Online MEd in Student Affairs in Higher Education

Program Overview

The University of West Alabama's online Master of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education program equips students with the knowledge and skills for leadership roles in postsecondary education. The program focuses on developing expertise in student affairs areas, such as advising, admissions, and financial aid. The affordable, fully online format and experienced faculty make the program accessible to working professionals and those seeking career advancement. The UWA Mentor Collective program provides one-on-one support, enhancing the online learning experience.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The online Master of Education (MEd) in Student Affairs in Higher Education program at the University of West Alabama (UWA) is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in postsecondary education.
• Objectives: The program aims to help students:
• Develop the knowledge and skills needed for success in postsecondary education.
• Thrive in leadership roles within higher education.
• Gain expertise in areas such as advising, admissions, financial aid, and more.
• Advance their careers in college and university settings.
It is designed for educators seeking a master's degree, those aspiring to become administrators or student affairs professionals, and professionals seeking career advancement in higher education.

Outline:

• Program Length: 1-2 years
• Credit Hours: 33
• Course Length: 8 weeks
• Cost Per Credit: $429
• Course Structure:
• Professional Courses (9 credit hours):
• ED 504 Techniques of Educational Research (3 credit hours)
• ED 506 Educational Statistics (3 credit hours)
• Choose 3 credit hours from the following:
• EP 500 Advanced Educational Psychology (3 credit hours)
• EP 506 Life-Span Development and Learning (3 credit hours)
• CO 506 Life-Span Development and Learning (3 credit hours)
• Concentration Courses (24 credit hours):
• SA 500 Theory and Philosophy of Student Affairs (3 credit hours)
• SA 501 Management and Supervision for Student Affairs Professionals (3 credit hours)
• SA 503 Introduction to Student Affairs (3 credit hours)
• SA 547 Counseling Multicultural Populations (3 credit hours)
• SA 581 Ethics and Law in Student Affairs (3 credit hours)
• SA 582 Assessment and Evaluation in Student Affairs (3 credit hours)
• SA 587 Current Issues and Trends in Student Affairs (3 credit hours)
• SA 589 Practicum in Student Affairs (3 credit hours) - Students must have completed SA 500 and SA 501 and passed a criminal background check before enrolling in this course.
The practicum can be virtual or in person.

Assessment:

• Program Completion Requirements:
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better in all program courses.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Administrator or student affairs professional in postsecondary education settings (e.g., advising, admissions, financial aid).
• Other roles in college and university settings.
• Opportunities: The program aims to prepare students for leadership roles and career advancement in higher education.

Other:

• UWA Mentor Collective Program: This program enhances the online learning experience by connecting students with mentors for one-on-one support.
• Background Check: Students must pass a criminal background check before enrolling in the SA 589 Practicum in Student Affairs course.
• Enrollment Counselor and Success Coach: UWA provides step-by-step guidance from an enrollment counselor during the application process and a personal success coach to support students throughout their program.