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Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA online)

Transform higher education systems to advance equity, student development, and the student experience.

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Fall 2025 Applications - Priority: 12/01/2024
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Transform Education

Take on integral roles in higher education, while creating educational equity and driving student development.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Get practical training with an equal emphasis on research and skill-building instruction.

Graduate from a Top University

Earn your ME from a prestigious university — online — and join a vast and supportive Trojan family.

Develop Relevant Skills

Gain a broad understanding of the key aspects of higher education administration to excel in a variety of roles.

Transform Education with a Mission-Driven Mindset

The online Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) program offers in-depth knowledge of the key aspects of higher education administration. This includes student affairs, student development, legal matters, identity and diversity, and the history of higher education. You will select three focus courses that align with your interests or career goals.

In the PASA online program, you will:

  • Prepare for a variety of roles in higher education.
  • Learn to advance educational equity for historically marginalized students.
  • Interact with one of the most diverse cohorts on campus.
  • Learn from leading professors and practitioners who will support your professional growth and challenge your perspective.

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Program Details

DEGREE AWARDED

Master of Education (ME)

ESTIMATED LENGTH

Full time: 12 months
Part time: 24 months

UNITS

30

PROGRAM COST

$2,354 per unit (estimated)

Estimated cost of attendance

MODALITY

Online

NEXT DEADLINE

December 1, 2024

START DATE

August 25, 2025

CLASS TIMES

Mondays through Fridays from 4:00-6:00p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Pacific Time

2 days a week

Areas of Focus

The PASA online program curriculum is designed based on industry-established competencies developed by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). The curriculum includes core courses, a capstone project, and at least three focus courses from the student affairs or athletic administration paths.
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Courses

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You'll select three focus courses that align with your interests or career goals.

Admissions

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Learn key information about the USC Rossier admission process and application requirements
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Scholarships

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We are committed to helping you identify resources to fund your education
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Advance Educational Equity. And Your Career.

In the PASA online program, you’ll earn a degree that will enable you to advance students’ higher education goals and help colleges further their academic missions. Through hands-on training, you’ll develop relevant skills to help you reach your professional and career goals in higher education administration and student affairs, such as in advising, residential life, student advocacy, campus activities, and athletic programs.

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Graduate Assistant Positions

Apply theory-to-practice and gain hands-on experience in higher education through optional graduate assistant positions. Graduate assistant positions are posted at the beginning of the academic year. A majority of PASA students attain graduate assistant positions within the USC campus, but through our extensive network you will have the opportunity to seek out opportunities at other colleges and universities

Photo of PASA online student Valeria Barragan

Alumni Spotlight:
Valeria Barragan

PASA Alumni
“I’ve always worked in education, and I knew that my purpose was to help others—that is what I always strive for. Seeing the mission at USC Rossier made me think, “I’m living it right now, but how can I be more successful in this? And how can I make sure I can carry that on with me and pass it down to other people that are aspiring to help others like myself?”

Alumni Spotlight:
Whitney Ibarra

PASA Alumni
“The PASA program provided me a lot of opportunity, resources, and connections that has still been fruitful today. If I was to give any advice, take advantage of the connections that you make and create opportunities. If the opportunities aren’t there, [create them], because the USC community is very supportive of each other.”
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