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School of Education
College of Health and Human Sciences

M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education

Earn a Master's in Student Affairs at Colorado State

Put theory to practice with a master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Colorado State University. After completing this program, you’ll be equipped for an impactful career in student affairs at institutions of higher learning.

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Why SAHE?

  • 100% job placement rate – Each year, 100% of our graduates find employment related to their degree.
  • Small classes – Learn in a small and tight-knit community of peers to enrich your academic and personal experience in the program.
  • Practicum opportunities – Apply your newfound knowledge in a real-world setting with 2 credits of embedded practicum.
  • Scholar-practitioner faculty and instructors – Learn about the latest in theory and practice from education researchers and administrators at Colorado State University.
  • Submit to the SAHE Journal – Practice writing and submitting scholarly articles, and develop editorial skills and critical thinking through our student-produced journal.

Flexible Program Options

On-Campus Program

This a highly competitive on-campus program characterized by small cohorts of 15-20 students and on-campus assistantship opportunities.

Classes: In-person, full-time

Scheduling: Synchronous, weekly in-person classes

Cohort Model: Yes

Number of Semesters: 4

Summer courses required: No

GRE required: No

Online Program

The online program offers convenience for students who need more flexibility and/or prefer an online learning experience.

Classes: Online, administered through CSU Online

Scheduling: Asynchronous, weekly self-paced work

Cohort Model: No. Start fall, spring, or summer semester

Number of Semesters: Minimum 6 depending on course load

Summer courses required: Yes

GRE required: No

Values

Our program is aligned with the ACPA, NASPA, and CAS Professional Competencies for Student Affairs Educators.

Intellectual Curiosity

Faculty encourage critical thought by providing situations with multiple correct solutions and help students refine why a particular response was selected.

Social Justice and Inclusion

Creating and nurturing inclusive environments to value and affirm all members of our community is a cornerstone of the SAHE program. As higher education leaders, we are responsible for working towards ensuring laws, policies, and procedures promote equity and justice.

Theory-to-Practice

Our scholar-practitioner faculty synthesize academic knowledge and research with practical day-to-day knowledge of the operation of a university to provide a holistic education to our students.

Reflection and Self-Awareness

Students are supported and challenged throughout their experience. Students complete self-assessments and work alongside their advisers, mentors, and supervisors to ensure they can demonstrate competencies gained through the program.

Not ready to pursue a degree? Graduate Certificates

Student Affairs Administration

This four-course, 11-credit series is designed to build your skills and knowledge in designing programs that help college students realize their learning and development potential through on-campus experiences.

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Campus Crisis Management

This customizable five-course, 15-credit series is designed to equip you with practical skills needed to prepare for and manage crisis situations and to contribute to and shape crisis management plans.

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Learn more On-Campus SAHE Program

Learn what makes SAHE at CSU special.

Learn more about SAHE
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  • 24+ countries Global alumni
  • 1000+ SAHE alumni
  • Average cohort size 24

Program Resources

How to Apply

Our graduate programs have slightly different application requirements. Get all the details for your application here.

How to Pay for Graduate School

There are a number of funding opportunities available for our graduate programs.

Career Opportunities

Learn how your graduate degree will lead to your next career.

SAHE Program News

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