What Student Affairs Masters Programs to Consider?

[Ohiokid]

Hi all! 

 

I'll be applying for student affairs masters programs this fall that start in 2016. 

I realize this is a bit early, but was looking for advice on programs that have good reputations and are worth checking out. My goal is to narrow down the programs I am interested in, so I can do campus visits this summer. 

I'm currently in Ohio, but am considering programs nationwide.

 

Suggestions I have gotten so far include: Miami Univ. (Ohio), Bowling Green, Ohio State, Univ. of Maryland and Colorado State. 

 

Any others suggestions, opinions, or advice is greatly appreciated!!

 

 

[higheredhopeful]

It's a good idea to figure out what your specific interests are. Then you can go through the process of applying to schools and assistantships/internships with a focused mindset.

Are you strictly student affairs? Interested in policy? How about administration? What fields in student affairs?

 

Many schools I've noticed have their own niche in addition to the general higher ed/student affairs program. You can find this out by looking at the classes available for each school's program. Vanderbilt for example has an enrollment management track--so, good if you're interested in admissions. University of Southern California has several classes in sports administration and student athletes. NYU has an emphasis on international education.

 

What's almost as important as finding the school is finding the right assistantship. Schools will offer interviews for assistantships in all kinds of offices--Student Affairs, Dean's Office, Study Abroad, Multicultural Affairs, Admissions, Financial Aid, Career Services, Registrar, Student Engagement, Student Conduct, Residential Life, Academic Advising, Faculty Affairs, Student Life, Women's Center, etc. Read up on different departments on campuses and see what interests you so you have an idea of what to spend your time applying for. 

[Ohiokid]

Thank you for that thoughtful reply higheredhopeful!

What you said makes a lot of sense and brought up some new points for me. I hadn't been paying too much attention to each program's class lists.

One area I'm definitely interested in is admissions (with focus on international students if possible). Vanderbilt hasn't been on my radar since I frankly would like to avoid living in the south lol.

[LaDa]

I'll start UVM's program this summer and out of all the schools I looked at/applied to, UVM was the clear front-runner. If you're looking for a program with a strong alumni base, dedicated focus to social justice, and with a plethora of assistantships UVM is a program you should apply to.

Of course I'm biased now that I've committed to the program, but it's arguably the best HESA program that I've encountered. Maryland College-Park would be my second recommendation, but it was a more research/PhD focused program and that was a huge turnoff for me.

[Ohiokid]

I'll start UVM's program this summer and out of all the schools I looked at/applied to, UVM was the clear front-runner. If you're looking for a program with a strong alumni base, dedicated focus to social justice, and with a plethora of assistantships UVM is a program you should apply to.

Of course I'm biased now that I've committed to the program, but it's arguably the best HESA program that I've encountered. Maryland College-Park would be my second recommendation, but it was a more research/PhD focused program and that was a huge turnoff for me.

 

Congratulations LaDa!! Thats awesome news! 

 

I'll admit, I've been creeping on the social media accounts of the programs I've been considering and was very impressed by UVM. I could see myself fitting in there and was pleasantly surprised to see diversity in the students and faculty. How did you like Vermont and the university itself? I think I have a subconscious bias against schools that don't have a national "brand name" and therefore am not giving more thought to schools like UVM.

I couldn't find any social media accounts for Maryland's program, which fits in with your impression. 

 

If you don't mind me asking, what programs did you visit/apply to? What were your overall impressions and things that stuck out? 

Edited April 21, 2015 by Ohiokid