Master's in Student Affairs Administration

The master’s in student affairs program (M.Ed. in Higher Education, concentration in Student Affairs Administration – SAAHE) prepares individuals to work in student affairs and student services in colleges and universities. They provide key support structures for students such as housing and residential services, clubs and organizations, health services and recreation, advising, accessibility tools, policy enforcement, and career readiness.

UNCG Greensboro’s Student Affairs Administration curriculum gives graduate students theory-into-practice assistantships. They take classes informed by leading empirical research on best practices in higher education. They will complete courses in foundation studies, professional studies, assessment and research, with an internship to acclimate them to the student affairs workplace environment.

Why UNCG’s student affairs M.Ed. Program Stands Out

UNC Greensboro’s School of Education is ranked one of the nation’s “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by the U.S. News & World Report.

Students will work in a university environment that maintains the highest standard for student affairs leadership:

• College Student Educators International named UNC Greensboro’s Division of Student Affairs one of its “Most Promising Places to Work.”
• UNCG is a partner of the JED Campus Foundation, an initiative helping schools strengthen mental health systems, promote connectedness, and build sustainable cultures of care.
• The School of Education’s North Carolina Academy for Stress, Trauma, and Resilience (NCA-STAR) promotes trauma-informed training, research, and support to strengthen individuals, schools, and communities. Its Trauma-Informed Professional Practice (TIPP) offers certifications to teachers and mental health professionals.

Students earning their master’s in Student Affairs frequently work with UNCG programs within Peace and Conflict Studies, Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, African American and African Diaspora Studies, and Counseling & Educational Development.

Student Experience in the Master’s in Student Affairs Program

Typical applicants are actively involved as undergraduates in student organizations and leadership. They may hold paraprofessional positions such as resident assistants, orientation leaders, and campus tour guides.

• SAAHE students gain excellent theory-to-practice experience through graduate assistantships. They work with institutions including UNCG, Salem College, Wake Forest University, Guilford College, Winston-Salem State University, and the UNC School of the Arts.
• In addition, students complete a 150-hour internship in another position, frequently through the ACUHO-I, NODA, NACA, or ACUI summer internship programs or through a self-design internship.
• Typically offered supporting courses in HED include:
  • Academic Advising and Retention
  • Black Student Populations
  • Budgeting and Finance in Student Affairs
  • Crisis Management
  • Life Design Coaching in Student Affairs
  • Practitioner-Scholars and Research in Student Affairs

The curriculum closely follows the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies and the CAS Standards for graduate professional preparation.

After Graduating with your master’s in student affairs administration

The job placement rate averages out to approximately 90% or more within six months of graduation. Graduates of the master’s in student affairs typically transition into professional jobs such as:

• Residence hall director
• Coordinator of leadership programs
• Orientation director
• Coordinator of student activities
• Career counselor
• Academic advisor
• Assistant dean
• Program coordinator
• Assistant director

ADDITIONAL master’s of education REQUIREMENTS

• Submission of Transcripts from Institutions Attended
• Personal Statement
• Résumé
• 2 Letters of Recommendation (1 from a faculty member and 1 from someone with current/prior experience working in Student Affairs/Higher Education)
• GRE scores are not required
• Application Deadline is Jan. 15 each year for admission into the upcoming Fall semester. This program does not admit students to start in the Spring or Summer semesters.