Student Affairs

Online Certificate Program

ETSU Online

Continue Your Education

Student Affairs professionals support the development and well-being of college and university students. Professionals in this field work in areas such as residence life, student activities, counseling services, career development, student conduct, and others. They work to create inclusive and supportive campus environments that promote personal growth, academic success, and student engagement.

This certificate offers professional development for those working in student life within higher education. Coursework is designed to enhance understanding of student development and leadership fundamentals, while exploring their application in campus life. Learn strategies for collaboration with students and other university stakeholders.

Students who complete the Student Affairs graduate certificate and are later admitted into the Higher Education Concentrations of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership or Ed.D. in Educational Leadership degree programs may have some certificate credits applied toward their degree. 

Put Theory into Practice 

.Upon completion, students will be able to:

  • Apply student development theory to practice in higher education.
  • Determine how issues in higher education affect current or future work in the field of student life.
  • Articulate how the role of student life professional impacts students and institutions.

Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

Designed for Higher Education Professionals

Support the academic and personal development of college students with ETSU's Student Affairs graduate certificate. This certificate is flexible, with one required course and three elective courses -- all online. 

Steps to Apply 

  • Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

    Step 1   Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option

    Create your ETSU Application Account

  • Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

    Step 2  Sign in to the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"

    Sign in

  • Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

    Step 3   Choose "Graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "Certificate," term, then choose  Student Affairs and complete the remainder of the form.

    select domestic/international

    select certificate

Apply Today!

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Cost 

TN Residents *eRate Out of State
$672 per credit hour $835.50 per credit hour $1,513 per credit hour
- The *eRate applies to students living out of state and taking all web-based courses.
- Additional fees may be required.
- Visit the Paying for College page to read more about costs and financial aid options.
- The costs associated with attending ETSU can include both direct and indirect costs. Please review ETSU's Cost of Attendance for more details. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should I pursue this program at ETSU? 

    This certificate will provide foundational knowledge for professionals who work in a higher education setting, particularly in the student affairs and student services areas, but who don’t have an educational background in student affairs.


  • Is this program accredited? 



    East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website  (www.sacscoc.org).


  • What are my job prospects with this certificate?

    For positions in higher education that require a master’s degree in higher ed, student affairs, counseling, or related fields, this certificate will not be sufficient. However, for an entry-level position that requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, but not a master’s degree, an applicant with this certificate could provide more than the minimum.

  • Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous? 

    All courses in this certificate can be completed in an asynchronous format. 

  • Are there any on-campus requirements?

    There are no on-campus requirements.

  • Does this program require an internship or fieldwork? 

    No, this program does not require an internship or fieldwork. 

  • When can I start the certificate program?

    Students can apply to start in the fall or spring.

  • Are scholarships available?

    There is no scholarship specific to this certificate program. Students are encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources. 

    Employees of TN public institutions of higher education, including TBR, may use their employee education benefits.