College of Education & Human Services

College Student Personnel Graduate Program

Major Matchup Guide

Welcome to our Major Matchup Guide for aspiring student affairs professionals. If you're an undergraduate student or recent graduate who is thinking about what to do next, or have been out of school awhile and are considering a job change, why not start the path to a career in student affairs or higher education with a CSP degree? Our guide, created with the assistance of AI, helps you explore how your undergraduate major can seamlessly transition into a master's degree in College Student Personnel at Western Illinois University.

Why CSP?

  • Our program provides in-depth knowledge of student development theories, higher education policies, and best practices for supporting diverse student populations.
  • We emphasize hands-on experiences, equipping you with skills in advising and helping, crisis intervention, program development, and organizational management.
  • We connect you to a network of professionals in the field, facilitating connections that can lead to job opportunities and collaborative initiatives.
  • We prepare you to create supportive and inclusive environments that promote students’ academic success and personal growth.
  • We support you in research where you can explore important topics in higher education.

Discover how the skills and knowledge from your undergraduate studies can enrich your journey in student affairs and prepare you for a rewarding career supporting and guiding students. Our master's degree can be your next step in making a meaningful impact in higher education!

Major Matchup Guide for Majors A-G

Major Matchup Guide for Majors H-Z

Don't see your major in our guide? Don't stress! Any undergraduate major can provide you with the skills necessary to pursue a CSP degree. If you'd like to talk with our team about how your background fits with our program, please see the contact info for our graduate assistants in the highlight box on this page.

Are you an athletic coach who is intersted in student affairs? We've created a career matchup guide to show you how this career aligns with our master's degree. 

Career Matchup Guide for Athletic Coaches

October is Careers in Student Affairs Month

Every October, NASPA, a leading organization in our field dedicated to promoting student affairs and higher education through professional development, research, and advocacy for student success, celebrates the student affairs profession with a lineup of virtual events and resources that are complimentary to members and non-members. If you are not a member, you can create a free NASPA account to access these resources.

  • Sign up for Tap In and Turn Me Up: Learn more about Careers in Student Affairs - this is an engaging and informative session designed exclusively for undergraduate students interested in the lively profession of student affairs. (October 24, 2024, 2:00 p.m. CST)
  • Sign up to learn about the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP) - this initiative is designed to encourage and prepare underrepresented undergraduate students for careers in student affairs and higher education through mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities. (October 3, 2024, 2:00 p.m. CST)

Stay tuned as we feature more alumni and current graduate students in our Major Matchup Mondays in Fall 2024

Click the photos to see an enlarged view

Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement

Use your expertise in leadership, safety, conflict resolution, policy, and ethics to support and guide college students.

LEJA - CSP Major Matchup

Business

Apply your skills in strategic planning, financial management, and leadership to enhance student services and campus life. 

Business CSP Major Matchup

Art

Use your skills in creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication to design innovative student programs, manage events effectively, and support student needs with a unique and empathetic approach.

Art CSP Major Matchup

Agriculture

Create impactful sustainability initiatives, advise students in agriculture-related fields, and enhance campus life through innovative, environmentally conscious projects.

Agriculture CSP Major Matchup

Communication

Develop workshops utilizing communication theory and effective public speaking techniques to empower students to engage confidently in campus activities and leadership roles.

Communication CSP Major Matchup

Exciting Career Opportunities

The CSP program helps you prepare for careers in:

  • Residence Life
  • Student Engagement
  • Fraternity/Sorority Life
  • Admissions & Recruitment
  • Academic Advising
  • Multicultural Programs
  • Student Retention
  • Career Development
  • Plus Many More!

Have More Questions? 

Set up a meeting with graduate assistants from our CSP Team

Attend an Open House

Attend one of our open houses to learn more about the CSP program. Connect with faculty, current grads, and graduate assistant supervisors. (All times are Central Time Zone.)

Fall 2024 Dates

Apply Now