Master's Degree - Student Affairs

This Master of Science degree focuses on the development, administration, and evaluation of student affairs programs in postsecondary institutions, and on the study of student development theory and its application as a basis for working with college students. Students gain practical experiences relating theory to practice in three required internships in student affairs offices at Florida State University and at another institution of the student's choice. Practical experiences gained through graduate assistantships, other part-time employment, and internships are an integral and important part of the master's program. This non-thesis degree requires 45 semester hours of graduate credit and takes two years (including one summer) to complete. Synthesis papers on each internship take the place of a comprehensive examination.

The required courses include:

Higher Education

• Basic Understanding in Higher Education
• Program Financial Management
• Graduate Inquiry Resources
• Basic Descriptive & Inferential Statistics

Student Affairs

• Student Personnel Work
• Student Development Theories
• Practicum in Student Personnel
• American College Student
• Three Internships

Students also select two Higher Education electives and, in consultation with the advisor, a specialty (minor) of three courses outside the department:

Possible Higher Education Electives

• Legal Aspects of Higher Education
• The Woman Administrator
• University Continuing Education
• Postsecondary Survey
• Academic Leadership and Middle Management
• Institutional Advancement
• Outcomes of Undergraduate Education

Possible Specialties

• Arts Administration
• Communication
• Counseling
• Multicultural Issues
• Wellness
• Women's Studies

Admissions Requirements:

We require a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework; 1000 GRE (verbal and math) is preferred but we will consider an 850 GRE or higher. You will need to send us three (3) letters of recommendation - at least one of which should be from an academic reference who can speak to your ability to do graduate level work. We also require a letter of intent from you - one page statement of why you want to pursue this degree and your career goals.

Meeting these criteria is the minimum necessary to be considered for admissions but does not guarantee admission. We practice a "rolling admissions" policy which means that we will consider your application as soon as it is complete. For those seeking a graduate assistanship and/or scholarships or fellowships through the university, we recommend you have your materials completed and in our hands no later than february 1. Applications will be considered year around but opportunities will be limited.

Access Master's Student Handbook (pdf file).