College Student Personnel, M.A.

The Master of Arts in College Student Personnel, offered by the School of Counseling, Higher Education, Leadership, and Foundations, is designed to prepare individuals for employment within the general area of student affairs and student development services in postsecondary education. Candidates are prepared as generalists and are qualified for positions in such areas as academic advising, admissions, multicultural affairs, orientation, residence life, student activities and organizations, career services, and alumni affairs. This program offers both rigorous academic preparation and extensive experiential learning opportunities. All students are required to successfully complete a two-year internship, which they may complement with additional practicum experiences. Full-time employment in student affairs may serve as the internship.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, student in the College Student Personnel program are expected to be able to:

• Evaluate history, role, and purpose of student affairs functions in higher education institutions.
• Assess and analyze models of student learning and development and campus environments, theories to promote student success, diversity, equity, and social justice.
• Analyze influence of institutional type on campus mission, programs and services.
• Assess values, knowledge, and skills in relation to professional competencies.

Admission Requirements

Priority deadline for assistantships is December 1.

Documents required:

• Three Letters of Recommendation -  At least one of your references must be from a faculty member. You are encouraged to include a reference from a student affairs professional.  Submit recommender names/emails in this application, the recommenders will then be emailed automatically to submit their letter through this application system.
• Professional Resume - Include your previous work experience and undergraduate student involvement (if applicable).
• Statement of Purpose - Your statement should be 3 pages double spaced; include your name on this document. Address the following points:
  • What are your career goals pertaining to student affairs?
  • What qualities, characteristics, and skills do you possess that make you a strong candidate for the higher education and student affairs program and profession?
  • Describe one issue or challenge facing higher education and student affairs that you hope to address as a professional.

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement. 

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements