Applications for Fall semester enrollment are due December 1, 11:59 PM ET. The SAA M.A. program only accepts applications for Fall terms.
Applications must be submitted via the MSU Graduate Education Application Portal. Review this webpage in its entirety for essential information to assist you with completing your application.
The SAA M.A. program hosts several virtual program information events in the Fall to give prospective students an opportunity to get to know the program, ask questions, and meet with students, faculty, and student affairs professionals at MSU. Individuals who sign up for our prospective student mailing list will receive information about upcoming events.
Submit your application via the MSU Graduate Education Application Portal.
Review each section of this webpage in its entirety to assist you with your application. If you have questions, visit the Additional Information section at the bottom of this webpage. For additional questions, please email the SAA M.A. Ambassador.
To begin your application to the Student Affairs Administration M.A. program, it is important that you read the entirety of this webpage.
Follow the steps below. A list of the required SAA M.A. Application Components can be found in the next section of this webpage. Continue to the bottom of the page to review additional information about the application process and admission decisions.
If desired, download either of the following resource guides for screenshots to assist you with the Graduate Application portal:
To apply for Fall semester admission, prospective students must submit all application materials, including the application fee, by December 1, 11:59 pm ET.
The SAA M.A. program requires the following components for applicants to be considered for admission (expand sections to review important details):
Submit a single 750–1,000-word statement answering all of the following questions:
Statements will not be read beyond 1,000 words.
Upload the applicant statement in PDF format to the “Student Affairs Administration Supplemental Questions” section of the Graduate Application portal.
Two recommendations are required for admission to MSU. Submit the information requested in the Graduate Application portal, including emails, for 2 recommenders. Each recommender will receive an auto-generated message with instructions to submit a letter of recommendation.
At least one (1) letter solicited by the applicant must be an academic recommendation from a faculty member who can speak to the applicant’s ability to excel in graduate study. The additional letter should be an academic or professional recommendation from an individual who can speak to the characteristics, skills, and abilities the applicant has that will support their success in graduate school and the field of student affairs.
The Graduate Application portal does not send automatic reminder notices to recommenders. It is the responsibility of the applicant to remind recommenders to submit their letters by the application deadline to be considered during the review process. Applicants may send reminder notices to recommenders in the Graduate Application portal after the application fee is paid and submitted. Applicants with fewer than 2 letters of recommendation cannot be considered for admission.
After the application is paid and submitted, return to the Graduate Application portal to open your application. In the “Upload Materials” section, upload a resume (or CV) highlighting your education/degree(s), as well as professional and/or paraprofessional experience demonstrating commitment to higher education/student affairs.
Resumes can include leadership roles/involvement with on-campus organizations, volunteer work, and/or professional employment.
By uploading a resume, there is no need to fill out the “Employment” or “Activities” sections of the Graduate Application portal.
Send the MSU Office of Admissions official college-level transcripts from each degree-granting higher education institution attended and upload unofficial copies of those transcripts in PDF format to the “Upload Materials” section of the Graduate Application portal (you may access this section by opening your application after the application fee is paid and the application is submitted).
MSU requires official transcripts to be considered for admission. Official transcripts must be sent directly from each degree-granting higher education institution attended. Many schools offer electronic submission of official transcripts through an online service such as the National Student Clearinghouse. Contact the institution(s) you attended to confirm their required process. It is the responsibility of the student to request their official transcripts are sent to MSU and to ensure official transcripts are received by MSU’s Graduate Application portal.
Hard copy transcripts are only considered official if they come directly from the degree-granting institution or are received in the original, sealed envelope from the degree-granting institution with the official seal of the institution. Electronic PDF copies of transcripts uploaded to the Graduate Application portal or emailed by students are unofficial.
Send official transcripts electronically or by mail to:
426 Auditorium Road, Room 250
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 355-8332
Email: admis@msu.edu
If your degree has not yet been conferred, you must send your current transcript to date. If you are admitted, you will need to submit your official final transcript indicating your conferred degree. Note: current MSU students and MSU alums applying to the SAA M.A. program are still required to submit official transcripts with their application.
International prospective students: Please refer to the MSU Graduate School website for additional information related to requirements for international transcripts.
Expand the following sections for additional information related to the Graduate Application Portal and admission requirements.
Note that both the MSU Graduate School and the SAA M.A. program have required processes for a complete application. It is the responsibility of the student to meet the requirements of the graduate application process and the SAA M.A. program process to be considered for admission.
After logging into the Graduate Application portal, open your application to view a checklist of submitted and outstanding required documents including a resume, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. It is the responsibility of the student to review this checklist periodically to make sure all required materials have been received by MSU by the SAA M.A. program’s deadline.
The Graduate Application portal includes an optional space if you would like application reviewers to know information regarding hardships or your experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you choose, please complete the “COVID-19” section of the application under “Other Information” for the program to review with your application materials.
The SAA M.A. program does not require an interview for admission.
Please review the Graduate School International Applicants webpage for additional requirements for international applicants. In particular, review information regarding passports, visas, English language competency, and affidavit of support requirements. Note that additional resources, support, and general information can also be found on the Office for International Students and Scholars website.
Applicants who wish to transfer to the SAA M.A. program from another institution or from another MSU graduate program outside the Department of Educational Administration (EAD) must complete a new application via the Office of Admissions Graduate Application portal. Current EAD students interested in transferring to the SAA M.A. program should consult their faculty advisor and the Coordinator of the SAA M.A. program.
Applicants considering transferring credits should review the Transfer Credit Policy.
Notification of the SAA M.A. program’s admissions decision will be delivered via email from the SAA M.A. program coordinator by January. Admitted applicants will be invited to participate in Spartan Preview Days (SPD) held annually in February.