CSP Program Overview

Counselor Education, College Student Personnel, & Social Work

If you're passionate about working in a dynamic environment and helping college students thrive, the CSP program at Western is an ideal stepping stone for a career in student affairs and higher education. A master’s degree is a key credential in this field, and since 1970, more than 1,000 alumni have successfully graduated from our program.

The meaningful experiences students have in college are often shaped by the expertise staff members gain through graduate programs like ours. These professionals learned how to create inclusive environments and apply strategies that support student retention and success.

Graduates of a CSP degree can be found in:

Higher education institutions, including public and private four-year universities, as well as community colleges. They serve as orientation directors, academic advisors, residence life coordinators, and programming directors.
Related fields such as curriculum development, community outreach, academic publishing, educational policy analysis, training and development, educational technology, or fundraising and donor relations.

Student affairs professionals play a critical role in promoting student well-being, fostering a sense of belonging and supporting diverse student populations. They make a profound impact on students' personal and academic journeys, empowering them to thrive in both educational and social settings. The CSP program is about more than just a degree. We're a community devoted to the success of our graduate students and the success of the students they support.

Not sure how your major fits with CSP? Check out our Major Matchup Guide to
explore how your undergraduate major can seamlessly transition into our master's degree.

Major Matchup Guide

Our program offers two flexible enrollment options: full-time (in-person or online for those with external assistantships) and part-time (online). These pathways are designed to help you become effective, reflective leaders who approach student affairs work with social and ethical responsibility across diverse settings.

In the classroom, you'll work closely with respected faculty—leaders in the field—who will help you apply what you learn through hands-on projects, assistantships, internships, practicums, and other valuable experiences. This theory-to-practice model ensures you’re ready to tackle real challenges in student affairs. You'll design and implement programs that cultivate student potential and foster their success by taking coursework focused on:

Student development theory
Group dynamics and leadership development
Programming and assessment
Organizational leadership in student affairs and higher education

Multicultural and intercultural competency
Skills for advising and helping students
Quantitative and qualitative research methods

Employment of postsecondary education administrators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 14,500 openings for postsecondary education administrators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Choose Your Path

Student Affairs Track

This full-time option is ideal for recent college graduates with student affairs experience gained through undergraduate involvement, as well as individuals from diverse backgrounds looking to build a strong foundation in the field.

It allows you to integrate your graduate coursework with an assistantship and practicum, providing valuable hands-on professional experience. Additionally, graduate assistants benefit from a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend.

Higher Education Leadership Track

This part-time option is an excellent choice for current student affairs professionals or those looking for a flexible learning format to advance or start their careers in higher education. It's also available to students participating in the external graduate assistantship program. This track gives you the flexibility to balance your professional goals with your personal commitments.

Admissions

Candidates are evaluated for admission on academic ability and achievements, student affairs knowledge and experience, and personal attributes necessary to successfully complete the program and thrive in the field of student affairs. Various factors play into the admission decision, such as a professional resume, personal goals statement, academic transcript, letters of recommendation, the Graduate Studies application, and a personal interview.

Student Affairs Track (In Person) process
Higher Education Leadership Track (Online) process

Questions regarding the CSP application process or the receipt of application materials should be directed to CSP@wiu.edu or the program coordinator at (309) 298-2082.

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Student Outcomes

Students who graduate from the College Student Personnel program at Western Illinois University will be able to:

Describe the concepts and principles of student development and learning theories that advance intrapersonal, interpersonal, and cognitive complexity;
Articulate histories, values, and philosophies of higher education;
Identify approaches to address contemporary issues facing higher education;
Define and assess organizational and human resources including, but not limited to: policies, practices, procedures, and structures;
Gather, apply, and deploy methods of research and assessment to improve, shape, and benefit student learning and higher education; and
Demonstrate leadership (as a role and process) to create learning environments (virtual or in-person) that support the inclusion of all students and members of campus communities while attending to issues of privilege, power, and oppression.

Theory to Practice

Theory to practice refers to the learning focus of applying theoretical frameworks, research, and professional dispositions learned in the classroom to real-world practical experiences in higher education and student affairs. This approach challenges students to not only understand the theoretical underpinnings of their work, but also effectively translate these concepts into actionable strategies, interventions and solutions in their professional roles.

We emphasize the practical application of academic theories to real-world scenarios, enhancing students’ ability to address complex issues and effectively support their institutions and students. For example, developmental theory can help students design programs and individual interventions that support students’ growth. In addition, crisis management models, organizational theories, and leadership conceptual frameworks help students respond to campus emergencies and negotiate the political environment, as well as assist organizations with meeting emerging challenges in higher education. Learn more about how the CSP program infuses theory to practice into everything we do.