- Step into leadership faster — Move from coordinator to decision-maker with the skills to shape student programs, policies, and set the tone on campus culture.
- Turn frontline experience into institutional impact — Build the strategy and equity lens to influence systems, not just support them.
- Become the architect of student experience — Develop the leadership, policy, and equity-centered practice to shape how students learn, belong, and thrive across higher education.
- Cultivate your network – Develop meaningful relationships with colleagues, mentors, and advisors who enrich your career.
- Equity isn’t a buzzword here — Build the tools to dismantle systemic barriers and design inclusive, justice-centered campus environments.
- Learn it. Then do it. Immediately. — Apply your coursework through a hands-on clinical practicum embedded in real student affairs settings.
- Designed for impact without pausing your career — Flexible hybrid format built for working professionals ready to lead now, not later.
- Fast-track your doctorate — Seamlessly carry your full MA coursework into CGU’s PhD in Education and accelerate your long-term trajectory.
The Master of Arts (MA) in Education in Student Affairs and Educational Justice (SAEJ) reflects the School of Educational Studies’ commitment to preparing leaders who advance equity, inclusion, and meaningful change in education. Grounded in social justice and community engagement, the program develops practitioners equipped to transform higher education environments—both inside and beyond the classroom.
Student affairs professionals play a vital role in shaping the student experience, particularly for those from historically underrepresented communities. They help set the culture and climate of a campus, fostering environments that support well-being, learning, and a strong sense of belonging. Through a transdisciplinary approach that integrates policy, practice, and research, SAEJ prepares you to create inclusive, supportive, and equitable campus communities where all students can thrive and succeed.
Designed for both aspiring and current professionals, the program builds the knowledge and skills needed to lead with purpose and integrity, centering student development, well-being, and belonging. A hands-on clinical practicum provides applied experience, enabling you to put learning into practice in dynamic student affairs settings.
Graduates are prepared not only to lead change in higher education, but to continue their academic journey. For those students who plan further studies, all coursework from the MA may be applied toward CGU’s PhD in Education, offering a seamless pathway to advanced scholarship and leadership.
Program At-a-glance
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32 units
required units
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MA in Education
degree awarded
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Hybrid
modality
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Spring, Summer, Fall
program start
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11 months | full time*
estimated completion time
varies by units taken per term | part time
estimated completion time
Featured Students
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Gabriela Krupa
Faculty
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Deborah Faye Carter
Associate Professor of Higher Education
Research Interests
Higher education; transition to college; college student outcomes; access to college; race in education; mentoring, equity, and diverse learning environments in STEM
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DeLacy Ganley
Dean, School of Educational Studies
Professor of EducationResearch Interests
Culturally relevant education; resiliency and achievement of marginalized populations; intersection of families, community, and school; language acquisition; social capital theory; systems theory
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Gwen Garrison
Clinical Professor of Education
Director of Educational Evaluation and Data Analysis
Research Interests
Organizational effectiveness; diversity & inclusion; research & evaluation process; data systems; data management; data visualization and storytelling
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Dina C. Maramba
Professor of Education
Research Interests
Equity and diversity issues in higher education; theory and practice in student affairs; college student development; access and retention; first-generation college students; Asian American and Pacific Islander populations; minority serving institutions
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Guan K. Saw
Associate Professor, Joseph B. Platt Chair in Management of Technology
Research Interests
Educational inequality; STEM education and workforce; rural education; college access and success; social capital; mentorship; teacher victimization; health disparities; research methodology
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Eligio Martinez
Senior Research Fellow
Research Interests
P-20 education pipeline; college access and retention; community colleges; boys and men of color; middle school education; Chicana/o and Latina/o Students
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Daryl G. Smith
Senior Research Fellow
Professor EmeritaResearch Interests
Organizational implications of diversity, Assessment and evaluation, Leadership and change, Governance, Diversity in STEM fields, Faculty diversity
Curriculum
24 Units of Required Courses
- EDUC 459. Historical & Philosophical Foundations in Higher Education
- EDUC 464.College Student Development: Research, Theory & Practice
- EDUC 445. ntroduction to Education Evaluation, Assessment & Effectiveness
- EDUC 460. Foundations in Student Affairs
- EDUC 461 . The College Student Experience
- EDUC 450. Practicum I n Student Affairs*
8 units of Electives with School of Educational Studies or Claremont Graduate University as approved by your advisor.
SAEJ Program Learning Outcomes
| PLO | Outcomes Description | Where is the Outcome Assessed? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Gain foundational and historical knowledge of higher education and recognize the evolution of the field and gain the ability recognize factors that may influence student success. | EDUC459 |
| 2. | Students will engage in identity development and examine the impacts of power and privilege on self and society. | EDUC464 |
| 3. | Students will gain the tools to discuss and analyze one’s values, beliefs in compassion to Institutional values which informs howto make ethically and Informed decisions. | EDUC450 Practicum Final |
| 4. | Gain and understand the processes and procedures in creating assessment tools that Will analyze and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data for continuous improvement on programs, departments, and individuals. | EDUC450 Practicum Final |
| 5. | Gain the knowledge, skills, and tools to Interpret legal constructs, compliance/policy issues that affect higher education and student success, while also understanding the governance structures of Institutions of higher education. | EDUC461 & EDUC 460 |
| 6. | Gain an understandineon hcm to manage personnel and financial resources at institutions of higher education. | EDU 464 & EDUC4SO Final |
| 7. | Build their cultural competencies skills in relation to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for historically excluded communities. | EDUC450 Site Hours, EDUC 461 , & EDUC 464 |
| 8. | Gain knowledge, skills, and tools In advising and supporting to students, self, and colleagues holistically. | EDUC450 Site Hours, EDUC 461 , & EDUC 464 |
| 9. | Demonstrates professional career readiness on paper and the digital dimension | EDUC450 Resume, Cover Letter, & Linkedln Profile |
Application Guidelines
| University Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
| Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission. Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU. International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts. |
| English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053. International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements. |
| Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
| Program Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Statement of Purpose | Please submit a five-page, double-spaced personal statement that answers the following questions: 1. Who are you? |
| Letter of Recommendation | 3 letters required When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references. You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation. Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at admissions@cgu.edu. |
| Standardized Test Scores | GRE (optional) Applicants who have taken the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test are invited to submit scores but are not required to do so. Applicants who feel that their Grade Point Averages do not adequately represent their ability to succeed in a graduate program may find it helpful to submit GRE scores for consideration. CGU’s school code: |
Key Dates & Deadlines
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2027
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2026
Classes begin – January 19, 2027
Summer 2027
Priority Deadline: February 1, 2027
Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2027
Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2027
Classes Begin: May 17, 2027
Fall 2027
Priority Deadline: February 1, 2027
Final Deadline (International) – June 1, 2027
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2027
Classes Begin: August 30, 2027
Cost & Aid
Tuition and Fees
ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition rates.
STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
| $245 Student Fee |
| $150 Technology Fee |
| International Student Services Fee**: $802 fall semester, $898 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to changes. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2025-2026.
| Program | 32 units |
