Best Master’s in College Student Counseling and Personnel Services Programs

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $417
Out-of-State | $1,082

Credits to Graduate
60

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

UGA's cohort-based M.Ed. in college student affairs administration program prepares graduates to serve students in higher education institutions. The curriculum focuses on student development, group leadership, administrative practices, and student affairs. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit GRE test scores and a resume.   

The program includes a practicum and a full-time summer internship after the first year. Students may also gain additional experience by working in UGA's student affairs. Graduates work in academic and career advising centers, admissions offices, and other higher learning settings.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $444.27
Out-of-State | $1515.17

Credits to Graduate
61

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

IUB's MS.Ed in higher education and student affairs focuses on higher education administration and student counseling. Some courses include career and multicultural counseling and professional development in student affairs. 

Students complete one capstone project. The thesis requirement is optional. Learners must secure an approved graduate assistantship or full-time position for the length of the program. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 3.0. 

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $268.83
Out-of-State | $1,102.72

Credits to Graduate
45

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

App State's MA in student affairs administration program prepares students for academic and student affairs with an emphasis on applied learning. Participants must complete at least three practice-based experiences, including a practicum, internship, and graduate assistantship. Applicants must secure a graduate assistantship to gain admittance. 

Past graduates work in numerous higher education positions, including career development, fraternity and sorority life, student activities, and study abroad. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and submit their GRE score, three references, a resume, and transcripts. A GPA of 3.0 is required unless students have GRE scores at the 25th percentile level.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $715
Out-of-State | $715

Credits to Graduate
39

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

UD's MS.Ed. in higher education and student affairs emphasizes traditional student affairs content and creative classes in assessment and learning design. The program is open to full-time and part-time students and offers evening classes. 

Participants complete three 100-hour internships — unless working professionally full time, and a research project. Admission requirements include a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75. Applicants with lower GPAs may achieve admittance with acceptable MAT or GRE scores.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $471
Out-of-State | $963

Credits to Graduate
42

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

UB's M.Ed. in higher education and student affairs program focuses on practical experience, student development, and multicultural issues. The program features exposure to relevant topics via speakers, conferences, and journals. Additionally, students gain valuable experience through internships and assistantships at the network of higher institutions in Western New York. 

Students may enroll in part-time or full-time options, which end in a capstone seminar. Admission requirements include unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $572.25
Out-of-State | $1,240

Credits to Graduate
39

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

UofSC's M.Ed. in higher education and student affairs program offers two 18-hour concentrations. The higher education administration concentration focuses on leadership, ethics, and the financial aspects of postsecondary education. 

The student affairs administration concentration explores current student affairs issues and trends. This concentration requires an internship or practicum. Both programs culminate with the creation of an online portfolio. UofSC's holistic application requirements include official transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $813
Out-of-State | $813

Credits to Graduate
48 for preK-12 and college counseling pathways; 54 for a combined pathway

Program Information
Program Accreditation | California Commission of Teacher Credentialing

Redlands' MA in education, school, and college counseling program offers three tracks: preK-12 counseling, college counseling, or both. These tracks prepare students for general counseling in public and private schools and higher education settings. In addition to counseling and consultation, the program focuses on educational justice. Students must complete about 600-800 hours of fieldwork.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Additional requirements include an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Students applying to the preK-12 or combined track must also meet the basic skills requirement.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $349
Out-of-State | $1,264

Credits to Graduate
40

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

UI's cohort-based MA in higher education and student affairs program emphasizes counseling and administration. Students must complete a graduate internship at UI while taking courses. These internships offer paid work experience, where students can typically earn $15,000 per year. Approved internship programs also cover 50% of tuition and provide health benefits.

Integrative experiences also include a professional seminar, capstone project, and practicum. Application requirements include a bachelor's from an accredited college and a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program does not require a GRE score.

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $516
Out-of-State | $774

Credits to Graduate
42

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

SRU's cohort-based MA in student affairs in higher education program prepares graduates for leadership roles in student affairs. The blended learning format includes in-person and online classes. The program's experiential learning approach incorporates visits to the campus and professional guest speakers. The field experience consists of a practicum and a capstone or internship. 

Though not required, students are encouraged to gain additional hands-on experience through a graduate assistantship. According to SRU, 95% of their graduates acquire a position in higher education within three months after graduating. For unconditional admission, applicants require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $416
Out-of-State | $994

Credits to Graduate
39

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

WCU's M.Ed. in higher education student affairs program focuses on issues in higher education, such as finance and diversity. Students also work with college employees to gain an understanding of the roles and opportunities that exist on campus. 

The program offers a paid graduate assistantship to all full-time students that qualify and culminates in an internship and a capstone course. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The GRE score is not required for those with a minimum GPA of 3.0.