Student Affairs Higher Education Administration, MA

Program Description:

The Student Affairs in Higher Education program provides practical educational experiences for individuals interested in careers in student services. The emphasis of this program is on the administrative perspective of student services that support student development. The Student Affairs in Higher Education program consistently graduated most entering students within two years of entry.

The primary mission of this program is to prepare students for leadership roles in higher education student affairs. Integrating theory and practice, maintaining strong interdisciplinary relationships, fostering high-quality research, and sponsoring activities that enhance the development of professionals are high priorities of the program.

Admissions Requirements:

In addition to meeting requirements for admission established by the Graduate School, candidates to the Master’s in Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) program must submit to the Graduate School a three page expository essay on a topic of your choice.

Two letters of recommendation are to be submitted to the Department of Leadership Studies in Education and Organizations.

The SAHE selection committee will contact applicants for an admission interview.

The SAHE program is a cohort program that begins once a year with the start of the fall semester. Application to the Graduate School, essays, and letters of recommendation are due no later than April 1 of each year. Early application is encouraged.

Waiver of GRE/MAT

Candidates to Leadership Studies master’s degree programs, may not be required to submit passing GRE or MAT scores if their cumulative undergraduate GPA is a 3.0 or higher.

Candidates must meet the requirements for admission established by the Graduate School. If testing is required, candidates must score in the 50th percentile or better on the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) or the Graduate Records Exam (GRE).

For additional information:

Program Requirements:

Dept Core and Electives

SAA 7600 - Introduction to Student Affairs in Higher Education Credit Hour(s): 3
SAA 7610 - Student Development Theory Credit Hour(s): 3
LDR 7300 - Research Methods for Leadership Credit Hour(s): 3
SAA 7640 - Program Evaluation and Assessment in SAHE Credit Hour(s): 3
SAA 7680 - Finance & Budget Mgt in Higher Edu/Student Affairs Credit Hour(s): 3
HEA 9220 - Law of Higher Education Credit Hour(s): 3
SAA 7630 - Diversity Issues Credit Hour(s): 1
SAA 7690 - Designing Diverse Learning Experiences Credit Hour(s): 3
SAA 7650 - Internship I in Student Affairs in Higher Education Credit Hour(s): 1 to 3
SAA 7670 - Internship II in Student Affairs in Higher Education Credit Hour(s): 1 to 3
SAA 7620 - Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education Credit Hour(s): 3
HEA 9260 - The Community College Credit Hour(s): 3 or
Advised Electives Credit Hour(s): 3

Note: Those Desiring an M.A. Degree Rather than the M.Ed. Will Add the M.A. Option Listed Below.

Additional Courses Needed for the M.A. Degree (Meets CAS Standards):

EDL 9880 - Research and the Educational Leader Credit Hour(s): 3
EDL 9990 - Thesis Credit Hour(s): 1 to 9

Choose One Option to Meet CAS Standards in the M.Ed. Program

Option A: Career Services Advising

SAA 6630 - Career Dev. Theory & Skills Application Credit Hour(s): 2
SAA 6640 - Career Assessment and Employability Credit Hour(s): 2
SAA 6650 - Career Program and Service Development Credit Hour(s): 2
Advised Electives Credit Hour(s): 3

Option B: Sports Management Option

SPM 7010 - Current Issues in American Sports Credit Hour(s): 3
SPM 7080 - Marketing and Public Relations in Sport Credit Hour(s): 3
HEA The Role of Athletics in Higher Education Credit Hour(s): 3

Course Options (selection two)

SPM 7030 - Academic Support Services for Student Athletes Credit Hour(s): 1
SPM 7040 - Recreation Management Credit Hour(s): 1
SPM 7050 - Compliance and Regulation Credit Hour(s): 1
SPM 7060 - Facilities and Event Management Credit Hour(s): 1

Option C: International Programs (This Option is Not Always Available, Consult with LDR Department)

SAA 6620 - Special Topics: SAHE Credit Hour(s): 1 to 4 (International Student Services)
SAA 6620 - Special Topics: SAHE Credit Hour(s): 3 (Study Abroad)
SAA 6620 - Special Topics: SAHE Credit Hour(s): 3 (International Internship)