Graduate Studies

College Student Personnel Profile

Program Overview

In the College Student Personnel program, student learning and development is paramount both for graduate students and the undergraduate students they serve as student affairs practitioners. Growth is facilitated in the classroom as well as through practical experiences in the field of student affairs. This real-world experience comes through service as a full-time professional or through assistantships, practica, and summer internships. We are guided by the values of theory-to-practice, ethical action, self-authorship, social justice, and transformative learning.

The CSP program has a theory-to-practice orientation that includes coursework in student development theory, leadership development, group dynamics, philosophy, and history of higher education, organization and administration of student affairs, multicultural competency, counseling theory and techniques, and research methods. All of this preparation is aimed at helping you develop and grow as a leader and a reflective practitioner doing socially responsible work as student affairs professional in a variety of student settings, including residence life, student activities, Greek affairs, admissions and student recruitment, academic advising, orientation, multicultural student programs, international student affairs, student retention, gender programs, career development, and experiential education.


Hallmarks of the CSP Program:

  • A theory-to-practice model, or interconnectedness of classroom learning and the practice of student affairs, is a cornerstone in the construction of each course.
  • The curriculum, resources, and structure meets CAS standards, the most comprehensive and rigorous graduate preparation program standards within higher education, and is implemented to advance your mastery of the professional competencies identified by the two national student affairs organizations, ACPA and NASPA.
  • Two enrollment options within the CSP meets the needs of applicants who recently received their Bachelor's degree and/or have limited professional student affairs experience and meets the needs of full-time student affairs professionals who are eager to have their credentials and theoretical knowledge match their level of experience.

 College Student Personnel: Student Affairs Option

The College Student Personnel: Student Affairs option serves the educational and professional needs of students who have recently received their Bachelor's degree and/or have limited professional experience in the field of student affairs. This option provides you the opportunity to learn more about the field of student affairs and gain extensive hands-on experience.

  • 42-credit, high-residency, full-time graduate school option based on WIU-Macomb campus
  • Five (5) hands-on training experiences provide you with up to 1,500 hours of hands-on learning through assistantships, practica, and internships
  • Cohorts of 16-18 students learn, work, and support each other as students and student affair professionals

College Student Personnel: Higher Education Leadership Option

The College Student Personnel: Higher Education Leadership option serves the educational and career needs of professionals who are currently engaged in student affairs (or closely related) work in a professional capacity and are eager to have your credentials and theoretical knowledge match your experience level.

  • 43-credit, low-residency, part-time option based on WIU-Quad Cities campus
  • Hybrid model blends in-person (25%) and on-line (75%) learning environments
  • Cohorts of 10-13 professionals from community colleges, 4-year public, and 4-year private institutions learn and support each other as students and student affair professionals

Quick View

Degrees Available:

  • M.S.

Locations:

  • Macomb (CSP: Student Affairs)
  • Quad Cities (CSP: Higher Education Leadership)

Required GPA:

  • Cumulative: 2.75 or
  • Last 2 years: 3.0

Admission Requirements:

  • Goals Statement
  • Interview
  • Transcripts
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume

Interesting Facts: Fall 2023

  • Currently enrolled: 20
  • International: 6
  • Minority: 7
  • Students with Assistantships: 13

Department Contact Information:

Horrabin Hall Suite 81
309-298-2848
csp@wiu.edu