STUDENT AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The Master of Science in Education degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education (SAA) is a graduate program that focuses on educating and training professionals to work in post-secondary institutions. The SAA program promotes the integration of theory to practice utilizing a student development emphasis. Students develop a theoretical background and complement their classroom experience with practical work experience. The program is designed to facilitate entry or advancement into a variety of student affairs administration positions and to provide current and relevant information through the use of full-time practicing student affairs professionals who serve as faculty in the program. Some of the many areas in which students may choose to specialize in their preparations or to seek positions upon graduation include: academic skills, admissions, advising, career advising, financial aid, international education, multicultural student services, residence life, student activities/programs/centers, student development, student life, or similar student support services.

The SAA program has two instructional delivery options: full-time on-campus face-to-face instruction OR online instruction. The on-campus program is primarily designed to serve students who have not worked professionally in higher education. The online program is primarily designed to serve students who are currently working full-time in higher education.  Degree requirements vary slightly between the two programs as a result of different student populations served. Admission to both programs is competitive.

ADMISSION TO SAA PROGRAM

Admission to graduate study does not constitute admission to the Student Affairs Administration program. Priority application deadline is Feb. 1 each year. The application process for the SAA program consists of three parts:

Part 1: Complete the Office of Graduate Studies Electronic Application and have official transcripts sent to UW-L admissions office from all institutions previously attended.

Part 2: Complete the SAA Application by submitting the following:
     * The electronic SAA Application
     * Your resume
     * A Personal Statement
     * Two letters of recommendation from your references

Part 3: Finalists may need to participate in an interview either on campus or by telephone or skype with the SAA Admissions Committee.

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

ON-CAMPUS DEGREE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

(43 credits)
SAA 700     Professional Practice in Student Affairs (1 credit)
SAA 702     Student Development Theory (3 credits)
SAA 704     Interpersonal Leadership (3 credits)
SAA 705     History of Higher Education (3 credits)
SAA 706     Helping Skills and Crisis Management (1 credit)
SAA 708     Diversity in Higher Education (3 credits)
SAA 710     Administration in Higher Education (3 credits)
SAA 720     Special Topics in Student Affairs Administration (2 credits)
SAA 730     Legal Aspects in Student Affairs (3 credits)
SAA 745     University Finance and Governance (3 credits)
SAA 761     Applied Research in Student Affairs(3 credits)
SAA 780     Applied Project* (6 credits)
SAA 781     Student Affairs Administration Internship** (6 credits)
SAA 790     Capstone Seminar (3 credits)
SAA 799     Research: Master's Thesis* (6 credits)
Total Credits: 43

*Graduate students in the on-campus SAA program must choose one of the following options to complete their course of study: SAA 799, Thesis (6 credits) or SAA 780 Applied Project (6 credits).

**Students with prior/current full-time work experience in a higher education setting for a minimum of one year (or equivalent) may have one required internship waived (SAA 781) contingent upon submitting required documentation and receiving program director's approval.

ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

(43 credits)
SAA 700     Professional Practice in Student Affairs (1 credit)
SAA 701     Student Affairs and Technology (3 credits)
SAA 702     Student Development Theory (3 credits)
SAA 704     Interpersonal Leadership (3 credits)
SAA 705     History of Higher Education (3 credits)
SAA 706     Helping Skills and Crisis Management (1 credit)
SAA 708     Diversity in Higher Education (3 credits)
SAA 710     Administration in Higher Education (3 credits)
SAA 720     Special Topics in Student Affairs Administration (2 credits)
SAA 730     Legal Aspects in Student Affairs (3 credits)
SAA 745     University Finance and Governance (3 credits)
SAA 761     Applied Research in Student Affairs (3 credits)
SAA 780     Applied Project in Student Affairs Administration (6 credits)
SAA 781     Student Affairs Administration Internship** (3 credits)
SAA 790     Capstone Seminar (3 credits)
Total Credits: 43

**Students with prior/current experience in higher education may have SAA 781 waived contingent upon submitting required documentation and receiving program director's approval.