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.
Applying to the student affairs and higher education master's program
Requirements for admission
To be eligible for consideration into the program, you must:
- meet the SFA 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 to complete your application?
- Apply to the Graduate School.
- Submit the following items directly to the program coordinator:
- current résumé with professional references
- a personal statement, one to two pages long, double-spaced, and include:
- Leadership Retrospective: Reflect on your past leadership roles or student involvement experiences.
- Autobiographical Sketch: Share your personal and professional background to help the faculty get to know you.
- Professional Goals: Summarize your future career objectives within the field of student affairs and higher education.
- A URL to an introductory video (limit five minutes) sharing your professional goals upon earning this master's degree
- You also may choose to include your past higher education, professional development or staff training, relevant technical training or professional work experiences.
To complete your application, apply to the Graduate School.
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.
Questions?
Get in touch! We're here to help.