Program Overview

Introduction to the Student Affairs Administration Program

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Educational Administration with a specialization in Student Affairs Administration is designed to prepare students for rewarding and fulfilling careers in educational administration. This program offers students the opportunity to grow their understanding of various student experiences and be the future leaders of the profession.

Program Overview

The program is a unique, two-year (full-time students) master's preparation program for student affairs professionals. Students complete and defend a thesis (Option 1) or complete six credit hours of electives (Option 3) and a capstone. The program is aligned with CAS Standards and ACPA/NASPA competencies, and students connect their own lived experiences in college and professional experiences with a deep understanding of the research on college student experiences and the higher education environment.

Program Structure

• The program is designed for students who will be enrolled full-time for two consecutive academic years and hold graduate assistantships.
• Students take 85% of their courses in a specific order with their cohort.
• If a student decides not to complete a thesis, there are two electives for them to take.
• Students who do not opt to write a thesis are required to complete a capstone paper or presentation to meet degree requirements as outlined by graduate studies.

Courses and Schedule

• Full-time students take this program while completing a part-time assistantship that pays tuition, health benefits, and a small stipend.
• Courses meet in person daily, either from 2-5 pm or 4-7 pm.
• Students complete this program in two years.

Individual Attention, Support, and Hands-on Learning

• Students apply student development theory and other current research to their unique work environments while building supportive relationships with faculty and colleagues.
• Students leave the program with an expanded network of support, connections, and perspective.
• Multiple opportunities to grow through additional learning opportunities such as the Women in Educational Leadership Conference (WELC), the Critical Issues Forum, and the Sybouts Student Research Symposium.

Launching Your Journey

The student affairs administration specialization is an on-campus program, beginning in the fall semester, designed for students that will be enrolled full-time for two consecutive academic years and hold graduate assistantships.

Program Curriculum

• The program has three main focus areas student development, university administration, and research.
• As a program, they question whether current practices in higher education support all students and encourage students, staff, and faculty to try and find ways to support more students.
• The program has a theory-to-practice curriculum in which students are expected to apply the course materials into their day-to-day work at their assistantships.

Faculty and Research Areas

• Students learn from faculty who conduct and share leading research on contemporary challenges and opportunities in higher education.
• These scholars have devoted their careers to teaching, researching, discovering, and sharing what works in higher education administration.
• Students also learn from faculty with decades of combined experience as higher education administrators and leaders who have lived and breathed the work of directors, coordinators, and supervisors at a variety of higher education institutions.

Application Process

• Application for Admission with a non-refundable application fee.
• Transcripts from previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are permitted during admission; official transcripts are required prior to enrollment.
• If the students native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required.
• Personal Statement: Address why you are applying to this program, explicitly state three things you hope to gain from the program.
• Respond to one of the following questions:
  • A) One purpose of the program is to prepare educators to support a wide variety of students. What are some specific things you have done to create a positive and affirming environment among people you work with or in your community?
  • B) Describe one meaningful experience where what you knew previously was challenged. Share what you learned about yourself and others from that experience.
• Resume
• Review current faculty and their research areas.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.
• The following materials should also be submitted:
  • Personal Statement
  • Respond to one of the given questions
  • Resume
• Applicants may be contacted for a virtual interview to help with admission decisions.

Assistantships

• Students who are admitted to the academic program are invited to interview for assistantships.
• Most assistantships offer full tuition during the academic year with an additional 6 credits in the summer, plus reduced-cost health insurance and a stipend.
• Additional benefits are up to the discretion of the assistantship providers.

Cost and Funding

• Many students in the program have graduate assistantships, which pay for tuition costs.
• These positions usually pay a portion of the health insurance.
• Assistantships offer stipends that range anywhere from $1000/month to $1,500/month to help cover living expenses and student fees.
• On average, students are responsible for about $1,500 in fees each semester (fall and spring) and typically pay closer to $150 for the summer term.

Employment Placement Rate

• As a program, they have about a 90% placement rate for students who want to work in student affairs jobs after graduation.

Program Length and Format

• The program is two years long for full-time students.
• The format is on-campus.
• GRE/Entrance Exam is not required.

Credits

• The program requires 41-42 credits to complete.