Welcome!

Welcome to the Student Affairs Leadership and Practice emphasis in the Counseling Program at Youngstown State University. This Master’s program is a 48 semester hour program that leads to a Master of Education Degree at YSU. Students attending full-time can complete this program in 2 years.

The Student Affairs Leadership and Practice emphasis prepares entry level student affairs practitioners with the knowledge, skills and practical experiences to facilitate the learning and development of college students. Preparation is guided by an understanding of student affairs history and literature, college student development theory, legal issues, college student diversity, current issues, administrative and leadership components, assessment practices, and an understanding of the dynamic nature of higher education.

Consequently, individuals who complete this program are prepared for employment in a variety of higher education settings, such as, residence life, programming and activities, judicial affairs, leadership programming, disability services, Greek life and other challenging areas within student affairs organizations. In particular, those students interested in academic advising and student support services have numerous opportunities to participate in learning experiences in this functional area of student affairs.

In addition to the coursework, students complete a series of practicum experiences and a 600 hour internship in a variety of settings at Youngstown State University and/or other approved colleges and universities within driving distance of Youngstown State. As a result of these academic and practical learning experiences, students graduating from our program are well prepared for a career in student affairs.

Other opportunities exist in the form of Graduate Assistantships and Internships. YSU employs numerous students as Graduate Assistants in the Counseling program, and in student affairs offices across campus: Career Services, The Center for Student Progress, Diversity Services, Emerging Leader program, Research, Disability Services, and others.

Graduates from the Higher Education Student Services Program pursue careers as professionals at collegesand universities across the country. Recent graduates have been academic advisors, career services coordinators, international recruiters, residence directors, area coordinators, directors of residence life, directors of student activities and faculty members.
Information about admissions, applications, curriculum, and current students are available through t

Dr. Deborah Jackson
Counseling/Student Affairs Leadership and Practice