Appalachian State University
Student Affairs Administration: Master of Arts (MA)
Application Deadlines
Fall Admission
June 1, academic priority deadline is February 1
Graduate assistantship priority deadline is January 15
(this requires a separate application)
Application Requirements
Entrance exam: Not required
Application requirements vary by program. Learn more
Location
On campus
Completion Time
2 years (full time)
Create change as a student affairs administrator.
Learn how you can start or advance a career in a burgeoning field with a Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration from App State. In this program, you will gain the tools to work with diverse student bodies, foster leadership and engagement and deepen your understanding of the higher education landscape.
Position yourself for future roles as an academic advisor, a career development counselor, a diversity and social justice professional or a residence life staff member.
You will reflect on your experiences as an undergraduate student and shape your personal philosophy for supporting students.
A 2025 Best
The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and the Southeast for 2025.
Top 3
U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top 3 university for innovation for 8 consecutive years.
Top School for 2024–25
Forbes magazine ranked App State among “America’s Top Colleges” for 2024–25.
Concentrations and Courses
Careers
Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go!
Careers
- Academic Advisor
- Alumni Association: Student Engagement Coordinator
- Assistant Director of Leadership Development
- Assistant Director of Orientation/New Student Programs
- Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs
- Coordinator of Student Organizations
- Assistant Director of Student Engagement/Involvement
- Career Advisor/Counselor
- Community Service/Service Learning Coordinator
- Coordinator for LGBTQIA+ Programs and Services
- Coordinator for Inclusion and Engagement
- Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life
- Coordinator of Student Involvement and Leadership
- Program and Advising Coordinator for Second Year and Transfer Transitions
- Residence Hall Director/Residence Life Coordinator
- Student Activities Coordinator
- Study Abroad Advisor
Employers
- Appalachian State University
- Belmont Abbey College
- Cleveland Community College
- East Tennessee State University
- Elon University
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Georgia State University
- Marymount University
- Meredith College
- Midlands Technical College
- Old Dominion University
- Queens University of Charlotte
- Radford University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- San José State University
- Savannah College of Art and Design-Atlanta
- University of Alabama-Huntsville
- University of Colorado-Boulder
- University of Kansas
- University of Lynchburg
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of North Dakota
- University of North Georgia
- University of North Florida
- University of South Florida
- William Peace University
About App State's Division of Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs at Appalachian State University is committed to the development of lifelong learners and leaders by engaging and challenging students within a culture of care and inclusion. The division consists of 16 units that offer activities and services to help students develop more fully by becoming global learners, fostering healthy relationships, appreciating diversity and different perspectives, understanding community responsibility, enhancing self-awareness, developing autonomy and living ethically. Learn more at studentaffairs.appstate.edu.
Career information resource
App State’s Career Development Center
Services provided by the Career Development Center include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools for you to achieve life and professional success.
More to Explore at App State
International Experience
Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more
Professional Development
Invest in yourself with opportunities designed to stimulate career growth. Learn more
Graduate Assistantships
Earn some money while you earn your degree. Learn more
Apply
Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.
Admissions questions? Contact us.
Connect
Program Contact
Dr. Dena Kniess
Program Director
[email protected]
[email protected]
828-262-6049
Department of Counseling, Family Therapy and Higher Education
Visit Campus
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Admissions Events
Want to know more about the people and programs of App State’s School of Graduate Studies? Attend an information session.