Educational Administration & FoundationsReplace with name of Department/Unit/Project
Why Illinois State's CSPA Program?



Here are some reasons our CSPA students chose Illinois State:

"I feel that the faculty really takes an active interest in the students."

"The CSPA program has allowed me to refine my professional skills and build a network of colleagues."

"I chose ISU's CSPA program because it is practice-based, small, and because of the camaraderie of the students and faculty members."

"Graduate assistant program offers excellent on-the-job experience."

"Communication, inclusion, opportunity."

College Student Personnel Master's Program

Students in the College Student Personnel Administration degree program reflect the increasing diversity of today's college campuses with respect to race, ethnicity, orientation, gender, and age. The CSPA program includes students who are:

  • Recent graduates
  • Career enhancers
  • Persons seeking a career change

Full-time enrollment is preferred and recommended, yet the program is flexible enough for those students who wish to attend part-time.

Goals and Outcomes | Admissions Requirements | Course Requirements | Gamsky Endowed Assistantship | CSPA Faculty |Contact Advisor | GRAD Days 2008 | CSPA Links | CSPA Alumni


What are the goals and outcomes?

The CSPA program provides students with the practical and theoretical knowledge necessary to enable them to perform the roles of administrator, advisor, and programmer in Student Affairs and Higher Education Administration. After completing the program, a master’s graduate will have acquired the skills, knowledge, values, and commitment necessary to succeed at entry- to mid-level student affairs positions in public and private colleges and universities.

A master’s degree graduate with the CSPA degree will have the knowledge and skills necessary to:

  • Be conversant in the historical, philosophical, organizational, and student developmental issues in higher education and student services.
  • Be committed to the continual education, growth, and understanding of college students.
  • Facilitate the success of college students and staff through effective management of personnel, resources, and facilities.
  • Work successfully in student service settings at 2 and 4 year colleges and universities
  • Fulfill the obligation to educate him/herself in order to become a more informed consumer of research in student affairs and higher education.
  • Assess, evaluate, and improve student services in colleges and universities.

The Specific goals of the progam meet the CAS National Standards.

 

Link to Department's Admission Page:

Admissions to the CSPA program is limited to full-time admission for the Fall semester.  Class size is limited to 25 students per year.

 See forms and procedures.

 

Course Requirements for CSPA Master's program:

One may elect a 36-hour option completing a thesis or comprehensive exams, or a 42-hour option.
  • EAF 410 Research Methods and Statistics I
  • EAF 428.01 Foundations of Student Affairs Practice
  • EAF 461 Student Development Theory
  • EAF 462 Org & Admin. of Student Personnel Admin.
  • EAF 463 College Students and Their Cultures
  • EAF 464 Practicum in Student Personnel Admin.
  • EAF 466 College Students and The Law
  • EAF 467 Counseling College Students
  • EAF 473 Admin & Org of Community Col.
  • EAF 482.01 Capstone Seminar in CSPA
  • EAF 484 Adm. of Cont Ed & Public Serv.
  • EAF 499 Thesis hour option
  • 2 Elective courses

Direct your questions to the program advisor:

Dr. Marcia Escott Hickrod
Email: mescot@ilstu.edu
By appointment. DeGarmo Hall 340D

Additional Information:

Graduate Catalog (pdf) - program requirements, course descriptions and prerequisites

Graduate School - grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, graduate assistantships

General Department Information - helpful to those completing an EAF degree program.