
Degree options
Master of Arts in Student Affairs
36-credit program includes counseling and student affairs
coursework as well as electives and 1-2 internships. Students may
take electives in counseling, digital learning, and the MBA
program. This degree prepares students to pursue a career in any
student affairs area except positions in a counseling center that
require a counseling degree and licensure.
Dual degree - MA in Student Affairs and MS in
professional counseling
63-credit program prepares students to pursue licensure and work
in a college counseling center, other areas of student affairs, and
opportunities in professional counseling. Students complete one
semester of practicum and two semesters of internship.
Graduate Assistant Position
Paid graduate assistant positions are available in several student
affairs, administrative, and academic departments on campus,
typically including: Advancement, Athletics, Career Services,
Center for Academic Achievement, College of Professional Studies,
Dept of Psychology and Counseling, Honors Program, and the Office
of Equity and Inclusion. Email the program chair for more
information.
Job-search and Career-ready
You will engage in experiential
learning throughout your program to prepare you for your internship
and job search. Relevant course experiences include:
- informational interviews
- student affairs consulting project
- mini-conference poster session and mini-conference presentation
session
All designed to help you build your network, develop
skills, and gain experience
Students also attend Carlow's Career Summit - a one-day
internship/job search intensive program in which you will upgrade
your resume, learn search strategies, and expand your professional
network.
Social Justice and Relational Practice
Foundation
Social justice is woven throughout our curriculum and is at the
core of Carlow's mission. You will explore social justice issues
and your role as an activist within higher education and beyond,
through reflection, class project, and the mini-conference poster
session.
In addition, throughout your Carlow studies you will explore
student affairs as a relational practice. Growth-fostering
interactions and relationships are the heart of student affairs
work.
Internships
Hear From Our Students
Curriculum
Click here to download the one-sheet summary of the MA Student Affairs and Dual Degree programs:

“Knowing how to develop and engage in healthy growth-fostering relationships is essential for the student affairs practitioner. This pursuit is central to our master’s program. Mental health concerns are more prevalent than ever among college students. By situating this program in a psychology department we offer students a versatile set of tools and in-depth theoretical understanding to handle the range of challenges they will see.”
- Harriet Schwartz, PhD, MA in Student Affairs program chair
MA in Student Affairs Program Highlights
- A 36-credit program
- Part-time or full-time options
- Includes core courses, electives, internship, and an optional supervised research project
- Dual degree option: MS in Professional Counseling
Students who wish to work in a college counseling center and/or pursue professional licensure to potentially work in other mental health settings or private practice are invited to pursue the dual degree option (63 credits). Earn your MA in Student Affairs and
MS in Professional Counseling, complete with all coursework, practicum, and internship needed for licensure.
If you'd like to learn more about our MA in Student Affairs program, let us know using the form below!