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This page contains general information about graduate preparation for the student affairs profession, including answers to frequently asked questions, the values of the GPSA program, and information about Campus Visit Days for admitted students.

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FAQs

GPSA Community Values

Campus Visit Days

GPSA Students with Pat Terenzini and

Ernie Pascarella at the SAAR Institute

1. Can I get an application sent to me?

The University of Iowa has established an online application process. Just select either Student Affairs Administration & Research (Ph.D.) or Student Development in Postsecondary Education (M.A.) and you will find directions to apply online.

2. How do I know which graduate program is right for me?

To select a graduate program, you should consider what you are looking for in terms of your career goals, academic challenge, program faculty, and student life. Choosing a graduate program is a personal decision, not every program is right for each person. The most important criteria is "fit". You should find a program where you will be challenged to grow as a professional and supported as you learn.

3. What can I do with a M.A. in Student Affairs?

“The field of student affairs is broad, but the MA program is general enough to give you a great foundation of knowledge for any entry-level position in the field. I’m interested in residence life, but I have friends in the program who are hoping to go into international student affairs, Greek life, academic advising, career counseling, honors programs, and many other segments of the field. With an MA, you can begin a career in many types of student affairs positions, at many different institutions." MA Student

4. What is graduate school like?

"I would describe graduate school as BUSY. I always have something to do. I enjoy the pace though. The coursework is demanding, my assistantship is demanding, and I am very involved in the university community. Graduate school requires time management skills and dedication.” MA Student

5. Why would I choose Iowa for graduate study?

“Some of the reasons why I chose Iowa over other programs was the reputations of our faculty and the institution. The faculty are known for their research and also for the value placed on the holistic development of their students. I knew this was a place where I would be challenged and would grow as a student affairs professional." PhD Student

6. What is Iowa City like?

“Iowa City has it all – the friendliness of a small town combined with the metropolitan feel of a big city. Iowa City is a great college town, providing nightlife and cultural activities, but it also very family-friendly with parks and recreation areas and great schools." MA Student

Values, Assumptions, & Beliefs*

• We believe the purpose of student affairs work is facilitating learning.
• We value the use of systematic inquiry for understanding, informing, and improving student affairs practice.
• We value reflective and intentional student affairs practice.
• We value professionalism and assume our students are committed to the development of their professional identity.
• We hold high expectations of students performance in and out of the classroom.

*These values were first adopted by the GPSA Faculty in January 1998 and are revisited and reaffirmed each year.

Click here to download the full statement (PDF)

Campus Visit Days for admitted MA and PhD students are scheduled for March 5 & 6, 2009.

If you are admitted, you will receive information about Campus Visit Days. You are not required to attend Campus Visit Days, but we strongly recommend you do so. During Campus Visit Days you will have the opportunity to interview with possible assistantship sites, and current students and faculty will be available to talk with you about GPSA. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the program assistant.