hour practicum during the program.

Is there a thesis, capstone project, or certifying exam requirement?

SAA MA students must pass a certifying exam as part of their graduation requirements.

What is the Responsible Conduct of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (RCRSCA) requirement?

Michigan State University requires that all graduate students be trained in the responsible conduct of research as part of their educational experience. An explanation of the RCRSCA and how to complete it for the SAA MA program is in the Responsible Conduct of Research section of the Handbook & Forms section of the website. If you have more questions, please contact your advisor.

What is SAGA?

The Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA) is the student organization providing educational, professional, and social opportunities for SAA MA students.

Is funding available for HALE PhD students?

There are funding opportunities available for HALE PhD students, such as fellowships, scholarships, and research/graduate assistantships. Students interested in graduate assistantships in the Educational Administration Department (EAD) should contact the HALE Unit Coordinator. The College of Education website also provides information on graduate assistantship availability. Students may also apply for graduate assistant positions across campus. Visit the HALE Happenings webpage for potential graduate assistant position postings.

How do I find graduate/research assistant positions?

The College of Education website provides information on graduate assistantship availability. Students interested in graduate assistantships in the Educational Administration Department (EAD) should contact the HALE Unit Coordinator. Students may also apply to graduate assistant positions across campus. Visit the HALE Happenings webpage for potential graduate assistant position postings. Some offices on campus may also post graduate/research/teaching assistantships or other paid work opportunities on the MSU Handshake website.

What are the HALE Ph.D. program requirements?

For information on program requirements, visit the Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education Requirements webpage and review the PhD Checklist on the HALE Ph.D. Handbook and Forms webpage.

What is the Responsible Conduct of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (RCRSCA) requirement?

Michigan State University requires that all graduate students be trained in the responsible conduct of research as part of their educational experience. All HALE doctoral students are required to complete four (4) CITI modules in their first year, three (3) additional CITI modules in their second year, six (6) hours of discussion-based training before entering candidacy status, and three (3) hours of refresher/discussion-based training in each subsequent year. The components of the training may be a mixture of online and face-to-face educational experiences. For more information on the RCRSCA requirement, visit the HALE Ph.D. Handbook and Forms webpage.

What classes should I enroll in for my first term/semester?

EAD 960 and EAD 970 are the two core courses required for the first term. If students decide to take a third class, they should consult with their advisor to select an elective or research requirement course. See the Program Requirements webpage for course descriptions.

When and how is my faculty advisor assigned?

Advising assignments are made by the HALE Unit Coordinator in consultation with the HALE faculty. The HALE Unit Coordinator does their best to match students with faculty advisors based on students’ research and professional interests as well as faculty availability. Students are informed of their advising assignment before the beginning of their first semester.

What does a faculty advisor do?

Your advisor’s main role is to help you meet your educational goals as a HALE Ph.D. student, starting with your coursework and continuing through to your dissertation. The HALE program faculty follow the advising recommendations provided in the Guidelines for Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Relationships. Over the course of your time in the program, you and your advisor will develop the collegial relationship necessary to keep you on track to earning your degree.

How often should I meet with my faculty advisor?

In the first year, you should plan to meet with your advisor at least once each term to establish student/advisor expectations, develop a course plan, and help answer any questions you have about the program. Each Spring you are required to meet with your advisor to discuss your Annual Review of Academic Progress (a.k.a. Annual Progress to Degree).

How do I change my faculty advisor?

The advisor assigned to you as you begin your academic journey with HALE is not necessarily permanent. As you get to know the program faculty, you may find that your research goals are better aligned with a faculty member other than your assigned advisor. Changing advisors is possible, and HALE faculty are supportive of these transitions. The Ph.D. is a personal journey and your advising relationship should align with your goals and objectives. To change your advisor before you have formed your Guidance Committee, you need to complete the Change of Advisor: Student Initiated form. This form requires signatures from both the advisor you are switching from and the advisor you are switching to, along with your own signature. Once completed, the form needs to be submitted to the HALE Program Assistant. If you decide to change your advisor after you have completed your Guidance Committee, those changes must be made and approved through the MSU GradPlan system.

What is the Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education?

The Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education is a professional development program offered by the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) unit and is designed to assist current educators and practitioners from a variety of professional settings and disciplines enhance their understanding of teaching and learning issues for adult learners. For more information, visit the Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education webpage.

How do I apply for the Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education program?

For admissions and application process information, visit the Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education Admissions webpage. For current HALE students who are interested in completing the Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education, submit the Intent to Enroll Form to the HALE Program Assistant.

What are the program requirements?

To fulfill the requirements of this Graduate Certificate, students must complete a total of nine credit hours which is equivalent to three courses. All students are required to take EAD 861: Adult Learning. For a complete list of the Graduate Certificate’s course offerings and possible electives, visit the Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education Curriculum webpage.
*Although the EAD 861 class is “required” students may request a waiver to substitute one of the other listed courses in its place. To request such a waiver, you must select any one of the three intended courses to serve formally as the “substitute” course.

How do I receive my certificate?

For information on certificate program completion, visit the Certificate Completion Requirements webpage.

How do I set up my NetID and MSU email account?

Each student has a NetID which serves as their electronic identity at MSU. New students must set up their NetID and password to get access to their MSU email, to access student information, to register for classes, to access the library, etc. Visit the MSU NetID website and follow the directions to activate your NetID and password.

Do I need to use my MSU email account?

Your MSU email address is the only email address the university will use to send official communication to students. You may auto-forward all incoming emails to another account if you choose.

How do I get my MSU ID card?

MSU student ID cards can be obtained via the MSU ID Office located in the International Center. Visit the MSU ID Office website for current hours of operation as well as policies, procedures, and updates for ordering your MSU ID card. For more information and updates, visit the MSU ID Office website or contact them by phone at 517-355-4500 or by email. 

Where can I establish my preferred name, get my grades, check my class schedule, and access billing information and account details, etc.?

You can access this information through the MSU Student Information System.

Visit the Office of the Registrar FAQ website for helpful resources.

How do I enroll in my classes?

Log into the MSU Student Information System to register for classes. You can also check your account for registration holds and access your enrollment information.

You can access information on enrollment and registration from the Enrollment & Registration page of the Office of the Registrar website.

What is D2L?

D2L is a web-based learning management system (LMS) used for instructor/student communication, assignment submissions, supplemental instruction, and online synchronous/asynchronous instruction. To access d2l.msu.edu you must be a registered MSU faculty, staff, or student and have a valid MSU NetID. For student and instructor resources, visit the MSU D2L help page.

What does MSU use for video/audio conferencing?

MSU students, faculty, and staff have access to a free, executive Zoom account.

Is there other MSU technology I should know about?

• Use your NetID and password to log into MSU Wi-Fi when on-campus.
• Your laptops, tablets, mobile devices and other Wi-Fi connected devices must be registered with MSU to be able to access Wi-Fi on-campus.
• MSU uses Microsoft 365 tools for email and file sharing.
• Find resources and information on the Technology at MSU website.

How do I find information on buying books for classes?

• You can easily find course material requirements using the MSU Bookstore website. You can also visit the MSU Bookstore in the MSU International Center.
• If there are no books listed on the MSU Bookstore website, the instructor may not have submitted the list of required texts yet or may not be requiring a textbook. Keep checking back for updates. You may also sign up for textbook alerts based on your classes and the bookstore will email you when books have been submitted/assigned.
• Students are not required to buy their books from the MSU Bookstore.

Where are faculty offices located?

Most HALE faculty offices are located on the 4^th floor of Erickson Hall. Specific information about faculty can be found via the EAD Faculty website, the CHAE website, as well as the MSU Directory.

What are my commuting options within the greater East Lansing area?

• Students living in the area immediately surrounding MSU often commute by automobile, bus, or bike. The CATA buses that circulate campus (routes 30–39) are free to anyone on campus and require no pass.
• Graduate students with a graduate assistantship and students receiving fellowships over $1,000 may purchase a graduate assistant parking permit which allows them to park in employee lots south of the Red Cedar River and in the Brody complex. This includes the parking lot in front of Erikson Hall (College of Education) as well as the surrounding employee lots. For more detailed information about purchasing parking permits and which parking lots those permits grant access to, visit the MSU Police website.
• CATA bus passes may be purchased in person at the MSU ID Office in the International Center. Note that the MSU ID Office only takes cash. Passes may otherwise be purchased online and route information can be found via the CATA website.
• Bicycles must be registered through MSU Police Services if they are being parked and locked on campus. There is no cost to register your bike. Failure to register a bicycle parked on campus will result in it being impounded by the MSU Police. Students may also rent bikes for the week, month, semester, academic year, or calendar year through the MSU Bike Services Center. The center also does bike repairs.