Student Affairs in Higher Education Graduate Program

Applications for the student affairs in higher education (SAHE) graduate program are not being accepted for the 2025-26 academic year.

Applications for the 2026-27 academic year will be accepted beginning early September 2025.

Register for a virtual info session

Why study student affairs in higher education at Missouri State?

Dr. Gilbert Brown and Dr. George Kuh promote the student affairs program to their audience during Graduate Recruitment Weekend.

Study with top leaders in the field

Take classes with a cohort of your peers taught by student affairs professionals and senior campus administrators who bring award-winning research and teaching and decades of experience to the classroom.

Gain skills studying problems that matter

Fulfill our required 4-course assessment, evaluation and research sequence to develop competencies that are in high demand. Complete multiple projects with mentorship for publications and presentations.

Two staff members work in the Multicultural Center. One is using a tablet, and the other sits behind a desk with student resource pamphlets.

Learn while you earn

Significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses with a graduate assistantship and apprenticeship and gain paraprofessional experience directly related to your degree. Join 100% of our full-time students who are graduate assistants (GA) on campus.

A student carries a folder as she talks to professionals during the Career Expo.

Stack credentials and be more competitive

Earn a graduate certificate to enhance your expertise in a related field. Stand out from other graduates by expanding your knowledge with a credential in College Teaching.

Earn credentials for a rewarding career

A student affairs in higher education degree opens the door to a variety of jobs in academia.

Typically, graduates pursue roles in administration (policy and management), admissions (recruitment and retention), student engagement (campus life), student development (counseling and support) and other higher education services.

More specifically, you could find roles as a(n):

Academic advisor
Admissions counselor
Athletic program advisor
Career counselor
Community engagement coordinator
Compliance and Title IX coordinator
Dean of students
Director of student activities
Diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator
Financial aid officer
Mental health and wellness counselor
Residence life coordinator
Student activities coordinator
Student affairs administror (director, vice president)
Study abroad coordinator

Pay

$102,610

Average annual pay for postsecondary education administrators in 2023

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job outlook

Projected job growth for postsecondary education administrators in 2023-33.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Build your qualifications in a fulfilling career field.

Study student affairs in higher ed

Meet current and former SAHE students

Reagan M.

"Is there any way I can invest myself in supporting students without teaching?"

"'The answer was a career in student affairs,' he said...What drew him to Missouri State was the faculty and the opportunity for professional development. He notes he continues to experience positive, personal relationships with his professors."

Reagan Mulungi Mwenyi, Current Student from Cohort 17

EdD Student at Missouri State University (begining Fall 2025)

LEARN MORE ABOUT REAGAN

Jemimmah N.

"I was excited about the idea of setting a foundation of excellence for new students."

"Orientation is important as it is the student's first real experience with the university... I wanted to be part of this beautiful story for every freshman and family who comes to Missouri State University."

Jemimmah Namodi, Alumnus from Cohort 15

Current PhD student at Iowa State University

LEARN MORE ABOUT JEMIMMAH

Harry R.

"To me, student affairs involves holistic student support."

"More than seeing a student through the lens of academics (although that is very important), I want to be there to support students in whatever aspect of their lives they need."

Harry Riel, Alumnus from Cohort 14

LEARN MORE ABOUT HARRY

Logan E.

"My interest in serving students began during my freshman year."

"It was then that I realized I have a true passion for serving others, and ensuring that all consumers, students, and people I interact with in my work deserve to have a pleasant experience. I started getting more involved and realized the exact people I love helping the most are college students."

Logan Elliott, Alumnus from Cohort 13

Current Vice President for Student Life, Dean of Students, and Title IX Coordinator at Blackburn College

LEARN MORE ABOUT LOGAN

Andrea H.

"I chose Student Affairs because I believe in creating environments where every student can truly thrive — not just survive."

"I'm passionate about fostering a sense of belonging, academic engagement, and overall well-being so that students feel empowered to lead meaningful, purpose-driven lives. Missouri State's SAHE program gave me the foundation to turn these values into action, and now, in my role as Indiana University's director for student wellness and well-being, I remain committed to using evidence-based practices to help students flourish."

Andrea Halpin, Alumnus from Cohort 11

Current Director for Student Wellness and Well-Being, Indiana University

LEARN MORE ABOUT ANDREA

Graduate Recruitment Day (GRD)

Visit us on campus or virtually

Join us on campus or via Zoom to learn more about the program. You'll get to try out a class, meet faculty and current students, and interview with graduate assistant supervisors.