WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY MASTER'S PROGRAM

GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

PROGRAM STATEMENT

The college student personnel program leads to a master of science degree which places emphasis on professional education that integrates academic course work with practicum and internship experience. The program has a developmental and educational orientation and includes course work in student development, group dynamics, higher education, organization and administration of student affairs, multicultural issues, counseling theory and techniques, research, practica and internships focusing on human development and organizational development in various student affairs settings. Individuals are prepared to work as student development specialists in a variety of student affairs settings including residence life, student activities, Greek affairs, admissions, academic advising, orientation, and multicultural student affairs.

The WIU program meets the standards established by the Council for the Advancement of Standards for Student Services/Development Programs. The CSP program provides excellent preparation for immediate employment in student affairs as well as a sound background for individuals to pursue doctoral degrees in college student personnel or higher education.

PROGRAM MISSION

The mission of Western's College Student Personnel Program is to prepare outstanding entry-level student affairs practitioners who possess the knowledge and skills to facilitate the learning and development of students. Preparation is guided by an understanding of college student diversity and the dynamic nature of higher education.

PROGRAM UNIQUENESS

• All students hold assistantships in student affairs office.
• Master's only program allows focus on Master's students.
• Dual advising system (faculty and practitioner advisor for each student).
• Summer internship requirement/opportunity.
• Strong support of academic program from professional practitioners.
• Capstone seminar used to assess student outcomes and serves as alternative to comps and thesis.
• Required counseling course is geared specifically to student affairs practitioners.
• Both faculty have received national awards from NASPA and ACPA.
• Opportunity to do independent study projects.

NATIONAL STANDARDS
Meets ACPA Professional Preparation Commission Standards: YES
Meets CAS Standards: YES
Other/Comments:

APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

• GPA: 2.75 or 3.0 in last 2 years
• 3 letters of recommendation (at least 1 faculty)
• Interview, coinciding with assistantship interviews
• Current Resume
• Short essay entitled "My Interest in College Student Personnel Work"
• Application to Western's School of Graduate Studies is required.
• Deadline: February 1st for guaranteed consideration

CURRICULUM INFORMATION

Program Curriculum:

Introduction to College Student Personnel Work
Organization and Administration of College Student Personnel Services
Group Dynamics-- Process and Analysis
Methods of Research
Student Characteristics and College Impact
Student Development Theory and Application I
Practicum in Student Affairs
Internship
Higher Education in the United States
Counseling Theories and Practices for College Student Personnel
Student Development Theory and Application II
Legal Issues for Professionals in College Student Personnel
Professional Development Seminar

Electives:
Special Problems in College Student Personnel
Advanced Practicum in Student Affairs
Issues in Higher Education
Counseling/Helping in a Multicultural Society
Independent Study
Lifestyles and Career Development
Leadership Development and Self-Assessment
Administration of Adult Education
Community College Administration
Conference and Convention Planning and Management
College Union Administration

Is a thesis required: No

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Students in student affairs or higher education administration programs  (2005-2006):

PROGRAM FACULTY (Name, title, typical number of coursed taught annully, interests)

Deanna Forney, Ph.D.,student development, learning styles, counseling training for student affairs, career development; 100%
Tracy Davis, Ph.D., sexual assault prevention, gender issues, student development, group processes and development; 100%
Earl Bracey, J.D., Adjunct, legal issues, multiculturalism, ethics; 5%
W. Garry Johnson, Ph.D., Adjunct, university housing, student services, group dynamics and team building, leadership development; 5%
John C. Maguire, Ph.D., Adjunct and Assistant Vice President for University Relations, public and community relations, campus crime, administration; 5%

Last modified November 27, 2006
Information submitted by: Susan Boussard

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