MEd in College Student Affairs Administration
Working as a college student affairs professional is challenging, rewarding, and always changing. The M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration offers theoretically grounded, experientially rich preparation for a career serving students in higher education.
Building on a legacy of more than 40 years as a leading student affairs program, the program offers an exceptional graduate experience based on a cohort model and taught by nationally recognized faculty. The curriculum focuses on student development and learning, and the connection of theory to practice. Learning takes place through traditional academic study and research, and through experiential activities including assistantships, practica, and internships.
Highlights
- Full-time, 2-year, cohort-based program
- Practicum and internship with nearly 500 hours of experience
- Graduate assistantships available
- Department consistently ranked in top three programs by U.S. News & World Report
- Six full-time faculty members, all with student affairs experience
Curriculum
As a College Student Affairs Administration student, you will learn skills in human development; interpersonal facilitation; group leadership; equity, diversity, and inclusion; assessment; and administrative principles. These capabilities will help you work more effectively with diverse college students in higher education organizations.
Your coursework makes up about two-thirds of your time in the M.Ed. program. You will also complete a practicum experience at UGA or nearby institution as well as a full-time internship. The internship takes place during the Summer at institutions across the country (and sometimes internationally). While you are not required to hold an assistantship as part of your coursework, most of our students have the opportunity to gain additional experience by working in student affairs areas within UGA.
Faculty assess your learning and development based on your academic performance, evaluations by site supervisors, and a comprehensive examination in the second year.
This program is two academic years with a Summer internship following your first year. Your coursework includes:
- Foundations of college student affairs administration
- Interpersonal and group facilitation and interventions
- Theories of college student development and environments
- College student affairs interventions
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion in student affairs
- Administration in college student affairs
- Legal issues in student affairs
- Program evaluation and outcomes assessment
Our Faculty
This program has five full-time faculty members, all experienced as practitioners, who devote their time to instruction. In addition, senior administrators in student affairs at the University of Georgia and other nearby institutions take an active role in your courses. Our program enjoys a close relationship with the UGA Division of Student Affairs.
Downloads
How to Apply
Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia
The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.
Start A Graduate School Application
Part 2: Apply to the M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration
To apply, please follow the steps below:
- All materials will be submitted through the Graduate School application process.
- Include in your graduate school application your statement of purpose and resume.
- You are free to choose the focus of your statement, but be sure to include your reason(s) for pursuing this graduate degree, as well as the values you hold and how you have enacted them. Additionally, what characteristics or perspectives will you contribute to a diverse cohort?
- Indicate in your graduate school application the email addresses for your references. They will be sent a link to submit their letters of recommendation electronically.
- Apply for graduate assistantships; the process runs separately from program application/admission and is coordinated by the Division of Student Affairs. More information about graduate assistantships .
Information about graduate assistantships, including applications and positions available next Fall, is available on the Student Affairs website . Please note that the assistantships require a separate application.
Note: Enrollment is limited to about 20 students to ensure a low student/faculty ratio. The application deadline is December 1st for admission the following Fall semester (students are admitted for the Fall semester only). Admissions decisions will begin after the initial application review. Some candidates may be asked to interview virtually, as well. An accepted students’ program will be held in February, as well as interviews for graduate assistantships. Virtual options will be available for both.
Also: Please note that when you initiate your application through the Graduate School (submit the online application and fee), an email will be sent to your references with a link to compete and submit an electronic reference. Be sure to apply early enough that your references have time to submit their recommendations prior to the December 1st deadline. If you wait until the deadline to apply, your references will be late and your application will be considered incomplete.
Deadline To Apply
- December 1
Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
A close working relationship with your advisor is key as you progress through your program of study. Please note that most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
Our students have a range of opportunities available outside the classroom as well, from professional organizations, experiential learning, clubs and other non-academic experiences.
See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process
- How many references are required for the application?
- Three references are required for the application. Ideally:
- One should be from a former college instructor who has had you in class or worked with you on research.
- Another should come from someone who has supervised your work or volunteer efforts in student services or a closely related area.
- Is the GRE required for admission?
- We no longer require GRE scores as part of the application. If you have already taken the GRE, you may submit your scores if you wish, but it is not mandatory.
- What are the application deadlines?
- The application deadline is December 1 for admission into the following Fall semester. We accept applications for Fall admission only.
- When are admission decisions typically made?
- Admission decision emails are usually sent out before the end of December. The exact date may vary depending on how long it takes the faculty to review the applications.
- Do I need to fill out the employment section if I’ve submitted a resume?
- Yes, you are required to complete the employment section and all other sections in the application portal, as well as upload your resume.
International Students
- What are the requirements for international students?
- For international application requirements, please visit: https://grad.uga.edu/admissions/requirements/international-applications/
Key points:
- Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the initial application.
- Official transcripts will be required if you are admitted and choose to enroll.
- English language proficiency requirements may apply (check the website for details).
Fees and Financial Aid
- Are application fee waivers available?
- UGA does not provide application fee waivers based on economic hardship. However, the UGA Graduate School offers a selection of fee waivers. Review the options here: https://grad.uga.edu/admissions/application-fee/
- How can I learn about assistantships?
- Many students have graduate assistantships in our Division of Student Affairs at UGA, and other offices outside the Division. For more information, visit: https://studentaffairs.uga.edu/graduate-assistantships/
Note: This page is typically only active during admissions season December–February.
Program Information
- Where can I find detailed information about the M.Ed. in CSAA program?
- Visit our program website: https://coe.uga.edu/academics/degrees/med-college-student-affairs-administration/
Here you’ll find information about:
- Program overview
- Program of study
- Financial aid options
- Admission requirements
- Can I connect with a current student or faculty member?
- We welcome your interest in connecting with our community. Please email us at csaa@uga.edu with your request, and we’ll do our best to arrange a conversation with a current student or faculty member.
Additional Questions
If you have any questions that are not addressed here, please don’t hesitate to contact us at csaa@uga.edu . We’re here to help!