On Campus Degree Program
FAQs
Program Information
- Is the SAA Program accredited?
- How many classes will I need to take?
- Am I required to complete a thesis or take a comprehensive exam?
- How long does it take to complete the SAA program?
- Is there a time limit on completing the degree?
- What happens if I drop out for a semester or two?
- Are there any classes that require special arrangements?
- Do I ever get credit for work experience?
- How does the online program differ from the on-campus program?
- What resources does UWL provide to help me as I go through the program?
- What types of jobs are available for graduates of the program?
- What is your job placement rate?
- I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Admission Enrollment
- What are your admission requirements?
- What is the application deadline?
- What do I need to do to apply to the program?
- Do you accept any graduate credits from other programs?
- Is there an enrollment limit?
- I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Financial
- How much does the program cost?
- How do I apply for financial aid?
- I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Personal
- Where can I learn more about UW-La Crosse?
- How will I find a place to live in La Crosse?
- What is it like to live in La Crosse?
Program Information
Is the SAA On-Campus Program accredited?
The SAA On-Campus program meets North Central Association (NCA) accreditation standards and the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) requirements. The program has a rich history that goes back 40 years.
How many classes will I need to take?
The SAA On-Campus program will consist of 35-40 credits involving 10 -12 courses and 1-2 internships. The number of courses and credits depends upon whether you complete the thesis or comprehensive exam option. The thesis option consists of 4 credits in addition to the required courses. The comprehensive exam option requires the completion of two one-credit "Special Topics" courses in additon to the required courses.
Am I required to complete a thesis or take a comprehensive exam?
You must choose to either write a thesis or take the comprehensive exam (during your last semester).
How long does it take to complete the SAA On-Campus program?
This is a two-year program for full-time students. Students will begin in the fall semester and graduate in the spring of their second year. It does not include summers. Although most students have full-time student status, it is possible to attend the On-Campus program as a part-time student. Note that part-time students will not be eligible for Graduate Assistantships.
Is there a time limit on completing the degree?
You have seven years from the start of your first course to complete your degree, however, we would encourage you to stay within the 2-year plan.
What happens if I drop out for a semester or two?
If you drop out for a semester, you must notify the Program Director and will need to apply to the Graduate School for re-entry.
Are there any classes that require special arrangements?
No.
Do I ever get credit for work experience?
Students who have work experience that pertain directly to this program may submit a request for one internship waiver to the SAA faculty. Students should contact the Program Director for more information.
How does the Online program differ from the On-Campus program?
The Online program will have a different curriculum because it is geared towards individuals currently working in a higher education setting. Also, the Online program will involve an Applied Project rather than a thesis or comprehensive exam.
What resources does UWL provide to help me as I go through the program?
You will have access to all the resources that our campus offers to all students including library services, advising, job search help, etc.
What types of jobs are available for graduates of the program?
Students in our program have found jobs in all aspects of student affairs in higher education. This includes positions in Admissions, Advising, Residence Life, Career Services, Multicultural Services, Student Centers and Student Unions, Financial Aid, Registrars Offices, Dean of Students Offices, International Education, and more.
What is your job placement rate?
Our graduating class of 15 students from the spring of 2006 had a 100 percent job placement in student affairs positions in higher education settings. The class of 2007 has had similar success with the exception of one student who is restricted to a specific area for personal reasons.
I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Please contact us if you still have questions. Contact us.
Admission/Enrollment
What are your admission requirements?
The requirements are as follows:
- Complete a Graduate School application
- Complete the SAA On-Campus Application form
- Submit a writing sample
- Submit a resume
- Submit 3 letter of recommendation from recent supervisors and/or undergraduate supervisors or submission of placement papers (if available)
- You must have a 2.85 minimum undergraduate GPA for admission to the Graduate School.
Note that you are not required to take the GRE and that no specific undergraduate major is required for admission to the SAA program.
What is the application deadline?
The priority admission deadline is February 1st for the following fall. All materials must be submitted before you will be considered for admission by the SAA Admissions Committee.
You must meet this deadline to be considered for a graduate assistantship.
What do I need to do to apply to the program?
Application is made online. Please visit the How to Apply page.
Do you accept any graduate credits from other programs?
Depending on the coursework, you may be able to transfer nine credits from other graduate programs. All transfer credits must be approved by the SAA faculty. For a course to be considered for transfer credit, the course must relate to a current SAA course.
Is there an enrollment limit?
Enrollment for the On-Campus program is limited to 15 students. A new cohort group is admitted each spring for fall enrollment. Generally, the admissions process is completed by mid-April for the following fall.
I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Please contact us if you still have questions. Contact us.
Financial
How much does the program cost?
Tuition information is available on the
UW-L Cashier's website.
How do I apply for financial aid?
For specific information, please refer to our Financial Info page.
I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Please contact us if you still have questions. Contact us.
Personal
Where can I learn more about UW-La Crosse?
Our Admissions Office website will provide you with a good look at UW-L and includes a virtual tour at www.uwlax.edu/admissions/
How will I find a place to live in La Crosse?
Your questions about accommodations in the area will be addressed during your interview process for admission to the program.
Once you have been admitted to the program, a student mentor will be assigned to you and will be able to help you with many questions including options for places to live in La Crosse.
What is it like to live in La Crosse?
Nestled between the bluffs and the Mississippi River, La Crosse is a beautiful university town that sells itself! We are just over a 2-hour drive from both Madison and the Twin Cities. Learn more about La Crosse and the area at www.explorelacrosse.com .