PROGRAM STATEMENT
The Educational Leadership Department in the School of Education, at the University of St. Thomas offers a Master of Arts Degree (M.A.) Leadership in Student Affairs. The Leadership in Student Affairs Master of Arts Degree was designed in a cooperative endeavor by practicing student affairs professionals from Twin Cities colleges/universities including Macalester College, the College of St. Catherine, Bethel College and Hamline University along with University of St. Thomas faculty who are convinced that dedicated, energetic, highly qualified leaders in students affairs are key to the vitality of higher education institutions.

The student affairs concentration is designed to provide master's level students with both a rigorous academic background and a comprehensive experiential background. This is accomplished by a combination of classroom learning and practical experience via the practicum and internship assignments. In addition, there is a practical research component designed to provide for an application of research skills and student affairs theory to everyday student affairs problems. Students completing the program should demonstrate the knowledge and skills that enable them to be leaders who engage in organizational leadership and systemic change; recognize cultural, economic and political contexts of higher education; contribute to a respectful learning environment sensitive to race, class, gender and special needs of learners; foster relationship-centered integrated learning; and deepen spiritual and ethical commitments.

Following the completion of this program, students will be prepared to work in a variety of areas including orientation, administration, registration, financial aid, residence life, recreation activities, student development, career placement, advising, learning support activities, Greek organizations, student activities, student programming, multicultural programming, counseling and other related services.

PROGRAM MISSION
The Master of Arts Degree Leadership in Student Affairs combines a theoretical approach with current best practice in preparing students to shape the future of student affairs practice, particularly in liberal arts, residential, values-oriented colleges and universities.

PROGRAM UNIQUENESS
Faculty, all with doctorates, in the educational leadership department and adjunct faculty who are vice-presidents, deans or in other leadership positions in area colleges and universities will engage students in relational theory-based and practice-oriented coursework. Faculty members have been selected for their knowledge, respect for students and skill as collegial teachers

NATIONAL STANDARDS
Meets ACPA Professional Preparation Commission Standards: YES
Meets CAS Standards:
Other/Comments:

APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Master's Application A completed application form. Official transcripts from regionally accredited colleges or universities of all undergraduate and graduate coursework transcripts must show completion of a bachelor's degree and a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75. If cumulative GPA is below 2.75, a Miller Analogies Test (MAT) preferred score of 45 or an equivalent Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is required. Three letters of recommendation from: o Academic advisor or faculty member indicating your potential for graduate study; o Supervisor in a paid or volunteer position; o Dean of Students or other student affairs professional who knows you well; A non-refundable application fee of $50 payable to the University of St. Thomas Deadline – January 15.

CURRICULUM INFORMATION

Program Required Hours: Master's - 38 credit hours

 

Master's Curriculum Foundations Leadership and Organizational Theory 3 cr. Community Research Design and Assessment 3 cr. Culture, Values and Ethics of Higher Education 3 cr. Feminist Perspectives on Leadership Communications, Conflict and Decision Making 3 cr. Is a thesis required? No.

Concentration Future Trends in Student Affairs 3 cr. Seminar in Higher Education 3 cr. Learning Centered Practice 3 cr. Student Affairs Internship I 3 cr. Student Affairs Internship II and Seminar 6 cr. Educational Management *two one-credit modules on special issues 2 cr. The Capstone Optimizing the College Student Experience 3 cr.

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Students in student affairs or higher education administration programs  (2003-2004):

	Total Number	# of Males	# of Females	# of Whites	# of Persons of Color
Master's	40	13	27	34	6
	% of part-time students	% of full-time students	% of students enrolled in the program who also hold some form of financial assistance (graduate assistantship, fellowship, tuition waiver, scholarship)
Master's	20	80	25

PROGRAM FACULTY - Faculty members with areas of specialization and percentage of time devoted to the program.

Dr. Kate Boyle, Director of the Leadership in Student Affairs program, coordinator of graduate assistantships and internships, learning centered practice (development theories), gender issues, graduate student development, leadership development and organizational leadership, current issues in student affairs & higher education, 100%
Ms. Jane Canney, University of St. Thomas VP for Student Affairs, Adjunct, student affairs administration and management, 15%
Dr. Tom Fish, Coordinator of graduate assistantships and internships, leadership development and organizational leadership, history and future trends in higher education, 50%
Dr. Brian Bruess, College of St. Catherine Dean of Students,  Adjunct, student affairs administration, future trends in higher education, 15%
Dr. Katherine Egan, diversity issues, 25%
Ms. Colleen Hegranes, College of St. Catherine Sr. VP, Academic & Student Affairs, Adjunct, student affairs administration and management, 15%
Dr. Jim Hoppe, Macalester College Assoc. Dean of Students, Adjunct, student affairs administration, future trends in higher education, 15%
Dr. Gar Kellom, St. John’s University VP of Student Development, Adjunct, student affairs finance and ethics of higher education, male college students, 15%
Dr. Sarah Noonen, leadership and organizational theory, 25%
Dr. Jennifer Robinson, College of St. Catherine Director of Institutional Research & Planning, Adjunct, student affairs assessment, 15%

Last modified 06/03/2005
Information submitted by: Cara Halgren; updated Kate Boyle

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