Student Affairs Administration (M.A.)

The Educational Administration – Student Affairs Administration program has three main focus areas – student development, university administration, and research. As a program we also maintain a theme of social justice throughout our courses in which we question whether current practices in higher education support all students and encourage students, staff, and faculty to try and find ways to support more students.

We have a theory to practice curriculum in which students are expected to apply the course materials into their day-to-day work at their assistantships.

Our program is unique in the fact instead of just having faculty focused on obtaining external research funding, we currently have two core teaching faculty members whose main role is teaching and advising. Our program also maintains a strong commitment to research and emphasizes social justice throughout the students’ time here.

Every year our program accepts average of between 17-20 students into our cohort. This number does vary depending on the number of assistantships available.

Yes, students take 85% of their courses in a specific order with their cohort. If a student decided not to complete a thesis there are two electives for them to take. Students who do not opt to write a thesis are required to complete a capstone paper or presentation to meet degree requirements as outlined by graduate studies.

No.

Applicant files are reviewed to see that the applicant has an understanding of student affairs and what they might reasonably expect to learn in the program. Faculty look for applicants whose interests align with the program goals. Academic potential demonstrated by prior grades, improvement in grades over time, quality of application, or other scholarly related endeavors are considered. Letters of recommendation may also speak to academic potential, so it is best to have at least one letter from a former faculty member addressing performance in some kind of academic course.

Since the program is designed to prepare students to work with a wide variety of college students, applications are reviewed to see that the applicant has a demonstrated interest in working with a diverse group of people. It is easier to learn about a variety of differences when people in the program have different backgrounds and experiences so how applicants bring different perspectives, identities, and experiences are part of what is considered. Lastly, since candidates are encouraged to hold a graduate assistantship, the applicant’s resume and ability to secure a position are evaluated. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have a mentor in student affairs, or a career services staff member review their resume prior to submitting the application.

Students who are admitted to the academic program are invited, typically in February, to interview for assistantships.

There will be on campus and virtual interviews in February 2022.

Most assistantships offer full tuition during the academic year with an additional 6 credits in the summer plus reduced cost health insurance and a stipend. Additional benefits are up to the discretion of the assistantship providers.

Graduate assistantships (GA) have occasionally been offered in Residence Life & Housing. Intercollegiate Athletics GA positions are typically for physical trainers and assistant coaches; Fraternity and Sorority Life often has one position. Students may also seek out internship or practicum opportunities in these areas if a GA position is not available. Availability is different year to year; sometimes there is not a vacancy so that particular assistantship may be offered in a different year.

Only if there is a live -in position in Residence Life. Stipends are intended to help cover housing and necessities, but it is not guaranteed that it will cover all these expenses.

No, we do not guarantee that you will get an assistantship if you interview. However, if you are admitted into our program we will work to prepare you for and connect you with assistantship opportunities.

Yes, two supervised experiences are required. One experience can be the graduate assistantship and this experience is completed during the academic year. The other internship experience is typically completed during the Summer, but students are free to schedule their internship at their discretion. An internship seminar is also offered in the summer to complement the internship fieldwork. Some students may opt to complete an additional internship as an elective.

In the past we have had positions in academic advising, career services, student involvement, multicultural services, retention programs, outdoor adventures, fraternity and sorority life, college recruitment, student support services, campus recreation, wellness, LGBTQA+ Resource Center, college prep programs, graduate and professional student service among others. Position availability changes from year to year.

Many students in our program have graduate assistantships which pay for tuition costs. These positions usually pay a portion of the health insurance. In addition, assistantships offer stipends that range anywhere from $1000/month to $1,500/month in order to help cover living expenses and student fees. On average, students are responsible for about $1,500 in fees each semester (fall and spring) and typically pay closer to $150 for the summer term. Depending on the assistantship, some positions will be available over the summer for work.

In addition, students will have the cost of books and other course related materials. The cost for books would vary from term to term but the cost averages out to be between $200-$400 per term, depending on the types of books required, where you buy your books, and your preferences on the condition (rental, used, new). Students are able to purchase a parking pass through the university. Cost vary depending on type of pass and the duration of pass (semester/9-month/annual) with a semester parking pass averaging anywhere from $104-$365. Cost are subject to change based on decisions made by the UNL Parking and Transit Services office and by UNL policy changes. For more information on costs, see the Graduate/Professional Tuition page.

As a program, we have about a 90% placement rate for our students who want to work in student affairs jobs after graduation.