APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY MASTER'S PROGRAM

GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

PROGRAM STATEMENT

The Master of Arts program in College Student Development at Appalachian State University is designed to provide students with the balance of practical experience and theoretical knowledge that is necessary to meet the needs of the diverse population of student on our college campuses. This program is designed for individuals who are or wish to become college student development practitioners and college counselors. Recent graduates of this program have accepted positions in career development, learning assistance programs, residence life, leadership development, campus programs and activities and many other areas of student affairs

PROGRAM MISSION

The graduate program of College Student Development (CSD) at Appalachian State University sets as its primary mission the development of knowledgeable and skilled professionals for positions of responsibility as practitioners in student affairs or in a related area in the helping professions. An emphasis is placed on mastering the concepts of human development and examining the implications of this knowledge base for the design of educationally appropriate practice. Students are engaged in active learning which emphasizes academic work and theory that is solidly supplemented by practical work experience within a college and /or university setting. Proceeding from a theoretical construct, class room instruction integrates experiential learning into a practice which promotes imaginative and creative ways of thinking. Students benefit from the close educational partnerships between the program faculty and practicing colleagues in the areas of student development and general administration. The applied aspects of the program are aimed at the holistic development of student learners as well as development of leadership, human relations and management competencies. Finally, students are encouraged and assisted in adopting for themselves a set of personal values and a sense of educational purposefulness which will enable them to lead their institutions with intention and in accordance with the building of humane and inclusive communities.

PROGRAM UNIQUENESS

The Master of Arts program in College Student Development at Appalachian State University is designed to provide students with a strong foundation for entering the field of student affairs. Our program is grounded in theory and practice. Students have the opportunity to participate many practical experiences throughout their program. With a strong Division of Student Affairs at Appalachian State University and our ongoing relationships with nearby colleges and universities, students can experience institutional diversity, student diversity and challenges that will help them meet the increasingly diverse needs of college students.

NATIONAL STANDARDS
Meets ACPA Professional Preparation Commission Standards: YES
Meets CAS Standards: YES
Other/Comments: College Counseling emphasis is CACREP Accredited

APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

• GPA Requirement: 3.0 (can be admitted if below 3.0 with other strong supporting evidence)
• GRE Required
• 3 Letters of recommendation
• Interview
• Departmental Questionnaire. Available at www.hpc.appstate.edu
• Deadline – Rolling with preference for those received by January 10

CURRICULUM INFORMATION

Program Curriculum:

Required Courses

• College Students and their Environments
• Introduction to College Student Development
• College Student Development Theories
• Legal and Ethical Issues in College Student Development
• Life/Career Planning: Information and Skills
• Research in Education

Student Affairs Practice Emphasis Courses:

• College Student Development Administration
• Assessment and Program Evaluation in Student Affairs
• Helping Skills in Student Affairs Practice
• Practicum in College Student Development
• Internship in College Student Development
• 12 Guided Electives