M.Ed. in Student Affairs in Higher Education - Administration

Program Overview

The M.Ed. in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Kutztown University is a 36-credit program that can be completed full-time in two years or part-time at the student's pace, offering flexibility for working professionals. The program is tailored for individuals seeking careers in administrative positions on college and university campuses, encompassing diverse areas such as admissions, athletics, career services, financial aid, housing and residence life, international student affairs, and judicial services. A key distinguishing feature of Kutztown's program is the integration of two distinct internship opportunities within the curriculum. These internships provide hands-on experience, allowing students to explore various aspects of campus operations and discover where their passions and skillsets align, providing invaluable practical exposure beyond typical graduate assistantships. The program is deeply rooted in the objectives of leading professional associations like ACPA, NASPA, and CAS, ensuring its curriculum is aligned with current best practices in student affairs.

Curriculum: The 36-credit curriculum for the M.Ed. in Student Affairs in Higher Education is meticulously structured to cover essential competencies for higher education administration. It is typically divided into three main areas: Foundation Studies (6 credits), Professional Studies (24 credits), and Supervised Practice (6 credits). Foundation Studies often include courses that provide a broad understanding of the values, philosophy, and history of the student affairs profession. Professional Studies delve into critical areas such as assessment, evaluation, and research methodologies ("STAF 588 Assessment and Evaluation in Student Affairs and Higher Education" and "STAF 589 Practical Applications of Research Methods in Higher Education"), law, policy, and governance within higher education, and principles of leadership and social justice. The program also focuses on developing advising and supporting capacities, including individual interventions, group dynamics, and conflict management. Supervised Practice comprises the two crucial internship experiences, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world higher education settings. All courses are designed to address specific competency areas outlined by professional student affairs organizations.

Research Focus: The M.Ed. in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Kutztown University places a significant emphasis on assessment, evaluation, and research (AER) as fundamental tools for informing professional practice. Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding and ability to design, conduct, critique, and utilize various AER methodologies. This research focus is integrated into the curriculum through dedicated courses such as "STAF 588 Assessment and Evaluation in Student Affairs and Higher Education" and "STAF 589 Practical Applications of Research Methods in Higher Education." While the program description does not explicitly state a thesis requirement, the strong emphasis on practical application of research, assessment, and evaluation suggests that students will engage in data-driven decision-making and potentially undertake applied research projects during their coursework and internships. This prepares graduates to analyze campus data, evaluate program effectiveness, and contribute to evidence-based practices in student affairs.

Industry Engagement: Kutztown University's M.Ed. in Student Affairs in Higher Education program demonstrates robust industry engagement through its curriculum and practical components. The program's design, which includes two integral internship opportunities, is a direct response to the need for hands-on experience in the field. These internships allow students to gain practical experience across various functional areas of higher education institutions, directly applying their academic learning to real-world scenarios. The program also benefits from an ever-expanding network of successful alumni, cultivated over more than 30 years, providing valuable networking opportunities for current students. Furthermore, the curriculum is aligned with professional competencies outlined by leading associations like ACPA, NASPA, and CAS, ensuring that graduates meet industry standards and are prepared for professional practice in student affairs. This direct engagement with the higher education industry makes graduates highly competitive for administrative roles upon completion of the program.

Global Perspective: While the core of the M.Ed. in Student Affairs in Higher Education program at Kutztown University is rooted in the American higher education system, it inherently incorporates a global perspective through its emphasis on social justice and inclusion. Students are trained to develop an awareness and understanding of issues of oppression, privilege, and power, and their manifestations, and the impact they have on interactions with diverse populations. This focus extends to understanding social justice and advocacy-oriented practices and skills, which are crucial for serving an increasingly diverse and international student body. Although specific courses explicitly detailing global higher education systems are not prominently highlighted, the program's commitment to creating a safe, equitable, and accessible campus for all learners implicitly prepares graduates to work with students from various cultural backgrounds and to understand the complexities of a globalized educational environment. Faculty involvement in broader research, as evidenced by publications that address global and political challenges in counseling, also suggests a broader intellectual environment that considers international contexts.