Shape the future of higher education
You’ll graduate ready to guide and support students as they navigate their college experience. This degree helps you develop the leadership skills and professional competencies you need to foster student success in any higher education setting.
The field of student affairs is constantly evolving and offers you endless opportunities for growth. You’ll be prepared to work in areas such as academic advising, accessibility services, admissions, campus recreation, career services, student conduct or residence life.
Making connections
Immerse yourself in the study of student development, campus administration and institutional leadership. Our program connects you with a community of emerging professionals who share your passion for creating vibrant and welcoming campus environments.
Program details
This 36-hour Master of Arts program is framed by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education. This ensures your learning is rigorous and directly aligned with the core competencies required of student affairs professionals.
- Core curriculum focuses on leadership, administration, finance, ethical and legal issues and program evaluation.
- Professional development grounds your coursework through the ACPA and NASPA professional competencies.
- Practical experience is available if you pursue graduate assistantships within the Division of Enrollment and Student Engagement to build real-world skills.
Resources
The student handbook goes in depth on expectations, requirements, evaluation procedures and more. When considering whether SFA's master's program in student affairs and higher education is a proper fit for you, be sure to read through this handbook.
See curriculum
Curriculum requirementsCan I participate remotely?
Yes. Online and synchronous Zoom available.
How long will it take to complete?
2 to 2.5 years
How is the program structured?
Cohort model with evening classes available.
Are there on-campus requirements?
No.
What is the capstone?
Comprehensive exam
Student Affairs and Higher Education career paths
Graduates of this program step into professional roles across higher education, from residence life and student conduct to admissions, advising and beyond. The combination of rigorous coursework, national competency standards and real-world assistantship experience makes SFA graduates competitive candidates at institutions of all sizes.
Apply to the student affairs and higher education master's program
The GRE is not required. Letters of recommendation are not required.
To be eligible for consideration into the program, you must:
- meet SFA's graduate school requirements
- achieve an undergraduate 2.5 GPA or higher overall
- or a 2.8 GPA on your final 60 hours of undergraduate work
- and hold a completed bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited higher institution.
Note: If you don't meet the minimum requirements, you may be admitted on a provisional basis under the guidance of the program coordinator.
Ready?
- Complete the graduate school application.
- Submit your current résumé, an introductory video and personal statement following the instructions outlined on page 8 of the program student handbook.
