Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy - Student Affairs Concentration, M.A.
Master of Arts
Program Overview
The Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–Student Affairs Concentration, Master of Arts program explores the landscape of student development, counseling and administration within higher education institutions. Student affairs professionals play a pivotal role in shaping the college experience and promoting student success. The program’s foundation rests on two mutually enhancing dimensions: knowledge and skills concerning both counseling and the college student population, and the student affairs profession. Ideal candidates possess strong interpersonal skills, empathy and a genuine desire to support student success, embodying a commitment to social justice and equity in higher education. Whether you're a recent college graduate exploring career options or a seasoned professional seeking to advance your skills and knowledge, our program can help you transform education for good.
Key Features
- Unique Practicum Opportunities: Engage in intensive practicum experiences with options including the Counseling Center or facilitating an Intergroup Dialogue, providing hands-on learning opportunities.
- Faculty Mentorship: Benefit from mentorship by affiliate faculty who work full-time in the Division of Student Affairs, guiding you through your academic and professional development.
- Assistantship Opportunities: Admitted students participate in the Preview Program, connecting with employers and exploring assistantship opportunities.
#3
Best Student Counseling and Personnel Services program by U.S. News & World Report
Learning Goals
Learning Goals
- Defining the role and functions of student affairs work in higher education
- Interpreting research significant to the profession and conducting related research
- Identifying factors affecting human and organizational behavior
- Translating theoretical knowledge about the development of organizations and individuals into meaningful practices of the profession: counseling, instruction, supervision, program design, administration and research
- Developing multicultural competence and social justice perspective to engage with diverse students with effectiveness and confidence
- Developing and incorporating skills in the areas of program assessment, design, implementation, and evaluation as appropriate for individuals, student services offices and organizations.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website and the program handbook.
Admission Requirements Guide to ApplyingStudent Affairs Concentration Handbook
How do I apply? What is required?
You can access the application from the UMD webpage. http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/application. We require a resume, personal statement, transcript(s), and three letters of recommendation. GRE scores are optional. Typically statements of goals/experiences are about 4-5 pages.
GRE Scores, GPA, and Provisional Admission
GRE scores are OPTIONAL. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required. Students who do not meet one of these requirements, but show other evidence of outstanding potential, may be considered for provisional admission. Provisional status is removed when students maintain a graduate grade point average of 3.5 or better after 12 credits of course completion.
What can I do to strengthen my application?
Use your personal statement to show us more than just your resume. We appreciate reflection on meaningful personal or professional/academic experiences (something that has made you who you are today), as well as reflection on social identities such as race, class, gender, or sexual orientation, etc.
When will I find out whether or not I have been accepted?
Applicants are usually notified in February.
What is the difference between the Student Affairs and Higher Education concentrations in the HESI program?
The Higher Ed concentration generally has a strong orientation towards policy and some of the macro-level dynamics that shape higher education. For SAC masters students, the SAC curriculum has a counseling-based sequence and some required classes that focus on the development and experience of the college student. Students commonly take classes across the concentrations, and 1st year Higher Ed and SAC students take a first-year seminar together. We encourage you to review the curriculum and faculty in both concentrations.
What are some unique features of your program?
Overall our faculty address issues related to race, social identities, diversity, and inequality, and we often attract students who are interested in these issues. For the masters program, unique features include the opportunity to take an intensive practicum with either the Counseling Center or to facilitate an Intergroup Dialogue. Students note that our seminar project/seminar paper/thesis option provides a particularly rigorous culminating experience. We also have affiliate faculty who work full-time in the Division of Student Affairs who serve as mentors for our students.
What about assistantships, stipends, and tuition?
Admitted students are invited to the Preview Program. Employers review resumes, students review job descriptions, and both send in preference lists. Interviews are scheduled during Preview. Over 60 assistantships were posted this year. You do not need to apply for assistantships prior to notification of admission. Both 9 and 12 month assistantships are available. Generally all attending students hold assistantships unless they are working full-time.
Can I take classes without being admitted to the program?
Yes, you can take several classes without being admitted to the program. If you contact Graduate Admissions (gradschool@umd.edu), they can advise you as to how to be admitted as an "advanced special student" so that you can take any course that is open enrollment or with instructor permission. You can view open courses at testudo.umd.edu. Some courses, but not all, may not be open to you.
Please feel free to email SAgrad-GA@umd.edu if you have additional questions.
“I wanted to be part of a program learning from people who are doing the actual work; The College of Education’s relationships globally are unparalleled to other institutions. It’s never been a better time to be an EdTerp.”
Requirements
Program Requirements
With a large number of required courses and a mix of research, practicum, and elective courses, this program is designed to meet a number of professional competencies and our own high standards.
For graduation requirements, M.A. students must complete a master’s thesis. The M.Ed. Student Affairs Concentration offers non-thesis options. You can switch options once enrolled.
For full details on curriculum and program requirements, view the handbook.
Contact
Contact
