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

Colorado State University OnlinePlus is announcing a new online Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) 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 imparts 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 requires 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 and knowledge 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 on college campuses.

“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,” explained McKelfresh.

Students are required to complete 45 graduate credit hours, including two practicum experiences. Throughout the program, they will develop a portfolio to be used in a final defense during the last semester. Although program duration depends on previous coursework, intensity of study and course availability, this degree can be completed in three years if students take at least two classes per semester. Applications for the program will be accepted on a rolling admissions, first-come-first-served basis.

The program is accepting applicants from Colorado, across the United States and around the globe, coming from 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.CSUSAHEOnline.com for faculty biographies, 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.

 

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