The Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) Student Affairs Administration (SAA) master’s degree program at Michigan State University provides future student affairs professionals the knowledge and skills to work with students and to cultivate educational environments promoting diversity and multiculturalism.
In the MSU SAA M.A. program, we believe higher education has not achieved equity for all groups, and part of our responsibility in the student affairs profession is to move higher education closer to equity and justice. We also acknowledge and celebrate the multiple, intersecting identities of students, instructors, and program staff. Therefore, within the program, we aspire to create an inclusive environment that supports individual and community learning in the context of a sense of belonging and commitment to the holistic development of individuals and our community.
We do this work by embodying critical considerations of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) across curricular and practical experiences. Looking outward to MSU, the field of student affairs, and the higher education ecosystem, we aspire to create and undertake educational experiences that equip SAA graduates to take up the challenges, injustices, and opportunities of higher education.
Connect with SAA
Prospective Students
Prospective students interested in applying to the SAA M.A. program should visit our Application Information webpage to review application requirements, the application deadline, and learn more about our program.
What Our Students and Partners Say About Us
Emily Gerber, SAA Outreach & Recruitment Coordinator, SAA M.A. Class of 2025
"Being a Spartan in the College of Education means being part of an incredible community of students, faculty, and staff. As a graduate student in the SAA M.A. program at Michigan State, I have had the opportunity to both learn theory from world-class faculty and gain experience as a student affairs practitioner. The SAA program has equipped me and my classmates to not only contribute to higher education scholarship and practice as it exists today but also to consider how we can enact transformational change in higher education and student affairs."
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Vennie Gore, Executive Vice President for Administration
“For more than 70 years, the Michigan State University Student Affairs Administration program has led the field in preparing future Student Affairs professionals. Faculty, comprised of leading scholars in the field, provide graduates with a solid foundation to be top-notch practitioners. The Division of Student Life & Engagement provides graduate assistantships and practica experiences to enhance the classroom learning experience. We believe our graduates are prepared to be leaders, scholars, and contributors to advancing knowledge and transforming lives.”
What SAA Faculty Say About Teaching Future Professionals
Dr. Patricia Marin, Associate Professor & Director, SAA M.A.
"Teaching graduate students as they prepare for a career in student affairs provides eternal hope that we can…and must…be better as a field and as student affairs educators."
Dr. Kristen Renn, Professor
"One of the best parts of my job is the opportunity to see the future of the field in and through the students in MSU SAA. And that future is BRIGHT!"
Dr. Matt Wawrzynski, Professor, Coordinator, Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education Graduate Certificate
“One of the important roles I play is helping SAA graduate students to understand they don’t just make a difference in the lives of students, they ARE the difference. Student affairs professionals do exceptionally valuable work to make a difference in the lives of college students who, in turn, will change the world.”
Dr. Justin A. Gutzwa, Assistant Professor
“I love working alongside the many talented student affairs professionals in the SAA program to reimagine how we can collectively transform colleges and universities into equity-minded, liberatory communities of learning.”
Dr. Kenya Messer, Assistant Professor
“Working with future scholars and practitioners of the profession gives me a renewed sense of hope and promise for our colleges and universities and the students and communities they will serve.”
Among the Best
Focus on Theory-To-Practice
Our program helps students connect theory-to-practice through immersive field experiences, teaching and research opportunities, invited speakers, and more.
Robust Network of Alum
SAA M.A. alums work in student affairs and higher education across the globe. SAA M.A. alums can keep connected by updating their contact information on MSU’s Alumni Office website.
Meet Professor and Program Coordinator, Patricia Marin