麻豆社

College of Education & Human Services

Counseling Programs at 麻豆社

College Student Personnel Graduate Program

Building a Community of Leaders

If you are passionate about working in a high-energy environment and supporting the development of college students, enrolling in the College Student Personnel Program at 麻豆社 may be the perfect opportunity to start your career in student affairs and higher education. A master's degree is the most common credential requirement in this field. Over 1,000 alumni have graduated from our program since 1970, experiencing fulfilling careers.

If the field of student affairs is new to you, think about the staff who inspired you while you were in college:

  • Your academic advisor or admissions counselor
  • The complex director in your residence hall
  • The advisor for your student organization

Many of the meaningful moments you shared were fostered by the theory to practice they learned in graduate programs like ours. They were taught how to create inclusive environments and the practices to support college student retention and persistence.

Graduates of a CSP degree work in institutions of higher education such as public or private four-year colleges or universities and community colleges, as well as in higher ed/student affairs adjacent areas like curriculum development, community outreach, academic publishing, educational policy analysis, training and development, educational technology, or fundraising and donor relations.

Not sure how your major fits with CSP? Check out our Major Matchup Guide to
explore how your undergraduate major can seamlessly transition into our master's degree.

Major Matchup Guide

Our program offers two enrollment options, full-time (in-person) and part-time (online), to help you develop as effective and reflective leaders who approach student affairs work as socially and ethically responsible practitioners in a variety of settings.

We are committed to our long-standing tradition of theory to practice with coursework focused on student development theory, group dynamics and leadership development, philosophy and history of higher education, organization and administration of student affairs, multicultural competencies, advising and helping techniques, and research methods.

Fall 2024 CSP Open Houses

听

Choose Your Path听

Student Affairs Track (IN PERSON)

This full-time option is designed for recent college graduates who have gained student affairs experience primarily through undergraduate involvement, as well as individuals from diverse backgrounds who are seeking to establish a strong foundation in the field of student affairs.听

This track offers the opportunity to blend your graduate coursework with an assistantship and practicum to gain hands-on professional experience in the field. Plus, graduate assistants receive a tuition waiver and monthly stipend.

Higher Education Leadership Track (ONLINE)

This part-time option is designed for both current student affairs professionals and individuals seeking a flexible learning format to advance or begin their careers in higher education. It is also available for students who are part of the external graduate assistantship program.

Employment of postsecondary education administrators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 14,500 openings for postsecondary education administrators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. 鈥�

Admissions

Candidates are evaluated for admission on academic ability and achievements, student affairs knowledge and experience, and personal attributes necessary to successfully complete the program and thrive in the field of student affairs. Various factors play into the admission decision, such as a professional resume, personal goals statement, academic transcript, letters of recommendation, the Graduate Studies application, and a personal interview.

Questions regarding the CSP application process or the receipt of application materials should be directed to CSP@wiu.edu or the program coordinator at (309) 298-2082.

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Program Outcomes

Students who graduate from the College Student Personnel program at 麻豆社 Illinois University will be able to:

  • Describe the concepts and principles of student development and learning theories that advance intrapersonal, interpersonal, and cognitive complexity;
  • Articulate histories, values, and philosophies of higher education;
  • Identify approaches to address contemporary issues facing higher education;
  • Define and assess organizational and human resources including, but not limited to: policies, practices, procedures, and structures;
  • Gather, apply, and deploy methods of research and assessment to improve, shape, and benefit student learning and higher education; and
  • Demonstrate leadership (as a role and process) to create learning environments (virtual or in-person) that support the inclusion of all students and members of campus communities while attending to issues of privilege, power, and oppression.

Theory to Practice

Theory to practice refers to the learning focus of applying theoretical frameworks, research, and professional dispositions learned in the classroom to real-world practical experiences in higher education and student affairs. This approach challenges students to not only understand the theoretical underpinnings of their work, but also effectively translate these concepts into actionable strategies, interventions and solutions in their professional roles.

We emphasize the practical application of academic theories to real-world scenarios, enhancing students鈥� ability to address complex issues and effectively support their institutions and students. For example, developmental theory can help students design programs and individual interventions that support students鈥� growth. In addition, crisis management models, organizational theories, and leadership conceptual frameworks help students respond to campus emergencies and negotiate the political environment, as well as assist organizations with meeting听 emerging challenges in higher education. Learn more about how the CSP program infuses theory to practice into everything we do.

CSP Graduate Program Coordinator

CSP coordinator image Assistant Professor
Dr. Julie Brines

Office: 81A Horrabin Hall
Email: JA-Brines@wiu.edu
Phone: 309-298-2082

Learn more about Dr. Brines

For questions about admission to the program, email csp@wiu.edu

Apply Now

听

Attend an Open House

Attend one of our open houses to learn more about the CSP program. Connect with faculty, current grads, and graduate assistant supervisors. (Please note these are all central time.)

Fall 2024 Dates

  • Virtual Open House, September 24, 4:00 p.m.,
  • In Person Open House, October 22, 6:00 p.m.,
  • Virtual Open House, November 9, 12:00 p.m.,

Exciting Career Opportunities

The CSP program helps you prepare for careers in:

  • Residence Life
  • Student Engagement
  • Fraternity/Sorority Life
  • Admissions & Recruitment
  • Academic Advising
  • Multicultural Programs
  • Student Retention
  • Career Development
  • Plus Many More!