Higher Ed/Student Affairs Graduate Programs

[jrlowkey]

Hello all,

I'm going into my 3rd year this coming fall and am looking into graduate programs. I've wanted to enter a Student Affairs/Higher Education Graduate Program since about halfway through my freshman year but haven't really solidified places to apply.

I have interests in transition programs for first year students (such as orientation, bridge programs between high school and college, and all aspects of first year advising - classes, picking the right major, learning about on campus resources, financial aid, general transition, etc). I also am interested in working with students from diverse backgrounds and minority groups across all 4 years. For the most part, I'd like to work in academic advising, academic success programs, or student programs and activities.

Any advice on where I should apply? Ideally, I'd like to stay on the east coast. Although I'm completely set on working anywhere after I complete a grad program, I am very interested in working and living in DC in the future (family lives near there and there are a lot of universities in and around DC) I've done research online and have found a few programs that I like (UVA, UMD, NYU, Columbia) but wanted to see if any other grad students/students currently in this field had suggestions. Advice is also welcome from anyone who is currently studying at these schools!

Thank you for your time and advice!

[michigan girl]

I would add Penn to your list. They have an outstanding higher education master's program (with a guaranteed graduate assistantship). It's also located close to DC where you won't be very far from your family.

[DanMcD]

Add UMass Amherst to that list (though I guess it isn't "coast"). They're program seemed absolutely amazing. Though if you are looking for more practitioner based it may be a bit disappointing given the research portion, but the academic side is very rigorous and social justice based, which is pretty cool. And everyone who wanted a GA eventually found one (and if you find one mid-late semester it's back paid in benefits because the union is excellent)

I am going to HGSE's program in the fall which is cool because it's a year long intensive program, and also has the President in Residence factor. The hard part is there are no guaranteed assistantships/internships, but there are tons of colleges in the area. I just got an assistantship at BU I can do while at Harvard that starts in August.

[jrlowkey]

Thank you guys for the advice!

Do you guys have any insight or opinions on one year vs. two year programs? Is there any benefit to finishing sooner or having more time in graduate programs, especially going in right after undergrad?

[michigan girl]

I waited two years before I returned for my first master's degree. This is the pros/cons:

1-Year Masters: Pro - Less student loan debt (varies), Con - Less Work Experience

2-Year Masters: Pro - More research/internship opportunities, Con - More student loan debt

If you have a lot of work experience at the undergraduate level, the 1-year master's route shouldn't be a problem. Make sure the 1-year master's program offers a graduate assistantship to cover costs and expenses.

[ZeChocMoose]

If you are coming right from undergrad, you are going to want a 2 yr program mostly to gain more experience. It would be sorta unusual for offices to value your undergrad work experience esp in academic advising. Undergrad work exp might fair better in student activities or orientation but those tend to be pretty popular areas in student affairs to get jobs (i.e you might be competing with people who have full time experience and a master's degree). Also pick your assistantship very wisely and make sure that you are getting some quality experience so you'll be marketable when you graduate.

Also I would look into programs that fully fund their master's students. There are a couple on the East coast-- UConn, UVM, UMD, etc. You can also look at partially funded programs but I would make sure that your loans don't exceed 30/40 K which would a typically entry level salary in the areas that you are talking about.

[jrlowkey]

Thank you for your advice! I'll definitely look into fully funded programs since I'm coming out of undergrad with debt already.

Another option I'm thinking of pursuing is to take a year or so off and work (hopefully something that will give my student affairs experience). Are there any pros/cons to not going straight into grad school? I work a lot with grad students and administration at my current university, and current grad students have advised me to try getting straight into school, so that I don't get distracted with work and "life".

Also, if it helps, I have a lot experience with various student activities on campus and I have close relationships with some upper administration at my university, some of whom have degrees in Student Affairs, Student Personnel, and Higher Education Administration. They will more than likely be the ones writing my letters of recommendation. Unfortunately, I have no real research experience, but have done basic work with grad students doing research and have helped with their papers, as well as attended a research conference. Does this give me an advantage going into this field? I ask this since I haven't taken the GRE yet and my GPA is not very strong due to some personal circumstances that occurred earlier this year, so I'm wondering if my experience will balance out my weaker areas when I apply.

[michigan girl]

Thank you for your advice! I'll definitely look into fully funded programs since I'm coming out of undergrad with debt already.

Another option I'm thinking of pursuing is to take a year or so off and work (hopefully something that will give my student affairs experience). Are there any pros/cons to not going straight into grad school? I work a lot with grad students and administration at my current university, and current grad students have advised me to try getting straight into school, so that I don't get distracted with work and "life".

I totally disagree. I waited two years before I entered graduate school, and it was invaluable experience. I dabbled in different areas to discover my niche. Sure, the economy is sour at the moment, and jobs are hard to find. Nevertheless, having relevant work experience in the field you want to pursue will enhance your career options and help you decide which areas you should avoid. You also run the risk of being underqualified for positions that desire a master's degree because you lack the required work experience. Sometimes, it's good to take a break from school to relax your mind and body. In my personal experience, I was so stressed out when I finished my senior year that I would have had a nervous breakdown had I continued straight from college.

[sw456]

I would add Penn to your list. They have an outstanding higher education master's program (with a guaranteed graduate assistantship). It's also located close to DC where you won't be very far from your family.

I am enrolled in this program and the guaranteed paid graduate assistantship by the priority deadline is a lie.