Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Postsecondary Educational Leadership and a specialization in Student Affairs is a 30-unit degree program.  Please remember that additional courses may be taken above the 30 units for professional development but only 30 units are applied to the official program.  All program requirements are listed in the Graduate Bulletin. 

1. Core Program (6-9 units selected from the following:
   • ARP 605 Postsecondary Education (3)
     Philosophy, history, aims, scope, function, outcomes, principles and challenges of postsecondary education. Emphasizes teaching and leadership in postsecondary education.
   • ARP 610 Educational Leadership (3)
     Concepts and techniques of leadership, analysis of factors and practice in the procedures of individual and group leadership as applied to educational environments.
   • ARP 620 Introduction to Student Affairs in Higher Education (3)
     Historical roots, diversification of institutions and students, and philosophical foundations of the field, guiding values, key legal principles and theoretical bases; functional areas with Student Affairs, their evolution, purpose, professional associations, standards and current issues.
     
     
2. Nine to twelve units selected, with the approval of the graduate adviser, from the following:
   • ARP 621 Theoretical Foundations of Student Affairs (3)
     Examines major theoretical systems in Student Affairs, including student personnel point of view, student development, and the student learning imperative.

   • ARP 622 Communication and Group Process in Student Affairs Leadership (3)
     Introduces students to four domains of communication and leadership: interpersonal, intrapersonal, small group, and organizational dynamics. Addresses assessment techniques and intervention strategies for each domain.
   • ARP 623 Seminar: Critical Leadership Issues in Student Affairs (3)
     Current topics and issues critical to effective leadership in Student Affairs, academic mission of higher education and creating supportive learning environments for students.
   • ARP 747 Educational Leadership in a Diverse Society (3)
     Current theory and practice in meeting needs of diverse learners. Leadership and administration of educational organizations s political, complex systems requiring consensus-building dynamics in a multicultural society.
   • ARP 680 Practicum in Leadership: Relationships & Communication (3)
   • ARP 730 Seminar in Adult Learning
   • ARP 740 Advanced Seminar in Administration, Rehabilitation & Postsecondary Education (3)
   • ARP 755 Governance & Policy Development in Learning Organizations (3 units)
   • ARP 760 Internship in Educational Leadership (3-6 units)
     Internship for prospective educational leaders.
     Internship Opportunities
     
     
3. ED 690 Methods of Inquiry
   Research methods in education. Location, selection and analysis of professional literature. Methods of investigation, data analysis and reporting.
   
   
4. Research: Three to six units selected from the following:
   • ED 795A-795B Research Seminar (3-3) or
     An intensive study in selected areas of education culminating in a written project.
   • ED 799A Thesis
     Preparation of a project or thesis for the master’s degree.
     Before graduation, each student must complete a Reflective Learning Portfolio to provide formative evaluation of the student’s experience.

For information on certificate programs available in addition to the emphasis in student affairs, visit http://interwork.sdsu.edu/irpa/

Each student may choose from comprehensive exams, a formal presentation of their learning portfolio, and/or research thesis in order to provide culminating evidence of student learning and professional competencies.