Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Psychology

Counseling - Student Affairs, Master of Education


Academic Information

This plan is appropriate if you are seeking graduate preparation in counseling with a specialization in student affairs within higher education.
  
Our plan is built on the philosophy that counseling is a foundation for student affairs work. When you complete this program, you are prepared for professional roles in student affairs positions in higher education.
  
This program meets the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) standards for professional preparation programs in student affairs, the counseling courses meet Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs standards, and with additional counseling coursework, the requirement for the national counselor certification of the National Board of Certified Counselors.

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Psychology

Counseling - Student Affairs, Master of Education


Careers

What Can I Do with a Master of Education in Counseling - Student Affairs?

If you have a desire for inspiring students to achieve career and life goals, and want to do so in a higher-education setting, earning a degree in student affairs counseling is the next step. Counseling is a good foundation for a profession in student affairs and you’ll be prepared for a job in student affairs at a college or university.
  
While courses focus on teaching and learning, innovation and technology, college student development, counseling, leadership, and diversity, you’ll also find opportunities to learn valuable skills through theory to practice opportunities in fieldwork and practicum in student affairs departments on campus. If you’re seeking an assistantship, they are available in departments like Residence Life, Multicultural Student Affairs, Student Life, Recreation Services, Academic Advising, and Academic Support. 
 

Career opportunities that might be pursued:

Entry and mid-level position on college and university campuses in:

  • Residence Life, student life, health, dining, recreation, career
  • Financial Aid
  • Admissions, orientation
  • Registrar
  • Athletics
  • Advising
  • International education, multicultural education
  • Disability services
  • Student activities
  • Development

 

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Dean of Students
  • Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Director of Student Affairs (residence life, student life, health, dining, recreation, career, financial aid, admissions, orientation, registrar, athletics, advising, international education, multicultural education, disability services, student activities, development)
  • Faculty in a College of Education
  • Residence Life
  • Counseling Psychologist in a university counseling center

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Psychology

Counseling - Student Affairs, Master of Education


University Requirements

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Psychology

Counseling - Student Affairs, Master of Education


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 48
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

Fieldwork Experience/Internship Required
Progression Plan Link View Program of Study

Purpose Statement

The Counseling-Student Affairs MEd is for students seeking graduate preparation in student affairs with an emphasis in counseling theory and processes. Our approach is built on the philosophy that counseling is a foundation for student affairs work. Students develop strong counseling skills, including the understanding and application of student learning and development theory. Coupled with a foundation in the historical, philosophical, ethical, cultural, and research foundations of higher education, and knowledge of organization and administration of student affairs, our students have the well-rounded knowledge and skills to be successful in a broad range of Student Affairs areas (residence life, multicultural affairs, student life, recreation services international education, athletics and academic advising).


Student Learning Outcomes

Foundational Studies: study in the historical, philosophical, ethical, cultural, and research foundations of higher education that informs student affairs practice.


Professional Studies: studies of basic knowledge for practice and all programs must encompass at least five related areas of study including (a) student learning and development theories; (b) student characteristics and effects of college on students; (c) individual and group strategies; (d) organization and administration of student affairs; and (e) assessment, evaluation, and research.

Student Learning and Development Theory:
Student Characteristics and Effects of College on Students
Individual and Group Strategies
Organization and Administration of Student Affairs
Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
Supervised Practice: A minimum of 300 hours of supervised practice, consisting of at least two distinct experiences, must be required. Students must gain exposure to both the breadth and depth of student affairs work. Students must gain experience in developmental work with individual students and groups of students in program planning, implementation, or evaluation; staff training, advising, or supervision; and administration functions or processes.

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Psychology

Counseling - Student Affairs, Master of Education


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Master's Requirements
Additional Information
More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Psychology

Counseling - Student Affairs, Master of Education


Campus Availability

More Information