Graduate Certificate, Student Affairs

The Student Affairs certificate provides professional development for student life professionals seeking continuing education in the field. This program is designed to increase knowledge of student development and leadership principles and how they apply to the various areas of the institution as well as working with students and other members of the university community.

Upon completion of the certificate, students will be able to:

• Apply student development theory to practice in higher education.
• Determine how issues in higher education affect current or future work in the field of student life.
• Articulate how the role of student life professional impacts students and institutions.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet the general requirements for the ETSU Graduate School. Applicants will also have an interview with the program coordinator.

The GRE is not required.

Course Requirements: 12 credits

ELPA 5722 - Student Development & the College Environment	3 credits
Advisor approved electives (generally, ELPA courses)	9 credits
Total	12 credits

Common electives may include:

• ELPA 5723 - Evaluation & Assessment in Student Affairs and Higher Education
• ELPA 5820 - Higher Education in America
• ELPA 5822 - Legal Issues in Student Personnel
• ELPA 5830 - Student Personnel Administration

Articulation into the M.Ed. or Ed.D.

Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Student Affairs and subsequently are admitted into the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (Higher Education concentration) or Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (Higher Education concentration) may have some certificate credits applied toward the degree program of study. 

Application Deadlines

Semester	Deadline for applications
Fall	Aug. 10
Spring	Jan. 1