M.A. in Educational Administration and Leadership with Student Affairs Emphasis
About the Degree
The Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership with a specialization in Student Affairs prepares students for leadership careers in all areas of higher education student affairs, including: residential life, student advising, Greek life, recreation, leadership programs, multicultural affairs and new student programs.
Cutting Edge Curriculum
The Specialization in Student Affairs consistently exceeds professional standards set by the Council for Advancement of Standards in Higher Education and is taught by highly qualified faculty. The program is grounded in theoretical principles and best practices in the field of Student Affairs and has an emphasis on experiential learning. The 36-unit program, with an optional thesis, consists of courses in research, educational and professional leadership, a concentration area and other related studies. Examples of courses offered include Student Development Theory, Counseling Theory in Student Affairs and Legal Issues in College Student Affairs. Students typically finish coursework in two years.
Valuable Student Life Experience
A diversified fieldwork program provides practical application for concepts learned in the classroom in a variety of student affairs and related departments at Pacific and surrounding colleges and universities. One hundred percent of graduates seeking employment find it by graduation or immediately after. Our graduates report more rapid career advancement as a result of the experience and skills gained in the program.
Admission Information
Admission to the specialization is determined by an admission committee composed of program faculty. The precise criterion includes an earned GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study. 
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for admission.
Admission to this program is a holistic decision, and is based on the following:
- The Graduate School application forms including supplemental information for departmental placement of assistantships
- Grade Point Average
- Official sealed transcripts of all previous academic work
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- A writing sample of either a scholarly paper written in the last three (3 years or a 3-5 page essay on the following topic: The Role of Student Affairs in the Undergraduate Experience
- A current resume
- An interview with program faculty (in person or on the phone)
Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of graduate assistantships are available in Student Life and related departments on campus. Multiple housing positions are reserved for students enrolled in this specialization. For additional information about these specific graduate assistantships,
contact the RD Selection Committee at (209) 946-2331. For additional information regarding the Residence Director Graduate Assistantship, please click the following link.
Additional Information
For additional information, please contact 
Dr. Joanna Royce-Davis, Dean of Students.
Student Life
University of the Pacific
3601 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA 95211
Phone: (209) 946-2365