Leadership: Student Affairs in Higher Education, MA

The MA in Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) is designed to develop transformational leaders in student affairs operations in colleges and universities. The weekend-based program occurs mainly on Saturdays, with integrated online professional development opportunities. It follows a hybrid model, featuring in-person classes one Saturday a month from 9 AM to 5 PM, with the remaining content delivered asynchronously. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values embedded throughout the curriculum. Leadership coursework is organized around foundational studies, professional studies, and supervised practice.

As an active participant in these programs, you will:

• develop as a leader through an expanded self-knowledge and worldview
• develop student affairs competencies and leadership strategies
• learn how to guide a professional team as you integrate data-informed assessment
• learn and apply foundational concepts, theories, and strategies for student success broadly
• explore the political and social implications of higher education
• examine and evaluate conditions for a diverse, democratic, and multicultural campus community
• acquire the confidence necessary to ignite and inspire others

Warren Bennis has written that "True leaders demonstrate a balance of competence, virtue, and vision." It is our mission to guide you in developing all three.

The program requires students to go through 36 credits of course work and fulfill 100-hours of practicum work.  Students are also required to submit a culminating portfolio. 

For details on the program's admission process, please visit the Admission Details page.

In summary, the following is required for admission to the SAHE MA program

• Application and fee
• Resume
• Personal statement
• 3 References (letter or rating form)
• Transcripts
• Interview (offered to all applicants)

If you are interested in participating in the GA selection process, please apply early.

Start Your Application

Occurring biennially, students have studied abroad in Ireland (2013, 2023), Italy (2015), London, Paris, Amsterdam (2017), and Japan (2018). Through the course, students visit a variety of higher education institutions in the host countries to learn about the administration of higher education, the practice of student affairs work, and local history, culture, and politics.

Travel Tour Experience (non-credit professional development)

The SAHE Travel Tour is a biennial domestic travel experience (non-credit) where SAHE students travel outside of Colorado to visit institutions and explore diverse professional opportunities. Since 2016, the SAHE program has explored the American Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah - 2016), Los Angeles (2018) and New Orleans tour (2020). As one student attested, "it was such a great experience getting to visit 3 different institution types and really feel how their vibes differed, and the different way that institutions support students."

SAHE Graduate Assistantship (GA) Opportunities

 An updated list of GA positions will be posted to this website periodically, so please check back to see updates. The following application materials will be required for the GA application.

• Please complete the application form.
• Name each file with your last name and document name
• Goals Statement with the following sections:
  • ½ -page single-space response: Why do you want to enter the field of student affairs and what impact do you hope to have?
  • 1-page single-space response: Describe your greatest strengths and how you apply them in work settings.
  • ½-page single-space response: What are your career goals in student affairs?
  • Any additional materials requested in specific GA position descriptions

Current GA Positions at UCCS:

• GA for the Office of Admissions: High School Enrollment Support Assistant
• GA for Strategic Enrollment Planning, and Admissions: Student Engagement and Outreach
• GA for the Office of the Dean of Students: Education and Outreach
• GA for Office of Dean of Students Office: Clyde's Cupboard

Note about Graduate Assistantship Expectations:

Graduate Assistant positions during your graduate program are a stepping stone into professional roles and responsibilities in the field of student affairs. GAs will be given experience and developmental opportunities through the practical administrative and student support experience. As such, students who choose to pursue a GA position during the SAHE program at UCCS are expected to prioritize the GA position as part of the learning experience.

See our current students at our cohorts page. 

Practical Experience:
A 100-hour practicum experience in higher education is a requirement of the SAHE program. Students choose a site based on their learning and professional goals. The SAHE program has strong connections to area campuses and recent students have completed their practicum at UCCS as well as nearby institutions, including Colorado College, Pikes Peak Community College, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University-Pueblo, the Air Force Academy, and Regis University.

Below are ongoing practicum experiences that are available to students. Students may also create agreements with other departments and other campuses based on their goals.

• UCCS Campus Connections Practicum Experience
• UCCS Campus Recreation Practicum Experience
• UCCS Career and Innovation Center Practicum Experience
• UCCS Alumni Office Practicum Experience
• Colorado College Campus Events Practicum Experience
• Pikes Peak State College TRIO Disabled Student Support Services Practicum Experience

Keep up with all things SAHE through our Newsletters!

Read our Newsletters Here!

Monthly professional development sessions are provided for students to prepare them for transitions during and after the SAHE program experience. These include:

• Mock Interview Night for Graduating Students
• Engaging in Professional Development and Professional Association Involvement
• Cover Letter Workshop
• Doctoral Student Panel
• Creating Inclusive Communities
• Transitioning from Graduate School
• Using Your Summer Wisely

See our current students.

Fall 2025 Program Announcement

The SAHE program is now a part of the Western Regional Graduate Program!
Students from 14 Western States* can receive in-state Colorado tuition rates when pursuing their Master’s in Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs in Higher Education at UCCS.

Summer 2025 Cohort Applications Due: March 15th
Apply as soon as possible for Graduate Assistantship and additional scholarship opportunities.

For additional information on the Western Regional Graduate Program, please contact Dr. Nick Fuselier (nfuselie@uccs.edu).

*Applicable States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Guam, and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Keep up with all things SAHE through our Newsletters!

Please follow the link below to read more about our alumni and their accomplishments. 

Alumni Highlights