Student Personnel Administration, M.A.

Saint Louis University's Master of Arts in Student Personnel Administration (SPA) emphasizes the interplay of theory and practice in higher education.

The degree requires the completion of 32 credits of coursework and a comprehensive written examination. Students may choose one of two tracks for the M.A. in SPA:

• General Track
• Disability Education Track

Curriculum Overview

The Master of Arts in Student Personnel Administration (SPA) is a non-thesis program.

The general track prepares individuals for professional, entry-level and middle-management positions in academic, administrative, institutional, public policy and student affairs offices in two- and four-year colleges and universities, multi-campus systems, foundations and government agencies. 

The disability education track is designed to prepare individuals for professional management positions in the field of higher education with a focus on disability education, disability services, inclusion and ability ally development, including the areas of academic and student affairs, enrollment management, administration and institutional policy. Students will take two courses in disability education for the Master of Arts degree and can add three additional courses to earn the Certificate in Disability Administration in Higher Education.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

The program includes site-based activities aligned with coursework as well as the two-credit internship.

Careers

Graduates of SLU's master's program in student personnel administration work in many areas of student affairs, including enrollment management, advising and student development at two- and four-year institutions.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree.

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Résumé
• Interview
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Please note that application deadlines for this program differ for international students.

Application Deadline

Domestic students should apply for the fall semester by June 15, the spring semester by Nov. 1, and the summer semester by April 1. International students should apply for the fall semester by May 1, the spring semester by Oct. 1, and the summer semester by Feb. 1.

Review Process

Applications are reviewed upon completion by a committee. Graduate assistantships in student development and partner offices are also available. The priority deadline for these applications is February 1. 

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for departmental graduate scholarships, students should complete their applications by the program admission deadlines listed.  

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

1. Graduates will use student development, organizational and environmental theories to analyze issues related to students and higher education student personnel administration practice.
2. Graduates will interpret and apply research to higher education student personnel administration practice.
3. Graduates will apply leadership, communication, organizational, financial, assessment and management practices to professional work in higher education student personnel administration functional areas. 

Non-Course Requirements

• Students must pass a comprehensive written examination.
• Students must complete an exit interview.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact:
Saint Louis University School of Education
314-977-3292
slued@slu.edu