SPHE On-Campus M.Ed. Program

When will admission decisions be made?

The SPHE program offers a well-rounded student experience, emphasizing both academic learning and professional work. Admission decisions for the program are typically made in early January. Faculty members make these decisions with input from assistantship supervisors, who provide insight into each candidate’s professional potential.

After receiving your admission decision, you will be invited to participate in Visitation Days (VisDays), a comprehensive 3-day, 2-night program where you’ll meet with current faculty and interview for potential assistantships. These assistantships offer practical professional experience, integral to the program’s “theory-to-practice” approach.

Our goal is to make hiring decisions promptly after Visitation Days, with candidates being notified soon after. Please note that full admission into the on-campus SPHE program is contingent upon securing a Graduate Assistantship or similar position, in line with the practical focus of the program. We also adhere to the Council of Grad Schools April 15 Resolution. 

Are there graduate assistantships available for the on-campus M.Ed. program?

There are many graduate assistantships and positions available for on-campus SPHE master’s students. These positions are located throughout the University of Florida Division of Student Life, and the academic colleges. Additionally, we also offer assistantships/positions at Santa Fe College as well, allowing students to experience student affairs within a community college setting.

Who gets invited to Visitation Days?

Visitation Days for the University of Florida on-campus SPHE program are by invitation only once you have been admitted to the college. After the deadline for application to the SPHE program has passed, the faculty will review the application materials and make a preliminary decision as to whom to invite to Visitation Days. Only candidates invited to Visitation Days will continue to be considered for admission into the on-campus SPHE program.

When invited to Visitation Days, candidates will receive a list of available graduate assistantships and detailed position descriptions, along with travel and accommodation information. To ensure your visit is as valuable as possible, current students, the program coordinator, and representatives from the Division of Student Life will work together to assist you throughout your time on campus. This visit is a crucial opportunity for you to get to know the University of Florida and for us to get to know you!

How many assistantships can I preference?

Candidates are encouraged to express interest in as many assistantships as possible. While many enter the field of student affairs with a specific focus, the University of Florida offers a wide range of assistantships that you may not have explored before arriving on campus. Additionally, areas you may not have previously considered might appeal to you in this new environment. It’s always a good idea to gather more information in person before making any final decisions.

After receiving your assistantship preferences, we will share your resume with the respective hiring supervisors. They will then decide which candidates to interview during Visitation Days. While we aim to provide your interview schedule in advance, you will receive it no later than the day before interviews begin.

What if I cannot attend Visitation Days, but I still want to interview for a graduate assistantship/position?

We encourage every candidate to attend Visitation Days. You will be spending two intense and exciting years learning and growing professionally with us and it is important for you to visit campus, get to know us, get to meet your potential cohort members, and allow us to get to know you. Further, assistantship selection is competitive. Having the opportunity to interact with supervisors and professionals within the offices you might work is incredibly helpful for both you and them to make decisions. However, if you cannot visit us for Visitation Days, please let us know so we can accommodate you. 

What’s the difference between a graduate assistantship and a graduate position?

Graduate Assistantships cover 9 credit hours of tuition for fall and spring, pay a stipend, and include some health insurance. Graduate Positions are funded differently than assistantships and vary in the type of remuneration package offered. All positions include a stipend. Make sure you read the position descriptions carefully to see what is included.

Does a tuition waiver cover the cost of all of my classes?

Not quite.  If you receive a waiver, it will cover 9 credit hours for fall and 9 credit hours for spring, each year you have the waiver, but there may be some campus fees you are responsible for. Make sure you read the position descriptions carefully to see what is included.

Is there financial aid available for this program?

Students are encouraged to apply to the UF Office for Student Financial Affairs for assistance with loans, grants, and fellowships. The College of Education also provides some additional scholarships to students and can be explored here. In cooperation with the UF Division of Student Affairs and Santa Fe College, several graduate assistantships/positions are available in such areas as orientation, residence life, career services, student activities, Greek life, multicultural programs, etc. On-campus interviews for these positions will take place at the SPHE Visitation Days. Many of these positions come with a tuition waiver, which covers 9 hours of tuition each fall and spring semester.