College of Education & Human Services

College Student Personnel

Student Affairs Track

Frequently Asked Questions About Admissions and Enrollment

You have questions and we hopefully have the answers! Please take a look at the list below for frequently asked questions about applying and enrolling in our program. If you don't see what you are looking for, send us a message at csp@wiu.edu and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. The questions at the top of this page are more general while the sections at the bottom are specifically for domestic and international students.

General FAQ


How do I know if student affairs or higher education leadership is right for me?

Do you like to help people? Does leadership, advocacy, activism, and allyship sound like you? The student affairs profession is a holistic educational environment where you empower students to "thrive academically, socially, and personally." To learn more about career possiblities after earning a master's degree in College Student Personnel from Western, check out The Placement Exchange website. With a CSP degree, you will be well-positioned to excel in the field.

Is this an academic discipline?

Yes! Student affairs and higher education leadership are considered academic disciplines; they encompass a systematic study of the theories, practices, and policies that govern student experiences and institutional management within colleges and universities. The field draws on various theoretical perspectives from psychology, sociology, and education. Scholars develop and apply theories related to student development, organizational behavior, and leadership styles. Well-known theorists in our discipline include Vincent Tinto, Alexander Astin, Susan Komives, George Kuh, Arthur Chickering, Kristen Renn, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and Adrianna Kezar.

There is a robust body of research that informs best practices in student affairs, including areas like diversity, retention, and student engagement. Academic journals, conferences, and scholarly publications contribute to ongoing discourse, and the discipline involves the examination and critique of policies affecting higher education, such as access, equity, and funding, requiring knowledge of legal and institutional contexts. 

What undergraduate major do I need for this master's degree?

A master’s degree in CSP is quite versatile and can be paired with various undergraduate majors depending on your interests and career goals. To learn more about how your major can align with our degree, check out our Major Matchup Guide.

Do you host any information sessions where I can learn more about the program?

Yes, we host several open houses in the fall and spring semesters, both virtual and in person, for you to learn more about the program. See the dates for our fall 2024 open houses in the highlight box on this page. The School of Graduate Studies also hosts virtual information sessions for you to learn more about attending graduate school at Western Illinois University. Register for one of their sessions for fall 2024.

Can I enroll in the program in the spring semester?

If you would like to join us for spring 2025, the deadline for submitting your application materials is Oct. 15, 2024. International students who wish to join us the spring must currently reside in the United States with a valid visa. (Please see below for more questions specifically related to international students.) Graduate assistantships are extremely limited, if available at all, for those starting in the spring semester.

Can I be in the program without a graduate assistantship?

To be as inclusive as possible, the CSP program does allow for students to enroll without an assistantship, although an assistantship is preferred. Students can gain the relevant hands-on experience through various internships, practicums, and volunteer work. This offers you the opportunity to gain the relevant experience in any area of student affairs or academic affairs that can be directly related to your coursework. Learn about specific strategies to gain practical experience outside of graduate assistantships.

What GPA do I need to be admitted to the program?

You must have a combined undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for all college courses attempted; or have a 3.0 or higher GPA for the last two years of undergraduate work attempted. All marks and scores will be converted to a 4.0 grading scale

Do you requre the GRE for admission?

No, we do not require the Graduate Record Examinations test.

When do you accept students? What does the admissions process look like?

We accept students on a rolling basis for admissions, so applying early can expediate the decision process. Our program welcomes applicants from around the globe. Evaluation criteria include academic performance and achievements, relevant experience and knowledge in student affairs, and personal qualities essential for success in the program and the field.

The admissions decision considers several factors, including your professional resume, personal statement, academic transcript (international students must have their transcript evaluated with a special service), letters of recommendation, the Graduate Studies application, and personal interviews. After our department reviews your materials, you will be notified of next steps. This review is typically completed within a few weeks, though arranging academic interviews, peer meetings, and assistantship interviews may take additional time if you are advanced through the process.

What happens if I get a C or below in one of my classes?

For our program, you cannot earn a grade of C, D, F, FN, FW, or U in more than six semester hours of graduate work, including any grades that are subsequently replaced using the grade replacement policy. However, you have a lot of support in this program. Make sure to talk to your professors and the graduate coordinator about any concerns you may be having.

 

Domestic Students FAQ

Do you have waivers for the application fee?

The School of Graduate Studies will occasionally offer a waiver of the $30 domestic student application fee during a set time of the year. Please check their website for more information. 

When is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply to the program is Jan. 15, which is the priority deadline for sending your application materials to Graduate Studies. However, applications may still be accepted if space is available after that date. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to be able to interview with your preferred assistantship site. Interviews for the upcoming year may begin as early as November or December.

International Students FAQ

Do you have waivers for the application fee?

Unfortunately, the School of Graduate Studies does not offer a waiver of the $50 application fee for international students.

What transcript evaluation services can I use?

All international students must have a transcript evaluation of their full post-secondary academic record from World Education Services (WES), The Evaluation Company, or International Education Evaluations before their application can be considered for admission. There is a cost for this service. Please plan accordingly.

When is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply for the upcoming fall semester is Dec. 1, which is the recommended deadline for international candidates to submit application materials to International Admissions (allowing for processing time to meet the Jan. 5 deadline). However, applications may still be accepted if space is available after that date. (Applications received after March 15 will be deferred to the following spring or fall semester.) Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to be able to interview with your preferred assistantship site. Interviews for the upcoming fall may begin as early as November or December of the previous year.

You can find other important deadlines on the International Admissions website, such as when financial documents are due. Please note we have an earlier application deadline than what is listed for International Admissions although your application may still be considered depending on availability.

I've been accepted into the program, when can I register for classes?

New international students attending in-person classes will be able to register after completing their check-in with international admissions and the immigration specialist at new student orientation. In the fall, this is generally the Wednesdsay before classes begin. 

Are there any scholarships available for international graduate students?

Western Illinois University does offer scholarships for international students. Please refer to the criteria on the Global Studies website for more information.

Have More Questions? 

Set up a meeting with graduate assistants from our CSP Team

Apply Now

 

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. (Please note these are all central time.)

Fall 2024 Dates