Graduate Bulletin
Document Number 3.07.01

COLLEGE STUDENT PERSONNEL SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATION

[1] Program Summary

The Master of Science program in College Student Personnel Services and Administration provides professional preparation for students seeking student services positions in both two-year and four-year postsecondary institutions. Program graduates will be prepared to assume leadership roles as directors or assistant directors in such specialty areas as residence life, Greek affairs, judicial affairs, financial aid, career services, placement offices, minority affairs, admissions, orientation programs, international student programs, student activities offices, academic advising centers, student center management, recruiting, disability services offices, and alumni programs.

The program is interdisciplinary to prepare student services administrators for diverse areas of responsibility, including finance, budgeting, marketing, public relations, strategic planning, technology application, leadership/team-building, and legal/ethical issues. The program integrates theory with practice by combining academic preparation with field-based experiences and internships. The program also gives students access to graduate-level instruction from faculty in multiple disciplines, an important component not often found in other student personnel models, allowing students to broaden their understanding of the campus community and exposing them to a wide variety of institutional processes.

[2] Objectives

To enhance the leadership skills of student personnel services administrators who can quickly recognize and adapt to changes in the field and in the needs of college students.
To promote an understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities required of student services professionals.
To familiarize students with the theoretical foundation in models of human and student development and learning and to apply those concepts to the creation of more effective service units.
To foster interpersonal communication skills.
To promote the use of quantitative analysis and research to investigate and solve problems.
To use technology to create more efficient organizations.
To engage in strategic planning and visioning to provide services that provide maximum benefit to students.
To engage in sound financial and budgeting practices to most efficiently use the resources of the organization.

[3] Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School at the University of Central Arkansas. Additionally, students must

Submit three letters of reference from professionals who are familiar with the applicant's professional and academic performance;
Submit a paper addressing a topic related to higher education; and
Participate in a scheduled interview with the program admissions committee.

[4] Program Requirements/Curriculum

The degree consists of 42 semester hours of graduate credit. A written comprehensive examination is required. The curriculum consists of three components: Foundational Studies, Professional Studies, and Supervised Practice.

Foundational Studies includes the study of the foundations of higher education and student affairs.
Professional Studies includes five related areas:

Student Development Theory
Student Characteristics and Effects of College on Students
Individual and Group Interventions
Organization and Administration of Student Personnel Services in Higher Education; and
Assessment, Evaluation, and Research.

Supervised Practice consists of two semester-long internships in at least two distinct settings.

Courses include the CSPA courses linked below and the following courses from other areas (follow links): PSYC 6354 or COUN 6342; COUN 6350; MBA 5340.

[5] Courses in College Student Personnel Services and Administration (CSPA)

Follow this link to CSPA course descriptions: course link.

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