STUDENT AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION (SAA)
Course Description

Note:  Enrollment in SAA courses is restricted to graduate students in the SAA program, unless given special permission by the program director.

SAA 701 Cr. 3
Student Affairs and Technology

This course will include an overview of the impact of technology on higher education, the developing market of distance education and student affairs in higher education, and developing student affairs professionals for careers related to technology and distance education. Prerequisite: admission to SAA.

SAA 702 Cr. 3
Student Development Theory I

Provides an analysis of student development theory within post-secondary education. This includes background information on classical theorists such as Freud and Jung. The course will analyze the theories of Moos, Erikson, Maslow, Perry, Kohlberg, Chickering, Gilligan, Astin, Schlossberg, Holland, and Super. Prerequisite: admission to SAA.

SAA 704 Cr. 3
Interpersonal Leadership

This course explores the key characteristics of interpersonal leadership and core competencies required to meet the challenges confronting student affairs professionals in higher education in the 21st century. Prerequisite: admission to SAA.

SAA 705 Cr. 3
History of Higher Education

An overview of higher education and student affairs in the United States. Four major emphases: (1) history, development, and mission of higher education, (2) organization and structure of institutions of higher education, (3) organization and structure of student development and student affairs, and (4) significant issues and concerns in higher education. Prerequisite: admission to SAA.

SAA 708 Cr. 3
Diversity in Higher Education

A review of demographic groups including age, gender, ethnic, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. The course will also focus on special populations including: physically challenged, traditional, non-traditional, international, student athletes, part-time and full-time students. A review of current literature and research will complement these groups including: the effects of college, satisfaction with the college experience, retention, and identity development. Prerequisite: admission to SAA.

SAA 710 Cr. 3
Administration in Higher Education

An introduction to the study of administration in higher education, study of governance, legal aspects of administration, personnel evaluation and supervision, budgeting, and management information systems. Prerequisite: admission to SAA.

SAA 715 Cr. 3
Student Development Theory II

Serves as an advanced student development course. This course will look at new/current developmental theories. In addition, there will be concentration on application of developmental theories, including tools used to assess student development based on the theories studied. Prerequisite: SDA 702.

SAA 720 Cr. 1
Special Topics in Student Affairs Administration

Special topics in Student Affairs Administration not covered by present SAA courses. The particular topic selected will be determined by the SAA faculty according to current need and interest. Prerequisite: admission to SAA. Repeatable for credit –- maximum 6.

SAA 730 Cr. 3
Legal Issues in Student Affairs

This course will include an overview of legal issues in student affairs. The application of educational law, legal risks and the responsibilities of student affairs professionals in higher education will be addressed. Prerequisite: admission to SAA.

SAA 740 Cr. 3
Organization Theory and Behavior

Areas to be studied include: group dynamics, behavioral organization, leadership, formal organizational theory, applied qualitative and quantitative research, organizational diagnosis, organizational design, organizational change, decision making and conflict resolution.

SAA 750 Cr. 3
Current Theories and Applications of Career Development

Emphasis is upon an understanding of current theories of career development and their implications for practice in a college setting. The course provides the opportunity to explore both professional and personal applications of career development theory. Offered occasionally.

SAA 761 Cr. 3
Applied Research in Student Affairs

Principles of applied research, evaluation, and assessment in student affairs. Content includes an overview of research methods, statistical analysis, evaluation, assessment, and technology applications for research in higher education. Prerequisite: admission to SAA.

SAA 775 Cr. 1-3
Student Affairs Practicum

Practical experience in and understanding of administrative or programming functions within student affairs under professional supervision. The training may be received on campus or at another university or agency. Emphasis is on the administrative/management or programming functions of the university. Specific competencies in budget management, facilities management, personnel management, or educational programming may be addressed. The student will spend a minimum of 70 hours per credit at the site. Prerequisite: admission to SAA and SAA 705. Repeatable for credit –- maximum 6. Pass/Fail grading.

SAA 780 Cr. 1-6
Applied Project

This course will involve students in the development of a research, assessment or evaluation project that has practical application for student affairs in a higher education setting. Students will be expected to apply the knowledge gained in the coursework to a specific issue in student affairs. Prerequisite: admission to SAA. Repeatable for credit – maximum 6. Pass/Fail grading.

SAA 781 Cr. 3
Student Affairs Administration Internship

Practical experience and training within student affairs under professional supervision. The training may be received on campus or at another university or agency. The intern will spend a minimum of 210 hours in the department or internship. Prerequisite: admission to SAA and SAA 705. Repeatable for credit –- maximum 6.

SAA 790 Cr. 3
Capstone Seminar

This course is offered in a seminar format that provides an avenue for culminating and integrating the graduate program experience through case studies and the exploration and analysis of contemporary concerns in higher education and student affairs. To be taken during the student’s final semester. Prerequisite: admission to SAA.

SAA 795 Cr. 1-2
Independent Study in Student Affairs Administration

Independent study and completion of a paper on a topic approved and directed by a SAA faculty member. Prerequisite: admission to SAA. Repeatable for credit –- maximum 4.

SAA 799 Cr. 1-4
Research: Master’s Thesis

Independent study and completion of a thesis on a topic approved and directed by a SAA faculty member. Must complete a total of four credits. Prerequisite: admission to SAA and SAA 761. Pass/Fail grading.