Key Program Features

Emphasis on social justice education and transformative student affairs practice:  The MSA community and curriculum prioritize the design and facilitation of democratic and empowering educational opportunities that foster understanding and respect for diversity and cultivate the active engagement of others (students, faculty, colleagues) in social change. Upon completion of the program, graduates are able to demonstrate a critical understanding of higher education and the student affairs profession and their role in promoting social justice.

Commitment to cultivating scholar practitioners:  Engagement in the intellectually rigorous and practice-oriented MSA curriculum facilitates the development of student affairs scholar-practitioners capable of translating theory and research to practice as well as contributing to the expansion of existing knowledge about the student experience, the college environment, and student outcomes.

Three-quarter paid internship:  The MSA internship is a three-quarter supervised professional practice experience that provides students with an opportunity develop first-hand knowledge of student affairs professional roles and responsibilities, gain significant hands-on experience in program development and/or student affairs administration, and receive valuable feedback on the development and demonstration of essential professional skills. The internship is a paid experiential learning opportunity. Students receive a salary as well as financial support to attend one regional or national professional conference.

1-year degree program that meets national standards for student affairs professional preparation:   The MSA program is an intensive four-quarter (11-month) graduate program than begins in early August and concludes mid-June. The MSA curriculum meets the professional preparation program standards established by the *American College Personnel The MSA curriculum meets the professional preparation program standards established by the American College Personnel Association’s (ACPA) Professional Preparation Commission.