University of Central Arkansas

University of Central Arkansas' graduate program in College Student Personnel Services and Administration (CSPA) provides professional preparation for students seeking student services positions in both two-year and four-year postsecondary institutions. The program is interdisciplinary to prepare student services administrators for diverse areas of responsibility, including budgeting, marketing, public relations, strategic planning, technology application, leadership/team-building, and legal/ethical issues.

Master of Science in College Student Personnel Services and Administration

Consistent with the standards and beliefs stated by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), UCA’s course of study offers opportunities to experience the exciting relationship between theory and practice. Students are expected to meet the intellectual challenges of coursework, assistantships, and professional involvement and to participate in learning experiences leading to an understanding of college student development, various collegiate subcultures, organizational dynamics, and the nature of higher education. Another important learning goal is to encourage appreciation of a variety of perspectives while developing communication, consultation, and interpersonal relations skills.

The CSPA program centers on the profession of student affairs at higher education institutions. This two-year Master of Science program highlights the many factors that affect a student’s college experience, such as the academic climate and its demands, student learning and development issues, the role of faculty members and administrators, and the impact of extracurricular activities. The academic program prepares students for positions in higher education administration and examines such topics as current issues, history, legal foundations, student and administrative concerns. Practical experience is also a major component of the CSPA program; therefore, students are required to complete a practicum and internship.

The master’s program in CSPA prepares student affairs practitioners to work in all sectors of higher education administration while emphasizing the unique context of private, public, and independent colleges and universities. The CSPA program combines the in-class education of graduate coursework with the experiential learning of required internships to achieve its mission. Graduates of the CSPA program are expected to demonstrate competency through successful completion of coursework, assistantships, internships, participation on university committees, professional development opportunities, and the final comprehensive examination.

Graduates of the College Student Personnel Administration master’s degree program will:

1. Be prepared to enter the student affairs profession as practitioners in multiple administrative sub-fields (residence life, student activities, career services, etc.)
2. Be able to use the foundations of theory and practical experience to make sound and ethical professional decisions.
3. Understand the value of contributing to their profession through participation in professional associations, and through activities such as presentations and publications and serving in leadership positions.

Dr. Charlotte Cone, Ph.D.
College Student Personnel Services and Administration
Department of Leadership Studies
Mashburn 230
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, AR 72035
(501) 450-5303