Program Overview

Student Affairs Concentration

The Student Affairs Concentration is committed to the professional preparation of student affairs educators in higher education environments. The concentration is modeled and directed by the core values of student development, multiculturalism/social justice, leadership, scholarship and research, and ethical practices.

Abstract

The concentration maintains a strong relationship with the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Maryland, College Park, which has a historic commitment to supporting scholar-practitioners. Master's graduates commonly work in settings such as student activities centers, academic advising offices, career services offices, offices of resident life, orientation, leadership programs, and multicultural centers. Doctoral graduates often become graduate faculty and/or senior administrators, directing such offices as academic advising centers, student activities, offices of student life, multicultural centers, assessment and research, learning support services, and career centers.

Program Overview

Student Affairs is an area of concentration within The Higher Education, Student Affairs, and International Education (HESI) graduate program. In addition to Student Affairs, HESI programs offer concentrations in Higher Education and International Education Policy. The College of Education website offers descriptions of all the concentrations, faculty profiles, and contact information, and is an essential resource for all applicants.

Graduate Degrees Offered

• M.A.
• M.Ed.
• Ph.D.

Financial Assistance

The Department has a very limited number of merit-based fellowships and graduate assistantships available to students. Fellowships are awarded to doctoral students in March only for the following fall semester. A large number of assistantships are also available throughout campus, and many students regularly find assistantships in other departments and offices on campus.

General Requirements

• Statement of Purpose
• Transcript(s)
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)

Program-Specific Requirements

• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• CV/Resume
• Description of Research/Work Experience (optional)
• Writing Sample (optional)

Application Deadlines

• Domestic Applicants: December 2, 2025
• International Applicants: December 2, 2025

Faculty

The faculty members in the Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education include:

• Michelle Espino, Associate Professor
• Kimberly Griffin, Professor
• Bridget Turner Kelly, Associate Professor
• Candace Maddox Moore, Assistant Clinical Professor
• Julie J Park, Professor
• Christopher Travers, Visiting Assistant Professor

Research Areas

The program focuses on advancing the positive role education can have in society, with an emphasis on social justice, diversity, policy, and system change. The faculty and students study core facets of the education system, including the functioning and impact of colleges and universities, student learning and development in higher education, and the enactment and implementation of K-18 and nonformal education policies in an international context.