Program Overview

The master's degree program in Student Affairs Administration at UW-La Crosse provides students with a thorough foundation in the theories and practices of higher education and allows them to concentrate on specific areas of interest within the student affairs profession. The SAA On-Campus program is geared towards students who have little or no professional experience in higher education or who would prefer a traditional on-campus learning experience. In addition, the internships and graduate assistantships provide opportunities to gain a broad spectrum of student affairs experience as well as enhance one's marketability when the job search begins. Working with experienced faculty (in your courses, internships, and graduate assistantships) who are currently working in a student affairs position is a hallmark of this 40-year old program at UW-La Crosse.

Our On-Campus students start their program in the fall and typically graduate in May after spending two academic years in the program. As a cohort program, our students go through the two years together. We do not offer On-Campus courses in the summer so many of our students use this as an opportunity to pursue work experiences on various campuses throughout the country. For example, this past summer we had students working at the University of South Carolina and the University of California-Santa Monica. In addition to all the academic benefits of our program and campus, the general consensus of our students is that the La Crosse community is a great place to live.

Our Online master's degree program was developed for individuals that are currently working in a higher education setting and who are interested in advancing their careers within the student affairs profession. In fact, our program may be the only totally Online student affairs master's degree program in the entire country! With a May start, students may graduate in two years by following a curriculum that involves two courses per semester with each course lasting 7 weeks for the first four semesters (this includes two summers). The final year includes a blend of the Applied Research course and the Capstone course with a focus on completing an Applied Project. Although this is a rigorous program, our Online students are telling us that a combination of high personal motivation and the support of classmates is crucial to making this work!

Working with experienced faculty, the Student Affairs Administration (SAA) Online curriculum provides a learning environment that encourages students to share their experiences about the realities of student affairs issues within universities, community and technical colleges, and other post-secondary institutions. The student interaction that is taking place within our courses combined with our faculty engagement is a strength of the SAA Online program. Because the program is geared towards individuals currently working in a higher education setting, students admitted into the program who are not working in a higher education setting will need to make a connection with a college/university to meet course responsibilities and complete an internship experience. Our new Online students start their courses in May together as a cohort group (they go through the program together) and can select either a two and three-year plan. Make sure to read through the FAQ's to understand how this program works.

UW-L Advantages

  • Learn from faculty who are current practitioners in the field — Directors, Associate Vice-Chancellors, etc.
  • Gain practical experiences via internships and graduate assistantships (On-Campus)
  • Benefit from fellow students' knowledge and shared campus experiences throughout the program (Online)
  • Apply content immediately to your job or graduate assistantship
  • The curriculum is practical and covers current issues in student affairs & higher education
  • Join a close-knit program and university community
  • Become a part of SAA alumni & friends connections all across the country
  • Join international opportunities that are currently offered and being developed for the future
  • Earn a master's degree from a prestigious program and UW institution

UW-L Graduate Studies Policies

The SAA program abides by the policies and rules as described in the UW-L Graduate Catalog. The Graduate Catalog provides descriptive and summary information outlining university rules, policies, services, course listings, and degree programs. The Graduate Catalog reserves the right to change any information at any time and without giving prior notice. Any changes may take effect as soon as possible when appropriate.  This may apply to SAA Curriculum changes that take place when the SAA Faculty deem appropriate.

Professional Ethics & Responsibilities

SAA Faculty adhere to the guidelines described in the UW-L Employee Handbook which includes policies, ethics, general business, career development, employee relations, and health/safety information.  SAA Faculty are also guided by the guidelines within the student affairs profession as indicated by professional organizations (NASPA & ACPA.

SAA Students adhere to the guidelines described in the UW-L Student Handbook also known as the Eagle Eye. For more information, students are encouraged to visit the Office of Student Life website.