Master of Arts degree in Postsecondary Educational Leadership and Student Affairs
This master's program is designed for student affairs practitioners—those who want to commit to supporting students through their college experiences from compassionate, culturally competent, and holistic perspectives. The program emphasizes integration of curricular and co-curricular learning, responsible practice of leadership in a justice-centered and global environment, and student learning centeredness.
The program utilizes leadership theories to educate students to become savvy consumers of policy, practice, and research to apply ethical, evidence-based decision-making to promote access, equity, inclusion, justice and quality student development and learning.
Quick Program Facts
Program Focus
Student learning and
development
Format
Face-to-face, on-campus
Cost of Attendance
Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Program Length
2 years (full-time)
2 ½-3 years (part-time)
Capstone Requirement
Reflective Learning Portfolio
Credits Required to Graduate
36
Faculty to Student Ratio
10:1
Average Cohort Size
20 students
Average # of Applicants/Year
100
Professional Development: Graduate Assistantships Available
Download
Program Fact Sheet
Mission
We aspire to prepare compassionate and competent educational leader-practitioners who advocate for institutional equity and support the holistic success of students within postsecondary education.
Program Goals
The Postsecondary Educational Leadership with a specialization in Student Affairs (PELSA) Program is committed to supporting students by preparing them to:
- Enter and advance in entry-level careers.
- Become grounded in the theoretical foundations of student learning, development, and success.
- Apply theory to practice to positively influence student success.
- Embody equity-mindedness, social justice, and mindful, compassionate leadership to transform educational contexts.
View curriculum and degree learning outcomes.
Announcements
Fall 2024 Admissions
SDSU will begin accepting applications for fall 2024 on October 1, 2023.
Contacts
Contact us and let us know how we can help you.
General Questions
Brayan Astorga (he/him/his/él)
Contact Brayan for general inquiries, to arrange a meeting with faculty or current students, or to sit in on a class.
Admissions
Stephanie Kearney
Contact Stephanie for admissions inquiries including application deadlines, requirements, and materials.
Faculty Director
Marissa Vasquez, Ed.D. (she/her/hers)
Program Director and Graduate Adviser
For any other inquiries, contact the program faculty director.