Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs Progressive Degree

If your future plans include changing lives as a leader in higher education, get started now to equip yourself with the theories, principles and skills you need to make a meaningful difference.

Master’s level courses begin in the summer between your junior and senior year. Cost varies based on your individual course plan.

Program Overview

The Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) program will equip you with a broad understanding of the key aspects of higher education administration, including student affairs, student development, legal issues, identity and diversity and the history of higher education. You will select two courses that align with your interests or career goals. 

Familiarize yourself with the Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs program, including the curriculum and cost of attendance prior to applying to the progressive degree.

USC Rossier Minor Pathway

If you enroll in USC Rossier’s minor programs while an undergraduate student, you can waive courses in the Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) program with courses completed in the minor. 

Minor in Education and Society 

Traditional Pathway 

If you apply to a progressive degree program without prior coursework in a USC Rossier minor, you will need to complete all required coursework for the Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs degree. However, as a progressive degree student, you will begin Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs program coursework prior to completing your undergraduate degree.

Financial Aid

Progressive degree students are classified as undergraduate students until their undergraduate degree is conferred or they complete 144 units, whichever comes first. Review the USC Financial Aid webpage about progressive degree programs and contact USC Financial Aid with questions about progressive degree programs and your unique financial situation.

Scholarships

Use USC Rossier’s scholarship finder to identify external scholarships and funding opportunities. You do not have to be admitted to apply to these scholarships. Carefully note the scholarship application deadlines, which may occur before the program application deadline.

Sample Course Schedule

The course schedule below should be used as an example for Dynamics of Early Childhood minor students. Contact your USC Rossier undergraduate program advisor to discuss your specific course schedule. Graduate courses cannot be taken out of sequence.

During your undergraduate junior year:

1. Apply to Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs Progressive Degree (you should have between 64-96 units completed at USC).
2. Take your education minor courses (if applicable).

* If you complete EDUC 422 as part of the Education and Society or Dynamics of Early Childhood undergraduate minor, you can waive out of EDHP 560
** If you complete EDUC 426 as part of the Education and Society or Dynamics of Early Childhood undergraduate minor, you can waive out of EDUE 571

Ready to get started?

Make an impact in higher education. Earn your bachelor’s and master’s faster through the PASA Progressive Degree program.

Progressive Degree Admission

Questions?

Reach out to our program contact for personalized guidance.

Contact:

Danelle Go, ME

Academic and Career Specialist

• dcgo@rossier.usc.edu