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College Student Affairs

<>Program Mission: The mission of the M.S. in College Student Affairs is to provide a dynamic curriculum for students interested in leadership careers in the field of student affairs in higher education. The program provides a strong foundation for knowledge and skills development needed for effective administration, efficient use of technology, and humanistic support of undergraduate and graduate education. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared for entry and mid-level student affairs positions in post-secondary public and private education as well as state and federal agencies. Some students also decide to pursue additional studies in Ph.D. programs and other terminal degrees.

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for degree candidacy, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see "Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs"). In addition, students must:

Complete and submit the departmental admission application;
Submit two departmental recommendation forms from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic or work performance; and
Attend a pre-admission orientation and interview.
Obtain a graduate assistantship appointment.*
Additionally, the successful applicant must demonstrate strong study skills, experience working with groups, evidence of leadership abilities, and commitment and desire to have a career as a student affairs professional.

*All students admitted to the CSA degree program are required to have either a graduate assistantship or submit evidence of fulltime employment in an institution of higher education or closely related educational organization.

Study Plan Approval: The study plan shall be approved by the department and filed with the student's advisor prior to the completion of 12 semester hours of graduate credits which count toward the graduate degree.

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements include those outlined for the master of science degree by the Graduate School (see "Requirements for the Master of Science Degree"). The courses for the Master of Science in College Student Affairs must total a minimum of 48 semester hours. The plan, therefore, requires that the student complete the following courses identified below:

CSD 5490

Special Topics (1 to 3 credits)

CSD 5500

Research Methods. (3 credits)

CSD 5710

Leadership and Administration in Higher Education. (3 credits)

CSD 5715

Individual and Group Intervention in Student Affairs (3 credits)

CSD 5720

Student Development Theory. (3 credits)

CSD 5730

History and Philosophy of Higher Education. (3 credits)

CSD 5735

Multicultural Competence in Higher Education (3 credits)

CSD 5740

Consultation Skills and Organizational Development. (3 credits)

CSD 5750

Governance and Finance in Higher Education. (3 credits)

CSD 5760

Legal Issues in Student Affairs. (3 credits)

CSD 5880

Internship in Student Affairs. (3 to 6 credits)

CSD 5950

Thesis and Research. (3 to 6 credits)

Curriculum for the Master of Science in College Student Affairs

All students are required to complete a final comprehensive examination or write a thesis prior to completion of the graduate degree.

Total. Credits: 48

Electives. Credits: 6