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Contact the Department of Educational Psychology

Email:
eps​@nau.edu
Call:
928-523-7103
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Programs of study

For a complete listing of all programs of study, please visit the Graduate College Programs of Study page.


Counseling - Student Affairs, Master of Education

This plan is appropriate if you are seeking graduate preparation in counseling with a specialization in student affairs within higher education.
  
Our plan is built on the philosophy that counseling is a foundation for student affairs work. When you complete this program, you are prepared for professional roles in student affairs positions in higher education.
  
This program meets the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) standards for professional preparation programs in student affairs, the counseling courses meet Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs standards, and with additional counseling coursework, the requirement for the national counselor certification of the National Board of Certified Counselors.

  • Degree Info Tab Open

  • Requirements Tab Open

  • Overview Tab Closed

  • Details Tab Closed

  • Availability Tab Closed

Requirements Accordion Open

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. (Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.)

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master’s degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
    Read the full policy.

     

Overview Accordion Closed

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Please note that students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion48
Fieldwork Experience/InternshipRequired
Progression Plan LinkView Program of Study

Purpose Statement

The Counseling-Student Affairs MEd is for students seeking graduate preparation in student affairs with an emphasis in counseling theory and processes. Our approach is built on the philosophy that counseling is a foundation for student affairs work. Students develop strong counseling skills, including the understanding and application of student learning and development theory. Coupled with a foundation in the historical, philosophical, ethical, cultural, and research foundations of higher education, and knowledge of organization and administration of student affairs, our students have the well-rounded knowledge and skills to be successful in a broad range of Student Affairs areas (residence life, multicultural affairs, student life, recreation services international education, athletics and academic advising).


Student Learning Outcomes

Foundational Studies: study in the historical, philosophical, ethical, cultural, and research foundations of higher education that informs student affairs practice.

  • Reference historical and current documents that state the philosophical foundations of the profession and to communicate the relevance of these documents to current student affairs practice.
  • Articulate the values of the profession that are stipulated or implied in these documents and indicate how these values guide practice.
  • Knowledgeable about and be able to apply a code of ethics or ethical principles sanctioned by a recognized professional organization that provides ethical guidance for their work.

Professional Studies: studies of basic knowledge for practice and all programs must encompass at least five related areas of study including (a) student learning and development theories; (b) student characteristics and effects of college on students; (c) individual and group strategies; (d) organization and administration of student affairs; and (e) assessment, evaluation, and research.

Student Learning and Development Theory:
  • Extensive examination of theoretical perspectives that describe students' growth in the areas of intellectual, moral, ego, psychosocial, career, and spiritual development; racial, cultural, ethnic, gender, abilities, socioeconomic status, and sexual identity; the intersection of multiple identities; and learning styles throughout the late adolescent and adult lifespan.
  • Study of collegiate environments and how person-environment interactions affect student learning and development must also be required.
  • Ability to use and critique appropriate theory to understand, support, and advocate for student learning and development by assessing needs and creating opportunities for learning and development.

Student Characteristics and Effects of College on Students
  • Knowledge of student characteristics, how such attributes influence student educational and developmental needs, and effects of the college experience and institutional characteristics on student learning and development.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of how student learning and learning opportunities are influenced by student characteristics and by collegiate environments so that graduates can design and evaluate learning experiences for students.
  • Ability to articulate the roles that higher education institutions have in maintaining and dismantling injustices related to individual-level identities (e.g., race, gender, class) and systemic oppressions (e.g., racism, sexism, classism). This is done with particular attention paid to how these identities intersect and the social and systemic implications for people with these identities.

Individual and Group Strategies
  • Knowledge of studies, techniques, and methods of advising and helping skills as well as assessing, designing, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate strategies with individuals and organizations.
  • Knowledge and skills necessary to design and evaluate effective educational interventions for individuals and groups.
  • Ability to identify and appropriately refer persons who need additional resources.

Organization and Administration of Student Affairs
  • Knowledge of studies of organizational, management, and leadership theory and practice; student affairs functions, organizational models, and partnerships; legal issues in higher education; human and organizational resources; and professional issues, ethics, and standards of practice in the context of diverse institutional types.
  • Ability to identify and apply leadership, organizational, and management practices that assist institutions in accomplishing their missions.

Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
  • Study of assessment, evaluation, and research that centers on evidence-based practice to further accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Studies must include assessment planning and design, outcome development, both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, measurement of learning processes and outcomes, assessment of environments and organizations, measurement of program and environment effectiveness, effective reporting, and critiques of published studies.
  • Ability to critique a study or evaluation and be able to design, conduct, and report on a sound research study, assessment study, or program evaluation, all grounded in the appropriate literature. Graduates must be able to use assessment results to inform and improve professional practice and student learning.
  • Awareness of research ethics and legal implications of research, including the necessity of adhering to a human subjects review.

Supervised Practice: A minimum of 300 hours of supervised practice, consisting of at least two distinct experiences, must be required. Students must gain exposure to both the breadth and depth of student affairs work. Students must gain experience in developmental work with individual students and groups of students in program planning, implementation, or evaluation; staff training, advising, or supervision; and administration functions or processes.
  • Reserved for students who have successfully completed a sequence of courses pertaining to basic foundational knowledge of professional practice. Before participating in practicum, students must demonstrate basic knowledge and skills in interpersonal communication, consultation, and referral skills. Students must comply with all ethical principles and standards of appropriate professional associations.
  • Ability to develop and maintain personal plans for professional development and habits that support life-long learning.

Details Accordion Closed

  • Admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
    • NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Details on admission requirements are included in the online application.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
    • Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"), or the equivalent.
    • Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
    • Transcripts.
    • For details on graduate admission policies, please visit the Graduate Admissions Policy.
    • International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.


    Individual program admission requirements include:

    • GRE® revised General Test required if GPA is under 3.0
    • 3 letters of recommendation; with at least two from faculty
    • Responses to specific essay questions
Master's Requirements
  • This Master’s degree requires 48 units distributed as follows:

    • Student Affairs: 18 units
    • Counseling: 9 units
    • Research and Evaluation: 9 units
    • Practicum - Internship: 3-6 units
    • Additional electives: 6-9 units


    Take the following 48 units:

    Student Affairs (18 units):

    • EPS 565, EPS 602, EPS 603, EPS 635, EPS 645, EPS 672 

    Counseling (9 units):
    • EPS 601, EPS 660, EPS 661

    Research and Evaluation (9 units): 
    • EPS 525, EPS 617, EPS 650 (9 units) 

    Practicum-Intership (3-6 units):
    • EPS 608 (1-3 units)
    • EPS 682 (1-3 units)

    Select from the following: (6-9 units)
    • EPS 620, EPS 664, EPS 690
    • EDR 610
    • Additional electives chosen in consultation with your advisor.
Additional Information
  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

Availability Accordion Closed

  • Flagstaff

NOTICE Fall 2023 Admission Updates:

UPDATE - GRE Requirements

GRE®️ revised General Test – Applicants with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 are required to submit official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores on the aptitude portion (verbal and quantitative) of the GRE taken within the past six years. Applicants with a cumulative GPA higher than 3.0 have the option to submit GRE scores, if desired.  GRE scores must be received by the application deadline for admission.

Application Due Date Accordion Closed

The M.Ed. Counseling - Student Affairs program is located at our Flagstaff location
  • The Graduate School Application is due by January 1 for the following academic year.
  • The M.Ed. Counseling - Student Affairs program is located at our Flagstaff location.
  • Completed application files are reviewed and admission decisions are made twice* each year for the program.
  • Depending on your planned submission date, all application materials must be received by one of the two due dates (January 1 or August 1*)
  • It is the student's responsibility to ensure that his or her application file is complete. Incomplete files are not reviewed.
*The second admission date is dependent upon the number of applicants admitted from the first deadline.

Additional Application Details Accordion Closed

There are two parallel processes for admissions to the Counseling- Student Affairs Program.
Process 1: Apply to the Program
  • NAU Graduate Online application is required for all programs. Details on admission requirements are included in the online application.
    1. Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
    2. Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher
    3. Undergraduate Transcripts
    4. 3 letters of recommendation; with at least two from faculty
    5. Responses to specific essay questions
While we take into consideration all of the above criteria, we also conduct a holistic review of your application which includes your essays, your potential contributions to the field, and your fit with the academic program.
  • For details on graduate admission policies, please visit the Graduate Admissions Policy.  International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy. 
Process 2: Apply to the Graduate Assistantships (if you are enrolling full-time)
  • After you apply to the program, you can begin applying for graduate assistantships. You will submit your application and materials for each position you apply for to the contact listed on the description of the assistantship not the Graduate College. A separate application must be submitted for each position you apply for unless otherwise noted.
  • Graduate assistantships provide you tuition remission, a stipend, and benefits
  • The academic program faculty do not coordinate the graduate assistantship process, so it is up to the prospective student to coordinate their own applications and interviews
  • Available assistantships for AY 2023-2024 are listed here
Our program meets Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) guidelines for student affairs preparation programs. We have a vibrant student affairs division that offers assistantships in units such as:
  • residence life
  • multicultural affairs
  • student life
  • recreation services
  • center for international education
  • athletics
  • academic advising
  Tentative Timeline
  • Upon application submission- Begin applying to graduate assistant positions
  • January 1 - Academic program application deadline
  • Early February - Academic program acceptances made and sent to graduate providers. Graduate assistant supervisors receive admitted student information
  • Early February - Applicants notified electronically regarding their admission status with the Counseling - Student Affairs program
  • March 19 - April 15- Graduate assistant decisions made
  • March 19 - April 15- Final academic and graduate assistant offer letters sent out electronically to prospective students. The letter will note both an academic offer and a graduate assistant offer. You may accept the offer anytime you wish, but graduate assistant positions only have to extend the offer until April 15 close of business
  • April 15 - Make final acceptance decision to your graduate assistant provider and to the Graduate College following the instructions on your offer

Mission and Goals Accordion Closed

Mission Statement Our program prepares graduate students for careers in higher education by combining the foundational principles of counseling and student development with college impact research. We strive to educate graduate students to be globally aware and multiculturally competent, and who will lead in 21st Century higher education. Program Goals This program emphasizes a counseling foundation for preparing college student affairs personnel to foster student development, and to prepare student affairs professionals for employment within institutions of higher education. The goal of the training program is to prepare college student professionals in the following areas through classroom instruction, fieldwork experience, practica, and internships:
  • human growth and development
  • social and cultural foundations
  • helping relationships
  • group work
  • career and lifestyle development
  • appraisal
  • research and program evaluation
  • professional orientation
Additionally, curricular experiences are provided in:
  • foundations of student affairs practice and theory in higher education
  • contextual dimensions: student affairs practice in higher education
  • knowledge and skills for the practice of student affairs in higher education
  • internship
  • development of professional competencies as recommended by higher education associations (NASPA/ACPA Professional Competencies)

Cohorts and Mentors Accordion Closed

Cohorts You’ll enter our program with a small group of other students who share your interest in student affairs and higher education. Your cohort is a useful and needed source of support, entertainment, and friendship during your studies. Your cohort also gives you a strong social network as you begin your career in the student affairs profession. Our students are very active with internships and other projects. We encourage you to visit our social media sites to see what our current and past cohorts have been involved in throughout the school year! Facebook: Counseling-Student Affairs M.Ed. Program at Northern Arizona University | Instagram: @naucsagradMentoring Program As a new student, you’ll be assigned a mentor. Mentors are continuing students or alumni who will help you adjust to the program. Mentor partnerships are assigned a few weeks prior to the start of the term. Mentor partners meet at least four times per semester. You can meet for coffee or lunch with your assigned mentor during the fall and spring semesters. You’re encouraged to come up with questions for your mentor; your mentor can provide useful tips and insights based on his/her own experiences.Counseling-Student Affairs 2018-2020 CohortCounseling-Student Affairs 2019-2021 Cohort

Program Clubs and Organizations Accordion Closed

Student Affairs in Higher Education Association (SAHE) Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) Association is a graduate student organization that serves to promote and provide professional development and social opportunities for students in the Counseling, Student Affairs program. The organization is led by an advisor and an executive board of six members who are students within the program. All students in the Counseling Student Affairs program are members of SAHE and are able to participate in all meetings and activities.Chi Sigma Alpha Student Affairs Honor Society Chi Sigma Alpha Student Affairs Honor Society International is comprised of graduate students, alumni, faculty, and student affairs professionals. In the fall of 2001 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia, Chi Sigma Alpha was founded to promote and recognize excellence in academics, research, and service to the profession of student affairs. Chi Sigma Alpha has now expanded to include over 200 individuals and more than 30 chapters to membership since its formation. The Phi Chapter of Chi Sigma Alpha was founded at Northern Arizona University in the Spring of 2016. The chapter held its first initiation ceremony on November 10, 2016. In the spring of 2020, Phi chapter inducted 6 new members, and celebrated the graduation of seven members. Along with supporting the organization’s three values, the current goal of the chapter is to focus on professional development and outreach for members and other students at Northern Arizona University.

Program Policies Accordion Closed

  • Credit transfer and GPA policies: Visit the Graduate College website for more information about these policies.
  • Counseling Student Affairs students will complete 180 hours of practicum internship and 300 hours of fieldwork (graduate assistantship) as a component of our theory to practice initiative.

Program of Studies Accordion Closed

Prerequisites Please review the online catalog for selected graduate courses where prerequisites are required. Please check with the department or a faculty adviser if you have any questions regarding prerequisites. Program of Study The program of study is the agreed-upon plan between you and your faculty adviser on completing program requirements. It is used as a verification document when you apply for graduation. You should complete the program of study with your adviser during the first semester of graduate work. The original, signed program of study should be given to the Department Chair to be placed in your file in the Educational Psychology Department and you and your adviser should both keep copies. Amendments to your program of study can be made with your adviser’s approval. The time line policy for completing a Masters degree can be viewed online through the Graduate College. 
Related Forms
      • EPS Course Offerings by Semester
      • Recommended Sequence of Courses (starting Fall 2021)
      • 2020-2021 Program of Studies
      • 2019-2020 Program of Studies

Professional Code of Ethics and Licensure Guidelines Accordion Closed

Students in this master's program should follow the professional code of ethics and certification guidelines established by the following organizations: National Association of Student Personnel Administrators; American College Personnel Association; National Board for Certified Counselors; American Counseling Association

Counseling - Student Affairs Faculty Accordion Closed

Susana Hernandez,  Student Affairs Faculty & Program Coordinator
susana.hernandez@nau.edu 
Cindy Payne, Adjunct Instructor
cindy.payne@nau.edu
Jon Long, Adjunct Instructor
jonathon.long@nau.edu
Robert Horn, Foundations Faculty
robert.horn@nau.edu
Carlos Calderon, School Psychology Faculty
carlos.calderon@nau.edu
Chesleigh Keene, Counseling Faculty
chesleigh.keene@nau.edu
Kim Kalas, Counseling Faculty
kim.kalas@nau.edu
Shane Haberstroh, Counseling Faculty
shane.haberstroh@nau.edu
Evie Garcia, Counseling Faculty
y.evie.garcia@nau.edu
Department of Educational Psychology
Location
Room 110 Building 27
Eastburn Education
801 S Knoles Dr
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Email
eps@nau.edu
Phone
928-523-7103
Fax
928-523-9284