Department of Educational Leadership

Our program is to develop an academic community of critical scholar-practitioners who advance social justice in their practice. We also seek to develop socially just scholar-practitioners who are highly engaged in the field of higher education and student affairs. Students who complete our program earn a Master of Science Education (MSEd) in College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA). 

Throughout the program, students will immerse themselves in the study of college student development and college administration. Students will enter a community of emerging professionals who are dedicated to the field of higher education and student affairs. To facilitate a strong sense of the community, the CSPA program participates in the NASPA Graduate Associate Program, has a professional honor society for student affairs practice  (Chi Sigma Alpha), and  our graduate student association (Student Affairs Graduate Alliance). These programs and organizations hold social events and professional development events. 

• Personal statement, official university transcripts, and professional resume
• No GRE required
• Rolling admissions throughout the academic year 

Curriculum

• 39 credit program 
• Program is among the most diverse in the country and largest in the St. Louis region 
• Curriculum has overall emphasis on student development and social justice 
• Core 4 Curriculum: (1) student development; (2) social justice & inclusion, (3); advising & support; and (4) research & assessment
• Students complete a final project to research a problem of practice in student affairs/higher education 

• Available support to attend at least one conference within their assistantship or through the graduate program 
• Students are required to complete professional portfolio through the Student Affairs Growth Expectations (SAGE) experience 
• Graduate assistantships available for full-time students with tuition waiver