Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Slippery Rock University

Student Affairs in Higher Education, Master of Arts (MA)

The Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Slippery Rock University is designed to provide students the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for exemplary professional practice in colleges, universities, and other related settings.  For over 50 years, the Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) program has been preparing future higher education leaders to effectively design and implement programs and services that promote student success.  Our graduates serve as administrative leaders throughout the country in a variety of campus roles and services.

The SAHE program offers coursework in a blended learning format that includes a mixture of face-to-face, hybrid, and online classes.  The program provides students with the opportunity to engage with classmates and faculty in person while managing the convenient class schedule that busy graduate students prefer.  The SAHE program includes an off-campus fieldwork placement where students can obtain the necessary practical experience to be successful on the job market.  The curriculum focuses on assisting students in linking theory to professional practice, as well as the development of professional skills.  Students engage actively with course material through case studies, professional guest presenters, simulations, and campus visits.  The program aligns with the standards established by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) and the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators.  All faculty hold degrees in student affairs/higher education, have worked extensively in the field, and are highly committed to teaching.

Related Links

Student Affairs in Higher Education, MA Program Page

Student Affairs in Higher Education Fact Sheet

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

  • Overall/Major GPA: 3.00 or higher
Core I - Basic Knowledge
CDEV 602Introduction to Student Affairs and College Counseling3
CDEV 614Helping Relationships3
CDEV 621Social and Cultural Diversity3
CDEV 699Introduction to Research3
Core II - Professional Knowledge
CDEV 608Ethical and Legal Issues in Student Affairs3
CDEV 623Higher Education Environments, Cultures, and Students3
CDEV 625Assessment in Student Affairs3
CDEV 631College Student Learning and Development 13
CDEV 632College Student Learning and Development 23
CDEV 639Students in American Higher Education3
CDEV 643Organizational Behavior & Leadership in Higher Education3
Elective Credit3
Core III - Field Experience
CDEV 705Student Affairs Practicum3
CDEV 646Student Affairs Capstone3
Total Hours42

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

Major Code: 9439
Revised:  07.25.2022

Recommended Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
CDEV 602 Introduction to Student Affairs and College Counseling 3
CDEV 614 Helping Relationships 3
CDEV 623 Higher Education Environments, Cultures, and Students 3
CDEV 699 Introduction to Research 3
 Hours12
Spring
CDEV 621 Social and Cultural Diversity 3
CDEV 625 Assessment in Student Affairs 3
CDEV 631 College Student Learning and Development 1 3
CDEV 639 Students in American Higher Education 3
 Hours12
Second Year
Fall
CDEV 632 College Student Learning and Development 2 3
CDEV 643 Organizational Behavior & Leadership in Higher Education 3
CDEV 705 Student Affairs Practicum 3
 Hours9
Spring
CDEV 608 Ethical and Legal Issues in Student Affairs 3
CDEV 646 Student Affairs Capstone 3
Elective 3
 Hours9
 Total Hours**42

** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year.

Major Code: 9439
Revised Date: 02.25.2021