UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI MASTER'S PROGRAM

GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

Program name: M.Ed. in Counseling and Personnel Services:
College Student Personnel Services Emphasis

College: College of Education

Department: Department of Education Leadership and Research

Degrees and Emphases: M.Ed. - College Student Personnel Services

Tuition and Fees: http://www.usm.edu/bizserv/generaltuition.html

Contact Person:

Dr. Christopher Giroir
Box 5027
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001

Phone: (601) 266-4012 or 1-866-439-1594
Fax: (601) 266-4655
e-mail: Christopher.Giroir@usm.edu

Web Page (URL) address: http://www.usm.edu/edleadership/CPS/cps_mainpge.html

Degree first offered: prior to 1960

Typical number of students admitted each year: 20

PROGRAM STATEMENT

The Master’s Degree Program Emphasis in College Student Personnel Services (CSP Program) faculty place a priority on professional education that integrates academic course work with mentorship and practicum experiences. The program includes course work in student development theory and research, higher education, organization and administration of student affairs, cultural diversity, counseling theory and techniques, research, and mentorships and practica focusing on human development and organizational development in various student affairs settings. The program rests on a developmental and education foundation in order to prepare students to work as development specialists in a variety of student affairs settings, including residence life, student activities, Greek affairs, admissions/recruitment, academic advising, financial aid, orientation, and multicultural student programs.

PROGRAM MISSION

The CSP program provides excellent preparation for employment in student affairs as well as a sound background for individuals to pursue future doctoral degrees in college student personnel or higher education. Students who enroll full-time may complete the degree program in one year, providing them with an advantage in pursuing employment or doctoral study; the program may be completed in early July, permitting students to accept positions that may begin in early July. This program is offered at both campuses, the Hattiesburg as well as Gulf Coast Campus of Southern Miss.

PROGRAM UNIQUENESS

This program may be completed via a calendar year of full-time study, so graduates may begin employment by mid-July. 100% of current fulltime students hold assistantships; resident and non-resident tuition is waived.

NATIONAL STANDARDS
Meets ACPA Professional Preparation Commission Standards: YES
Meets CAS Standards: NO
Other/Comments:

APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

  1. Apply for Graduate School Admission by one of two ways:
    1. Obtain a Graduate Admission Application from the Graduate Admissions Office: McCain Library, Suite 205/Phone: 601-266-4580
    2. Complete a Graduate School application via the internet. The graduate admission application may be completed online as follows:
      1. Go to the following web-site: https://www.usm.edu/gradapp/
      2. Complete application following instructions carefully.
        (Department is Educational Leadership; major is Counseling & Personnel Services; emphasis is College Student Personnel.)
  2. Submit competitive scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) verbal and quantitative sections as well as official copies of undergraduate transcripts from every institution attended to:
    Graduate Admissions Office
    118 College Drive #10066
    Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0066
  3. Obtain 3 Letters of Reference, using the CSP Reference Form. Each of the three persons who complete a form should: (a) place it in a letter envelope, (b) seal the envelope, (c) sign over the seal, and (d) hand the envelope to the applicant.
  4. Submit a personal portfolio reflecting your experiences. Your portfolio should include the following items: Letter of Intent, Student Affairs Belief Statement, Critical Issue Narrative, Goal Statement, and a Current Resume.
Please direct portfolio information and reference letters to:
Dr. Christopher Giroir
College Student Personnel Program Coordinator
Department of Educational Leadership and Research
University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive #5027, Hattiesburg, MS
39406-0001
Deadline - July 15th for Fall Semester, November 15th for Spring Semester

CURRICULUM INFORMATION

Program Required Hours: 33

Program Curriculum:

This program is designed to meet the professional preparation needs of individuals who expect to work in the field of college student personnel services. Graduates have been employed in colleges, community colleges, and universities. Some of the student service areas which represent potential employment for graduates include: admissions, registration, dean of students, activities, Greek life, residence life, financial aid, union, student recruitment, and career services. A bachelor’s degree in any field is a prerequisite for admission.

Required Courses (27 hours):

Is a thesis required? No; however, a comprehensive exam is required.

 

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Students in student affairs or higher education administration programs  (2003-2004):

 
Total Number
# of Males
# of Females
# of Caucasians
# of Persons of Color
Total 37 7 12 14 5
 
% of part-time students
% of full-time students
% of students enrolled in the program who also hold some form of financial assistance (graduate assistantship, fellowship, tuition waiver, scholarship)
Total 49 51 100 (Full-time. N/A for part-time)

PROGRAM FACULTY (Faculty members with areas of specialization and percentage of time devoted to the program.)

Note: Southern Miss also offers a Ph.D. Emphasis in Higher Education. For more information: which will be added to the website at a later date. Thus, % time for faculty is estimated over the two related degree programs, M.Ed. and Ph.D.

Chris Crenshaw, Ph.D., Special Problems, 25%
Debra Gentry, Ph.D., Counseling Theories, Special Problems, 25%
Christopher Giroir, Legal and Ethical Issues, Theory and Practice of Student Affairs, Advising Student Groups, 100%
Eddie Holloway, Ph.D., Cultural in Counseling and Personnel Services, 25%
Stacy Jacob, Ph.D., American College and Student, Student Development Theory, History of Student Affairs, 100%
Joe Paul, Ph.D., Current Issues in Student Affairs, 25%

Last modified August 24, 2007
Information submitted by: Christopher Giroir

Directory Main Page  ● Alphabetical Listing ● Geographical Listing ● Contact Directory Editors ● Other Career Information ● Directory Sponsor Website

© 2006 ACPA Professional Preparation Commission. Disclaimer.