Student development and higher education student affairs programs are only offered at the graduate level, so a bachelor's degree is required for admission into such a program. Because of the broad scope of the degree, however, many schools do not require an educational background in a particular subject. Experience in related coursework --- such as psychology, counseling or administrative studies --- is favorable during the application process. Some universities also demand scores from the Graduate Record Examination, and most programs require letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose or personal essay. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended, but admissions departments are often flexible if the rest of the student's application is strong.
Student development degrees typically require about 40 credit hours to graduate, which translates to a minimum of two years of study. Some online programs, such as the graduate certificate and M.S. through Drexel University in Philadelphia, can often be completed in 12 months --- although, this graduate certificate is not a master's degree. At most universities, these courses cover such areas as educational theory and philosophy, student development research, statistical analysis and higher education law. Graduates will learn the best practice in student development and assessment to prepare them for careers working with students at post-secondary institutions.
Some student development programs require the student to select a concentration. The concentration helps to point the graduate toward a specific discipline within the field and prepare her with career-oriented training and education. For example, the M.S. program at Kansas State requires the student to select one of the following concentrations: advising, administration or student services in intercollegiate athletics. Each concentration provides a specialized 15 hours of study and practicum designed to emphasize the skills necessary to the individual's career path.
Nearly all student development programs require several credit hours of practicum or an internship within the field. These hours form a significant part of the student's academic career, to introduce the student to professional experience while under the supervision of the department faculty. Universities have varied requirements for these internships. The M.Ed. at the University of Maine requires only one internship which does not count for credit hours, while Seattle University requires three one-credit short-term internships before graduation.