Master’s in Higher Education Student Affairs Graduate Program
Study Advanced Administration Concepts With This Higher Education Student Affairs Graduate Program
The Master of Arts in Higher Education Student Affairs degree program at Grand Canyon University (GCU) can prepare you to position yourself for a possible career in student affairs administration at higher education institutions. Coursework is designed to teach graduates how student affairs administrators directly contribute to the social development, academic success and overall well-being of students.
You will be taught to manage resources and seek new opportunities that support the institution’s mission and vision. Within this field, a strong emphasis is placed on cultivating collaborative relationships with students, families, colleagues, school professionals and community members. These relationships may contribute to the promotion of a supportive, challenging and modern higher education environment, fostering student growth and facilitating professional advancement.
Graduates from this master’s in higher education student affairs degree program will be taught:
- Foundational knowledge that encompasses student development theory
- The history of student affairs, leadership, community and student engagement, organizational structures and processes
- Understanding of topics relevant to the major service areas within student affairs
- A focused knowledge of operations management, campus community, health and safety and crisis management
- Competence in areas of spiritual life, housing, legal aspects of student affairs and campus partnerships — comprehensive areas that affect impactful practices of an educational community and outcomes of individual students
Benefits of Earning a Master’s in Higher Education Student Affairs Degree From GCU
The master’s degree in higher education can be a great fit for professionals looking to have an impact within various student populations in postsecondary settings. Establishing and maintaining positive relationships through servant leadership is a focal point throughout the program, as relationship building helps better meet the needs of postsecondary students. In addition, you may have the opportunity to learn about crisis management and intervention, operational resource management, and laws and ethics; these subject matters can prepare you to make sound decisions within a higher education setting.
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Study Important Topics in Higher Education Student Affairs in This Graduate Program
In the College of Education, courses are led by professionals in their respective fields who share their knowledge and experience in all areas of higher education student affairs. Coursework from this student affairs program may cover course topics such as:
- Servant leadership
- Student development and student leadership development
- Building team culture
- Laws and ethics
- Managing operational resources
- Crisis management
- Community development and engagement
Career Opportunities for Higher Education Student Affairs Graduates
This master’s in higher education degree may serve as a step to potential career advancement for teachers and education professionals who wish to take on a leadership role at the administrative level. Graduates of this program may go on to pursue various education administration roles, including postsecondary education administration.
Master’s in Higher Education Student Affairs Degree FAQs
Read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about a career in student affairs in higher education and pursuing a higher education student affairs graduate program.
The higher education student affairs program consists of 32 total credits for completion. When completing the master’s degree in higher education student affairs online, the majority of classes are each six weeks in length. To come up with a specific timeline of completion for your program, fill out the form on this page to get in contact with a university counselor.
Graduate coursework is meant to challenge you to help you develop as a professional in your field. When working as a student affairs professional and with student development in higher education, there is a lot of information to learn, such as how to lead and help others develop. You may study topics such as laws and ethics, crisis management and culture and team building. While in your program, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification and specific examples to help you absorb the information to be able to apply it in your work.
Your specific salary will vary depending on many factors and the specific role you end up in, however, we can look at the median salary of education administrators for reference. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary education administrators had a median annual salary of $96,910 in May 2021.2
The study of student affairs provides an understanding of leadership as service to positively influence the educational community.3 By identifying student and organizational needs, student affairs professionals can develop goals, create and implement plans for achieving those goals, assess results and evaluate effectiveness and efficiency.4
Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for postsecondary education administrators to increase by about 7% from 2021 to 2031, as fast as average, accounting for an estimated increase of 15,500 jobs in the field.5
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLCommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Program availability varies and is not offered in all states or modalities. If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the “Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures” link for the specific program of interest’s website page for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c). Policy information is located in the University Policy Handbook on gcu.edu. Scholarship information is available on gcu.edu.
1 Candidates must have access to an institute of higher education to complete program assignments. GCU is unable to offer/guarantee practicum/field experience access to institutions of higher education.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Postsecondary Education Administrators, as of May 2021, retrieved on May 23, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as postsecondary education administrators. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
3 Best College Reviews (2022, Oct, 12). What is Student Affairs? Retrieved on June 2, 2023.
4 Professional Competencies Task Force (August 2015). Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators. NASPA.com. Retrieved on June 2, 2023.
5 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Education Administrators, retrieved on May 23, 2023.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Education. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
Candidates survey the responsibilities and functions of the departments of student affairs in a higher education setting. This survey includes developing a broad understanding of how foundational knowledge of the theories of student affairs apply to the functioning of student affairs on a higher education campus. Focus is placed on the scope and delegation of the functions of student affairs, and the responsibilities of student affairs professionals. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
In this course, candidates examine laws applicable to higher education, including HIPPA, FERPA, Title IX, and ADA. Coursework focuses on ethical application of laws and policies in the higher education setting as well as preparing to navigate ethical decision making in a Higher Education Student Affairs setting. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
In this course, candidates focus on servant leadership in the area of higher education student affairs, and examine how this connects to ethics, accountability, and being a responsible leader. Candidates will learn to lead with kindness, compassion and justice for the good of all stakeholders within the campus community. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course examines theories of student development and multicultural diversity. Candidates will develop programming to engage students in building and maintaining university community, and to promote individual self-efficacy that meets the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. Candidates will identify strategies to assist students in developing their worldview and personal potential.
Course Description
In this course, students will identify the legal, ethical, logistical, and psychological implications of student crises within the context of a Higher Educational setting. Candidates will learn proactive and reactive risk management resources and strategies to respond to student crises on campus and address the implications of student crisis specific to Student Affairs within the context of a Higher Educational landscape. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
In this course, candidates will develop strategies to model and coach student leaders, equipping them to engage their peers in building and maintaining healthy campus community. Candidates learn to effectively select and train potential student leaders, and provide opportunities for student leaders to participate in leadership experiences within the higher education community. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
In this course, students will learn how to ethically identify and utilize university resources while maximizing effectiveness within Student Affairs. Students will gain a working knowledge of how to advocate for needed resources and track expenses. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
In this course, candidates identify the importance of building effective teams stemming from a healthy organizational structure and emotionally intelligent culture in student affairs. Candidates initiate and participate in strategic team development for the benefit of student affairs, as well as the higher education community. Practicum/field experience hours: 26. Fingerprint clearance required. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: All previous coursework must be completed.
Course Description
In this course candidates will deepen their understanding of the structure of the university system, providing leadership to ensure effective application of initiatives that enhance and maintain the campus community. Candidates will collaboratively establish and maintain an effective educational environment and evaluate the effects of professional decisions and actions on students, families, and other professionals in the learning community. Practicum/field experience hours: 26. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: EDU-578.
Course Description
This is the culminating course in the Master of Arts in Higher Education Student Affairs. This course combines the information and skills presented in prior courses in the program. In a 48-hour on-campus practicum/field experience, candidates apply their knowledge and skills in a specific area or department within student affairs. Candidates have the opportunity to synthesize and practice what they have learned in the program. Emphasis is on critical thinking and problem-solving skills through leadership and collaboration. Practicum/field experience hours: 48. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: EDU-587.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.