College Student Personnel Administration at SIUE
Successful completion leads to a Master of Science Education (MSEd) in College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA). The program is framed by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education, which ensures academic rigor and quality of learning. The program also has a focus on social justice and student development, grounded in the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies.
Jobs included in this category are entry-level professionals and other positions in multiple areas in colleges and universities, such as financial aid, housing, career services, social and recreational programs, advising, leadership programs, Greek life, service learning, international programs, and others.
Within the SIUE CPSA program, students will immerse themselves in the study of college student development and college administration. They will enter a community of emerging professionals who are dedicated to a similar career passion. 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, speakers, and other professional development events.
The CSPA program is literally in the “heart of it all,” nestled within the Metro-East section of the larger St. Louis Metropolitan Region. SIUE is located 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis.
Evening classes are offered in fixed cohort for full-time and fluid cohort for part-time students. A mix of web-assisted and online courses are offered. However, the majority of classes are traditional, on-campus classes. Graduate Assistantships for full-time students are available for the fixed cohort and practicum experiences are available.
Program Distinctiveness
- Holistic admissions process: Personal statement, official university transcripts, and professional resume. No GRE required!
- Rolling admissions throughout the academic year
Curriculum
- 39 credit program which takes 2 years full-time and 2.5 years part-time to complete
- Program is among the most diverse in the country and largest in the St. Louis region
- Modest cohort size of 25-30 students per year
- 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
Professional Development
CSPA Grad Day- March 6, 2020
Find out more information about our prospective student visit day and to recieve priority consideration for assistantships! By participating in this event, you will get the opportunity to discover our program and receive preference for first round interviews for all available CSPA assistantships at SIUE. Candidates will also have the opportunity to spend time with faculty and students in the CPSA program as well as student affairs professionals on campus. Candidates do not need to be admitted to attend, but must demonstrate strong interest in our program before registering to attend the program. Click here for more information!
