Assistantships & Applied Learning

3-5 Unique Applied Learning Experiences

The applied learning emphasis invites students to explore the field in either breadth or depth and provides context for discovering which areas of student affairs and academic affairs align best with students' interests and skill sets. Further, it adds to students' employability upon graduation and aids students in the job search and selection process.

During a student's time in the program, they are required to complete at least three different practice-based experiences:

Type of Experience	Hour Requirement	Semester When It Occurs	Associated Academic Course
Graduate Assistantship	20 hours/week	all four semesters	N/A
Practicum	100 hours	second and/or third semester	SAA 5900: Practicum in Student Affairs
Internship	225 hours	fourth semester	SAA 6900: Internship in Student Affairs

Additionally, students have the option to engage in two more experiences (second practicum & summer experience) as electives. Combining these experiences, students graduate with over 1700 hours of working with students, colleagues, and groups!

Student Affairs Administration faculty collaborate with over 30 student affairs and academic affairs offices and departments on campus to offer these applied learning experiences. Program educational partners include but are not limited to:

ACCESS Scholarship Program	Parent & Family Services
App State Alumni Association	Plemmons Student Union: Facilities, Event Management, Student Employment
Assessment	Psychology Department: Undergraduate Advising Center
Campus Activities: Clubs & Organizations, Programming Board, Fraternity & Sorority Life	Residence Life: Assignment & Administration, Facilities, Residence Education, Student Leadership
Career Development Center: Career Exploration, Career Development, & Student Employment	Student Affairs Central Office: Human Resources Management
Case Management	Student Conduct
College of Education: The James Center for Student Success & Advising	Student Success
Community-Engaged Leadership	Student Veterans Services
Graduate Student Life	Transfer Admissions & Engagement
Office of the General Counsel	TRIO: Student Support Services
Intercultural Student Affairs & the Tri-Centers: LGBT Center, Multicultural Center, Women's Center	TRIO: Upward Bound
International Education & Development	University College: Academic Advising
Off-Campus Student Services	University Recreation: Facilities, Operations, Programs
Orientation & Welcome Week	Wellness & Prevention Services: Health Promotions

ACPA/NASPA (2015, 2016) Competencies for Student Affairs Educators

The App State Student Affairs Administration master's program curriculum utilizes the ACPA/NASPA (2015, 2016) Competencies for Student Affairs Educators as a framework. These competencies are viewed as integral to student affairs practice and the curriculum is designed for students to reach foundational levels in each competency area through the combination of coursework, applied learning experiences, and the comprehensive product of learning process.