Mission:
The Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education program at Slippery Rock University is intentionally designed to transform graduates into successful student affairs educators and lifelong learners. The program is dedicated to empowering graduates to make a significant impact in the lives of college students. Through powerful pedagogies and faculty mentorship, students in the program gain the theoretical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and professional dispositions that encourage the growth and development in college students in a variety of settings. The program strives to provide experiential and unique learning opportunities, allowing graduates the opportunity to apply theory to practice in their graduate studies and professional careers.
Values:
The following core values guide the promotion of student learning, development, and success within the SRU SAHE program:
Transformation. In conjunction with our mission and core values, our program is intentionally designed to provide students with opportunities to discover the value of lifelong learning, develop sense of purpose and confidence, and grow as successful student affairs educators.
Inclusion. Our program welcomes and supports a broad diversity of people, ideas, and perspectives. Our students, coming from various backgrounds, have access to an affordable and quality masters-level education.
Quality. Our program provides an effective, quality, and challenging academic program. We utilize rigorous academic curricula and comprehensive co-curricular experiences to promote the learning and development in our students.
Innovation. Our program encourages exploring new and creative ideas, instructional methods, and current trends, both from faculty and students. We recognize the field is dynamic and changes over time, and we aim to continuously provide relevant and intentional course design and experiences.
Dedication. Our program faculty are dedicated to uplifting, mentoring, and supporting each individual student. Faculty members strive to maintain connections with students during their time in the program and beyond, continuing to advise students while navigating the professional field.
Features:
- 95% of graduates secure jobs in a position in higher education within three months of their graduation.
- Faculty have degrees in student affairs/higher education, have worked extensively in the field, and are engaging, student centered, and highly committed to teaching.
- Program faculty and our professional partners work to create conditions that lead to transformation in our students. Specifically our students have said that the program increased their professional confidence, helped them attain skills for social justice advocacy and leadership, enhanced their critical thinking, and assisted them in developing an understanding of how to use their individual strengths to positively impact college students and the university environment.