Beginning in 1971 as the “Student Personnel Services” program, the Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) M.A. program has enjoyed a rich history at IUP and is one of the most widely recognized student affairs graduate preparation programs in the nation.
For thirty years the SAHE program has prepared students who wish to work as higher education professionals committed to supporting and enriching the personal and academic lives of college students and improving the administrative and educational functioning of student services offices.
The SAHE graduate program is designed for individuals interested in student affairs work in colleges and universities and professional schools in a variety of administrative settings such as admissions, housing and residence life, financial aid, student activities, Greek affairs, career services, minority affairs programs, orientation, and health services. The student body consists of recent college graduates, career-enhancers, and individuals seeking a career change.
The SAHE program provides students with in-depth exposure to theories, principles, and practices of the student affairs profession. A special emphasis is placed on the transition of theory to practice via structured assistantships and practica in student affairs or related offices.
A minimum of 42 credit hours plus the passing of a comprehensive exam (the equivalent of two academic years of full-time study) are required for the M.A. in Student Affairs in Higher Education. All students join a Fall cohort and either begin classes in the Summer or Fall.