Student Affairs in Higher Education Graduate Program - School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies - Colleg

Student Affairs in Higher Education Graduate Program - School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies - College of Education - Missouri State
School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies
Student Affairs in Higher Education Graduate Program
Enhance student success
Get ready for a promising career as a scholar-practitioner.
Gain practical experience using theory and research to engage, support, and retain
college students.
Apply now
Review requirements
Applications for the Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) M.S. program are now
being accepted for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Attend a virtual info session
On Demand
Thurs., Nov. 13th at 11am
Wed., Jan. 7th at 1pm
Thurs., Feb. 12th at 1pm
Why study student affairs in higher education at Missouri State?
Study with top leaders in the field
Take classes with a cohort of your peers taught by
student affairs professionals and senior campus administrators
who bring award-winning research and teaching and decades of experience to the classroom.
Gain skills studying problems that matter
Fulfill our required 4-course
assessment, evaluation and research
sequence to develop competencies that are in high demand. Complete multiple projects
with mentorship for publications and presentations.
Learn while you earn
Significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses with a
graduate assistantship
and apprenticeship and gain experience directly related to your degree.
Stack credentials and be more competitive
Earn a graduate certificate to enhance your expertise in a related field. Stand out
from other graduates by expanding your knowledge with a credential in
College Teaching
Choose the Best Degree Path for You
We offer two degree plans to provide the pace that works for your needs.  This means
flexibility to earn your master's in two years as a full-time student or spread your
coursework over three years if part-time studies are a better fit for your busy lifestyle.
Courses may be completed in person or via synchronous online instruction.
Earn credentials for a rewarding career
A student affairs in higher education degree opens the door to a variety of jobs in
academia.
Typically, graduates pursue roles in
administration
(policy and management),
admissions
(recruitment and retention),
student engagement
(campus life),
student development
(counseling and support) and other higher education services.
More specifically, you could find roles as a(n):
Academic advisor
Admissions counselor
Athletic program advisor
Career counselor
Community engagement coordinator
Compliance and Title IX coordinator
Dean of students
Director of student activities
Diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator
Financial aid officer
Mental health and wellness counselor
Residence life coordinator
Student activities coordinator
Student affairs administrator (director, vice president)
Study abroad coordinator
Pay
$102,610
Average annual pay for postsecondary education administrators in 2023
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job outlook
3%
Projected job growth for postsecondary education administrators in 2023-33.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Build your qualifications in a fulfilling career field.
Study student affairs in higher ed
Meet current and former SAHE students
Reagan M.
"Is there any way I can invest myself in supporting students without teaching?"
"'The answer was a career in student affairs,' he said...What drew him to Missouri
State was the faculty and the opportunity for professional development. He notes he
continues to experience positive, personal relationships with his professors."
Reagan Mulungi Mwenyi, Current Student from Cohort 17
EdD Student at Missouri State University (beginning Fall 2025)
LEARN MORE ABOUT REAGAN
Jemimmah N.
"I was excited about the idea of setting a foundation of excellence for new students."
"Orientation is important as it is the student's first real experience with the university...
I wanted to be part of this beautiful story for every freshman and family who comes
to Missouri State University."
Jemimmah Namodi,
Alumnus from Cohort 15
Current PhD student at Iowa State University
LEARN MORE ABOUT JEMIMMAH
Harry R.
"To me, student affairs involves holistic student support."
"More than seeing a student through the lens of academics (although that is very important),
I want to be there to support students in whatever aspect of their lives they need."
Harry Riel,
Alumnus from Cohort 14
LEARN MORE ABOUT HARRY
Logan E.
"My interest in serving students began during my freshman year."
"It was then that I realized I have a true passion for serving others, and ensuring
that all consumers, students, and people I interact with in my work deserve to have
a pleasant experience. I started getting more involved and realized the exact people
I love helping the most are college students."
Logan Elliott,
Alumnus from Cohort 13
Current Vice President for Student Life, Dean of Students, and Title IX Coordinator
at Blackburn College
LEARN MORE ABOUT LOGAN
Andrea H.
"I chose Student Affairs because I believe in creating environments where every student
can truly thrive — not just survive."
"I'm passionate about fostering a sense of belonging, academic engagement, and overall
well-being so that students feel empowered to lead meaningful, purpose-driven lives.
Missouri State's SAHE program gave me the foundation to turn these values into action,
and now, in my role as Indiana University's director for student wellness and well-being,
I remain committed to using evidence-based practices to help students flourish."
Andrea Halpin,
Alumnus from Cohort 11
Current Director for Student Wellness and Well-Being, Indiana University
LEARN MORE ABOUT ANDREA
Explore degree options
Earn your degree on the path that works best for you. Review the
program requirements
for the exact courses you need to take.
Use a sample plan below as a guide for your overall schedule.
Two-Year Degree Plan
Three-Year Degree Plan
Plan for success
Scholarships and financial aid
Find support for your education
Specialization
Earn a graduate certificate
Student resources
Explore campus services
Advisement
Find academic help and guidance
Get connected
Graduate assistantships
Practice what you know
Faculty and staff
Meet the faculty
Student opportunities and services
Get involved on and off campus
Alumni resources
Stay in touch with your alma mater