COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education is a 42-credit-hour graduate program designed to prepare students for professional roles in colleges and universities through a combination of theoretical study, practical training, and applied leadership development. The curriculum begins with core required courses that provide a strong foundation in the field, including Legal Issues and Governance in Higher Education, Assessment, Strategic Planning, and Evaluation in Student Affairs, Leadership in Student Affairs, and College Student Development: Theory and Practice. These courses help students understand institutional structures, student development theory, and the strategic functions of student affairs professionals.In addition to the core curriculum, students complete specialized coursework that deepens their professional competencies. A 3-credit elective allows students to explore focused topics such as staffing and supervision, crisis management, inclusive excellence, first-year student transitions, and practitioner well-being. Additional required courses include Basic Helping Skills, Research Methods in Student Affairs, Student Affairs Functions and Professional Orientation, and Inclusion and Belonging in Higher Education, all of which support both interpersonal and administrative skill development in higher education environments.A central component of the program is the internship sequence, consisting of Internship I and Internship II, where students gain hands-on professional experience in student affairs settings. These practical experiences are complemented by a capstone course that integrates learning across the program and emphasizes professional reflection and application. Students also complete 6 credit hours of advisor-approved electives, allowing for additional specialization based on career goals. Overall, the program combines academic rigor with experiential learning to prepare graduates for leadership and administrative roles in student affairs, student services, and higher education institutions.