Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs

Recognizing the breadth of possible experiences and positions within student affairs, the MA program in Student Affairs Administration is developed around the competencies of ACPA and NASPA, the two primary student affairs professional associations. The program conforms to the norms and standards found in the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education. There are 13 goals of the MA program:

• To understand and articulate the role of student affairs in the context of postsecondary education
• To reference historical and current documents that state the philosophical foundations of the profession and communicate their relevance to current student affairs practice
• To articulate the inherent values of the profession that are stipulated in historical and current documents in a manner that indicates how these values guide practice
• To understand complexities of diversity and inclusion as they affect higher education and student affairs
• To demonstrate the ability to use appropriate theory (e.g., student development, organizational, learning, leadership, etc.) and data-based decision making to assist institutions in accomplishing their missions
• To demonstrate a flexible capacity to use skill sets (e.g., technology, distance learning, communication, etc.) to deliver programs and services that engage students and foster student learning and development
• To analyze, understand, create, and/or modify learning environments.
• To use appropriate theory to understand, support, and advocate for student learning and development
• To assess learning and developmental needs and outcomes
• To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of student characteristics and collegiate environments on student learning and learning opportunities
• To demonstrate knowledge, skills, and awareness of resources necessary to design and evaluate effective educational interventions and/or programs for individuals and groups
• To demonstrate the ability to identify and appropriately refer persons who need additional resources
• To demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to apply a code of ethics or ethical principles sanctioned by a recognized professional organization.

The Masters of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration with a specialization in Student Affairs is designed to prepare students for a variety of student affairs positions in postsecondary institutions. The Masters of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs Administration is unique because it emphasizes social justice and service to diverse student populations at varying types of institutions in a student affairs context. The program consists of three parts, thirty (30) semester hours of graduate coursework (beyond the bachelor’s degree), 6 credit hours of practicum/internships completed over two semesters, and the completion of a Student Affairs Professional Portfolio (SAPP). Note that for professionals with 3 or more years of relevant professional work experience, one practicum/internship can be substituted with an elective or other research experience.

Both the program and portfolio have been developed around the competencies of ACPA and NASPA, the two primary student affairs professional associations, and conforms to the norms and standards found in the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education. The specific goals of the MA program have been developed out of these standards.

Admission Application Deadlines:

• January 15 - Priority deadline (Especially for those seeking graduate student funding)
• March 1 - Final deadline to submit a complete application

All application materials must be received by this date for consideration

Visit the Graduate School page to apply today!

1. Students must have received their bachelor’s degree prior to starting their coursework. Official transcripts of all academic work completed at a regionally accredited institutions of higher education must be submitted prior to matriculation.

2. Students are expected to have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better; if a student has a cumulative overall GPA between 2.5-3.0 but has a 3.0 or better for the last two years of undergraduate work, they may be offered conditional admission. Students should also have a GPA of 3.0 or better in any graduate study beyond the baccalaureate degree.

3. Three (3) official recommendations from supervisors, faculty, or professionals who can comment on and attest to the applicant's ability to engage in graduate level work. Note that recommendations can not come from family members.

4. International students, whose native language is not English, must provide a minimum TOEFL score of 590 PBT/97 iBT (scores approximately at the 75th percentile), or an IELTS score of 6.5, and demonstrate through the required written documentation and interview that they have requisite verbal and analytical skills needed to successfully complete the program.

5. A 2-3 page written statement explicitly outlining 1) applicant's professional experiences, including any relevant experiences in student affairs and higher education, 2) specific career goals in higher education, and 3) how achieving a master's through Morgan State University's program in higher education & student affairs will assist in accomplishing those career goals.

6. A current resume or curriculum vita, documenting professional experiences particularly as they relate to higher education/student affairs.

7. A writing sample, such as a course paper, publication, or research proposal abstracts. If applicant does not have a recent writing sample, applicants are asked to respond to the following questions in a 3-5-page well-crafted essay: What do you see as three (3) major trends or issues facing higher education and student affairs? What are the implications of these trends/issues for campuses (including students, faculty, staff, or other constituents)?

8. A personal interview with program faculty may be required.

Are you interested in Higher Education & Students Affairs but not yet ready to commit to an entire program? Or perhaps you're considering taking one or two courses to use your tuition remission benefits? Consider enrolling as a non-degree student! As a non-degree-seeking student, you can take 1 -2 courses toward a graduate degree without enrolling in the program. It's a great way to explore the field, grow as a professional, and expand your professional network. 

Note that non-degree-seeking students are not eligible to take courses in the summer or winter semesters. Only US Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible.

Learn more here. 

If you have any additional questions please email Dr. Virginia Byrne at virginia.byrne@morgan.edu

Our program offers three types of funding:

• Graduate Research Assistantships
• Graduate Teaching Assistantships
• Tuition Awards

Many of our students also leverage their Tuition Remission benefits from local institutions like the USM schools, JHU, or Morgan State. Tuition Remission is determined and coordinated by your institution. We encourage you to speak with your HR representative about how to use these benefits.