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 program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Access the Student Handbook for students starting before Summer 2025.

Access the Student Handbook for students starting in Summer 2025.

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
• 1 reference letter or rating form
• Transcripts
• Interview (offered to all applicants)

If you are interested in participating in the Graduate Assistant selection process, please apply by January 31st. For those not interested in a Graduate Assistantship, please apply by March 15th

Study Abroad Opportunities

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), New Orleans tour (2020) and San Diego (2024). 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."

Professional Development Sessions Offered on Campus

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

Practicum Opportunities 

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 Academic Advising Practicum Experience
• UCCS Campus Connections Practicum Experience
• UCCS Campus Recreation Practicum Experience
• UCCS Career and Innovation Center Practicum Experience
• UCCS Pre-Collegiate Program Practicum Experience
• UCCS Alumni Office Practicum Experience
• Campus Recreation Graduate Student Practicum Experience
• Colorado College Campus Events Practicum Experience
• Colorado College CCE Practicum Experience
• Colorado College Summer Programs & College Access Practicum Experience
• Pikes Peak State College TRIO Disabled Student Support Services Practicum Experience

SAHE Graduate Assistantship (GA) Opportunities

Application Due Date: Friday, February 21st, 2025. Check back in January for the most up to date positions posted.

 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.

• Fill out the following form before Friday, February 21st, 2025
• 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

Additional Important Dates:

• Reserve Friday, March 7th, 2025, from 12-5 pm MST for GA Interviews, which will be conducted virtually.

Current GA Positions at UCCS:

• Graduate Assistant – Admissions and Enrollment Specialist
• Clyde’s Cupboard Graduate Assistant
• Graduate Assistant Residence Life and Housing  

Current GA Positions at Other Institutions: 

• Pikes Peak State College: Graduate Assistant for Academic Advising 
• Metropolitan State University of Denver: Graduate Assistantship Position Description

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.

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. Phillip Morris at pmorris@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.