Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education: M.Ed. - Master of Education

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements that apply specifically to this program are listed below:

• Record of academic achievement as evidenced through 3.0 GPA or better for the last two years of undergraduate study.
• Record of potential for academic achievement as evidenced through one of the following:
  • ​For applicants currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at the time of application: a recent writing sample;
  • For applicants who have graduated from an undergraduate degree program: an interview with program faculty and/or successful completion of courses in the program as a non-degree student prior to admission.
• Strong writing skills and clear professional goals demonstrated in the Statement of Purpose (typically 500-700 words)
• In your statement, please address the factors that have encouraged you to seek an M.Ed. from the UVA Higher Education-Student Affairs program. This is also an opportunity for you to describe your background, significant personal and professional experiences, important aspects of your academic record, and professional and/or further academic goals upon completion of the program.
• Excellent academic and professional references via two (2) letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, and/or professional colleagues.
• Resume outlining your professional or para-professional experience, leadership roles, experiences in undergraduate organizations, and/or volunteer work
• Given the accelerated nature of our one-year program, many of our applicants have professional experience in higher education or a related field.
• If not already part of the submitted materials above, the faculty may request a writing sample to round out an application.

Visit our Graduate Admission page for the full admission process.

Information for Current UVA Undergraduates
If you are a current UVA undergraduate, view our Information for Current UVA Undergraduates page for info on admission into this program.

Coursework

To learn more about specific courses taken as part of the completion of this degree, visit the graduate record website. These webpages represent the official repository for academic program requirements. 

The M.Ed. in Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education requires the completion of 34 credit hours. All full-time students in the program are encouraged to complete an administrative internship (see administrative internships tab for more information)

The program is designed to prepare students for success in entry- and mid-career level professional positions within a variety of postsecondary education contexts. The program emphasizes the integration of theoretical foundations, principles of practice, and reflective professional experiences.

Students work with their advisor to choose their own specialization within higher education. However, no matter the specialization, the M.Ed. program prepares students for professional practice in higher education by focusing on:

• Theoretical Foundation: An integration and application of the theoretical foundations of higher education; this may include economic, political, sociology, psychology, leadership, and organizational theory.
• Principles of Practice: Coursework that develops and refines core competencies for student affairs, general administration, and athletic administration work in colleges and universities and other postsecondary settings.
• Reflective Professional Experience: Professional internships that lead to successful work in specialized functional areas of higher education.