Colorado State Introduces Online Student Affairs in Higher Education Master’s Degree, Available Fall 2012

Colorado State University OnlinePlus announces a new online Student Affairs in Higher Education master’s degree that prepares students for a career in student affairs through curriculum taught by faculty who are both scholars and practitioners of student affairs. Learning from other professionals provides a real-world perspective to coursework similar to what students will encounter in their careers.

“A Student Affairs in Higher Education master’s degree is a great way to launch or advance a career, since the large majority of student affairs jobs require a master’s degree at a minimum,” said Dave McKelfresh, SAHE graduate program chair.

The SAHE master’s degree teaches professional competencies needed to be successful in a wide range of settings on college and university campuses, including specific skills like student affairs theories, cross-cultural and diversity issues, current issues and practices in the student affairs profession, and administration functions and services. The degree also covers professional practice competencies that will help students function in an administrative capacity and increase their abilities to manage, communicate effectively and establish healthy and effective working relationships.

“The online SAHE master’s degree, developed from the successful and respected campus program, is a way for new and aspiring student affairs professionals to obtain this valuable degree with the same faculty and curriculum as our highly regarded on-campus program – at a distance and at their own pace,” McKelfresh said.

Students are required to complete 45 graduate credit hours, including two practicum experiences. Throughout the program, they will be compiling a portfolio that can be used as a final defense during the final semester. Although program duration depends on previous course work, intensity of study and course availability, this degree can be completed in three years if students take at least two classes per semester. Summer courses are not required but are an option. Students interested in starting the program in the fall 2012 semester should have all application materials submitted by March 1, 2012.

The program is looking for applicants from across the United States and around the globe who have a variety of background experiences from recent completion of a bachelor’s degree to some experience in an entry-level student affairs position to those with years of student affairs experience.

Those interested in learning more about this degree program can visit www.online.colostate.edu/degrees/student-affairs/ for faculty bios, course descriptions, registration dates and more. Contact Michael Macklin, OnlinePlus student engagement coordinator, at (970) 491-7583 with specific questions.

Colorado State University OnlinePlus programs and educational opportunities, offered through the Division of Continuing Education, support the University’s land-grant mission by providing quality graduate and undergraduate degrees, professional development training, certificate programs, online credit and noncredit courses and industry specific training online and at Learning Centers in Loveland, Denver and Brighton.

For more information about Colorado State University OnlinePlus, visit www.online.colostate.edu or call (970) 491-5288.

-30-