Description
The Master of Science in College Student Affairs and Development (CSAD) is a 36-credit program that prepares students to work as a student affairs professional across a variety of settings and functional roles. This degree will allow for entry into a broad range of areas in a higher education setting, but it emphasizes knowledge and skills that prepare students to work directly with students in “front-line” roles.
This program will prepare students for a career in student affairs in alignment with NASPA/ACPA competencies, with a particular focus on Social Justice and Inclusion, Student Learning and Development, and Advising and Supporting.
Admission to the Program
The application process is managed by the Center for Graduate Studies.
There is no single factor or test score to determine student admission to the Master of Science in College Student Affairs and Development. However, a bachelor’s degree is required, with an expected minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Data used to reach an admissions decision include:
- An online graduate application with the student’s written objective for entering the program;
- All undergraduate and graduate transcripts;
- Contact information for three recommendations (from an employer, a professor, and a character reference); and
- A group interview (see below).
After reviewing these data, the Counselor Education faculty discusses all information regarding each applicant. The decision to accept or deny an applicant lies wholly within the jurisdiction of the department.
Interview
After reviewing submitted materials, selected applicants are invited to a group interview that involves Counselor Education faculty and approximately eight to 12 applicants. This interview assesses sensitivity, oral/verbal ability, communication skills (including feedback), self-awareness and interpersonal skills.
Program Requirements
Students must meet the College’s standards for graduate study.
Notes:
Students are encouraged to consult course descriptions for prerequisites.
Students complete the following coursework:
- EDC 502: Self in Society College Student Affairs
- EDC 602: Counseling Concepts
- EDC 603: Group Counseling Concepts
- EDC 606: Research and Program Evaluation
- EDC 614: Contemporary Issues
- EDC 626: Counseling in College Settings
- EDC 627: College Student Development
- EDC 718: Pre-Practicum
- EDC 723: Implementation I - College Counselor
- Two additional electives by advisement, one of which may be an additional semester of internship
The program provides flexibility in terms of course sequence and number credits per semester, but below is an example of pathway through the program that would allow students graduate in 5 semester (including one summer):
Fall #1 (9 Credits)
Spring #1 (9 Credits)
- EDC 602 Counseling Concepts (3 credits)
- EDC 627 College Student Development (3 credits)
- EDC 606 Research & Program Evaluation (3 credits)
Summer #1 (9 Credits)
- EDC 614 Contemporary Issues (3 credits)
- Elective 1 (3 credits)
Fall #2 (6 Credits)
Spring #2 (6 Credits)
- EDC 723 Implementation I
- Elective 2 (3 credits)