Student Affairs in Higher Education Master of Arts

Program Facts

Delivery Method:

Blended

Start Term:

Fall

Completion Time:

12 Months

Credits:

Request info about Student Affairs in Higher Education

About Our Student Affairs in Higher Education Program

As one of the oldest student affairs degree programs in the State of Pennsylvania, the Student Affairs in Higher Education program is distinguished by its emphasis on preparing professionals to respond effectively to individual student needs and provide college students with developmentally appropriate educational experiences. This 42 credit-hour degree program will prepare you to work in a variety of higher education positions, including but not limited to student activities, residence life, campus recreation fraternity/sorority life, student orientation, academic advising admissions, financial aid, and career services.

Why Get a Student Affairs in Higher Education Degree?

Focus on student success by building the skills to support emotional wellness, campus engagement, and academic growth in college students.
Learn from experienced faculty who bring real-world knowledge from their careers across diverse higher ed settings.
Engage in real-world learning through simulations, guest speakers, and case studies that prepare you for on-the-job challenges.
Courses are built for your schedule, allowing you to balance work and life with a flexible blended class format.
Land a job before graduation with a 100% placement rate within three months—many students receive offers even sooner.
Take your career further with preparation for roles not just in higher ed, but also in corporate recruiting, ed tech, and more.
Study a program built for the field, gaining skills aligned with CAS standards and ACPA/NASPA professional competencies.
Join a powerful network of over 600 alumni who can help you grow your career nationwide.
Offset your costs with potential graduate assistantships that include stipends and tuition waivers.
Skip the GRE — you won’t need it to apply.

Career Outcomes

After completing their counseling degree and meeting Pennsylvania requirements, graduates are prepared to become Licensed Professional Counselors. Our program emphasizes career readiness through partnerships with SRU’s Counseling Center and local mental health organizations.

A counseling degree in Pennsylvania will be sought after in certain regions. Many rural counties in northern and central Pennsylvania have been designated Health Professional Shortage Areas for Mental Health by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. This systemic shortage of mental health professionals does offer opportunity to those interested in community mental health efforts. Nationwide, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for mental health counselors and similar professions will grow by 25% between 2019-2029.

Requirements

What are the admission requirements for this program at SRU? Check out the requirements in the dropdowns of this section!

Program Director / Coordinator

Program Coordinator
Dr. Molly Mistretta
Counseling and Development
724.738.2035
molly.mistretta@sru.edu

When are applications accepted?

For SRU’s graduate program in Student Affairs, the priority application deadline is February 1 for students seeking a graduate assistantship. After that date, applications are welcome but are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Email graduate.admissions@sru.edu or call 724.738.2051 for information regarding this program’s graduate application deadlines.

What are all of the admissions requirements?

Applicants must submit the following materials along with a completed online graduate application and non-refundable application fee of $25.00:

Official undergraduate degree transcript(s) and any graduate transcripts
A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 to be considered for unconditional admission
A personal statement indicating interest in the program, experience, and career goals
Two electronic recommendation forms from a former or current college or university faculty member with knowledge of the applicant’s academic aptitude, suitability for intended program area, and ability to form interpersonal relationships

Selected applicants will be invited for an interview. The priority deadline for applicants seeking Graduate Assistantships is December 1. After this time, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The Student Affairs in Higher Education program recommends a fall semester start.

Please note: For more information, visit www.sru.edu/graduate. Transfer course evaluation information can be found on our graduate website.

Resources from SRU

From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.

Student Affairs in Higher Education (M.A.)