The student affairs and higher education master's program prepares your for settings such as student services, residence life, academic advisement, student activities, international student services, study abroad and higher education administration. The curriculum is based on the American College Personnel Association (ACPA)/Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) professional competencies. This program teaches you a combination of theoretical and skill-based approaches to serving students. The mission of the Counselor Education Department at SUNY Plattsburgh is to educate persons to become professional counselors and educators who have the commitment, knowledge, skills and self-awareness to offer quality counseling and advising, developmental and prevention services to individuals, groups and families in educational and community settings. The Counselor Education Department is further dedicated to preparing professional counselors who have a working knowledge of ethical standards of practice, have developed cultural self-awareness and skills for working effectively with diverse populations and have committed to ongoing professional development.