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Offered byCollege of Education
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FormatHybridDelivery Method
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Cost Per Credit$737**Approximate In-state
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Cost Per Credit$841**Approximate Out-of-State
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Application DeadlineMarch 15, 2026Priority Application Deadline
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Rolling AdmissionsApplication Deadline
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Credit Hours36Credit Hours
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Time To Completion2 Years
Rise to New Heights in Student Affairs in Higher Education
The hybrid MA in Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) is designed to develop transformational leaders in student affairs operations in colleges and universities. Our core values are centered around belonging and are embedded throughout the curriculum. You’ll incorporate them through foundational studies, professional studies, and supervised practice.
Career-Relevant Courses
Career-Relevant Courses
Hands-on coursework will give you experience in the field with 100 required practicum hours.
Hybrid Learning
Hybrid Learning
This program has in-person classes one Saturday per month from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST, with the remaining content delivered asynchronously.
Job Application Ready
Job Application Ready
Graduate with a portfolio of work and experience that prepares you for your next career move.
In-State Tuition with the WRGP
In-State Tuition with the WRGP
Students from 14 states can receive in-state Colorado tuition rates for the MA in Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs in Higher Education at UCCS.
Ann S., Alum Master of Arts in Leadership — Student Affairs in Higher Education
Student Affairs in Higher Education Practicum
A 100-hour practicum experience in higher education is a requirement of the SAHE program. Students choose a site based on their learning and professional goals. The SAHE program has strong connections to area campuses and recent students have completed their practicum at UCCS as well as nearby institutions, including Colorado College, Pikes Peak Community College, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University-Pueblo, the Air Force Academy, and Regis University.
Featured Courses
LEAD 5030: Vision, Values, and Leadership in Student Affairs in Higher Education
Students will develop an understanding of leadership theory. The traditional roles and functional areas of student affairs and the role of student affairs professionals in student learning in higher education will be discussed.
LEAD 5110: Culturally Responsive Practices in Higher Education
Examine historical and contemporary social inequalities in higher education at both the systemic and individual levels. Engage in self-reflection and acquire knowledge and skills in culturally responsive practices.
LEAD 5310: Student Services Program Development & Evaluation
Programs and services that fall under the student affairs umbrella are constantly evolving and vary from campus to campus. Students learn what the various programs/services are, how to decide which to offer, and how to evaluate their effectiveness and make changes when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Applications are considered on a rolling basis throughout the year. Prospective students must submit their intent to enroll by April 15, 2025.
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Occurring biennially, students have studied abroad in Ireland (2013, 2023), Italy (2015), London, Paris, Amsterdam (2017), and Japan (2018). Students visit a variety of higher education institutions in host countries to learn about the administration of higher education, the practice of student affairs work, and local history, culture, and politics.
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The SAHE Travel Tour is a biennial domestic travel experience (non-credit) where SAHE students travel outside of Colorado to visit institutions and explore diverse professional opportunities. Since 2016, the SAHE program has explored the American Southwest (2016), Los Angeles (2018), New Orleans (2020) and San Diego (2024).
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We provide monthly professional development sessions on campus for students to prepare them for transitions during and after the SAHE program experience. These include:
- Mock Interview Night for Graduating Students
- Engaging in Professional Development and Professional Association Involvement
- Cover Letter Workshop
- Doctoral Student Panel
- Creating Inclusive Communities
- Transitioning from Graduate School
- Using Your Summer Wisely
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The Master of Arts in Leadership with a concentration Student Affairs in Higher Education is offered in a hybrid format, which means you will be required to visit campus one Saturday per month. The rest of the program is delivered online in a flexible, asynchronous format.
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Online courses at the University of Colorado are taught by the same professors that teach in-person classes. This ensures that you are receiving the same education and learning experiences as on-campus students. The primary difference is with the delivery format. Your online courses will all be taught in Canvas, the Learning Management System (LMS). You will be responsible for logging in, accessing course content, and completing any requirements of the course.
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We’re here to help. We emphasize to all students that faculty members are here for them. As faculty seek to connect with you, feel free to use their flexible office hours or contact them if you need additional help.
A common barrier to success is time management, especially if you are working a full-time job. The online format offers more flexibility and the opportunity to develop better balance among your commitments, but having a plan for completing your studies each week can help you get on track to success early.