Experiences

Students in the Student Affairs Administration M.A. program have various opportunities to gain significant academic, professional, and social experiences that prepare them for their careers in student affairs and higher education. Some experiences are built into the curriculum of the program while others are optional opportunities in which students participate over the course of the program.
 

Program-Delivered Experiences

In this section, learn about experiences that are provided by the SAA M.A. program and the HALE Unit for our current and prospective students. 
 

Practicum Experiences

SAA students are required to complete one practicum as part of their Master’s degree. This requirement provides students with an opportunity to apply theory to practice in a professional work setting. The SAA M.A. program coordinates an annual Practicum Fair each Fall semester during which students learn about practica offerings both on and off campus. After students complete their required practicum, with advisor permission they can participate in a second practicum.

Practicum experiences are essential for SAA students to gain insight into postsecondary organizations, observe different administrative styles, and get practice in functional areas in which they are interested. Students in a practicum register for EAD 893: Professional Development Seminar to further explore their practical learning. More details about practicum for current students is on the SAA Requirements webpage.

SAA Forum

Each Fall and Spring the SAA M.A. program hosts a bi-weekly Forum that addresses topics relevant to academic and professional development. Students have the opportunity to engage with faculty, guest lecturers, campus partners, program alum, and other students, fostering a deeper sense of community within the program.  

Previous SAA Forum Topics include: 

• Planning for a Healthy, Sustainable Career
• APA and MSU Library Training  
• Practicum Prep
• Certifying Exam Prep
• Tips from those who Hire: A Panel
• Year 2 of the SAA MA Program & Beyond: An SAA Alum Panel 
   

Raines Colloquium

The Loren and Opal Raines Colloquium is held every Fall and Spring term to foster intellectual, professional, and personal growth and collegiality among the students, faculty, and alum of the Department of Educational Administration in the College of Education.  

Previous Raines Colloquium topics and presenters include: 

• Fall 2024: “The Futures of Student Affairs in Higher Education,” Presented by Dr. Kristen A. Renn, Professor of Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, Mildred B. Erickson Distinguished Chair Emerita, Michigan State University
• Spring 2024: “In Our Stories Anything is Possible: A Time-Honored Narrative for Indigenous Education,” Presented by Dr. Matthew Makomenaw, Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Assistant Dean, Yale College Director of the Native American Cultural Center Lecturer, Education Studies, Yale University 
   

Spartan Preview Days

Students admitted to the SAA M.A. program are invited to engage in Spartan Preview Days (SPD). This series of events is hosted to give our admitted students opportunities to get to know MSU, SAA faculty and students, our campus partners, and future cohort members. Students who are admitted to the program will receive additional information about SPD in their welcome materials.

Highlights of SPD include: 

• Engaging with SAA and HALE faculty
• Participating in a curriculum and program overview
• Learning from faculty and professionals about student affairs
• Attending SAA social events with current SAA and admitted students
• Applying and interviewing for competitive MSU graduate assistantships
• Learning what it means to be a Spartan! 
   

Other Experiences

SAA students seek out opportunities to develop their professional skills through para-professional experiences such as graduate assistantships, part-time student jobs on campus, and internships. These are optional opportunities that help students gain knowledge and skills, network and engage with professionals both on and off campus, explore functional areas of higher education and student affairs, and finance their education.
 

Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA)

SAGA is a registered student organization comprised of an elected group of SAA MA students dedicated to creating community among students in the first- and second-year SAA cohorts. SAGA focuses on developing social events, offering professional development opportunities, and creating a positive social media presence to capture the experience of students in the program. All first- and second-year SAA students can attend SAGA’s events and serve on the executive board. Follow @msusaga on Instagram for upcoming events, workshops, and professional opportunities.