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Community College Leadership, Graduate Certificate
About the Certificate
The CSPA program offers several graduate certificates designed to enhance the knowledge and effectiveness of those employed in student affairs positions in higher education.
Certificate courses may only be counted toward one certification. Any and all courses taken as a certificate student may subsequently be applied toward a master's degree (provided the course(s) meet all other Graduate School policies).
Each certificate requires 18 credit hours, many of these hours are common to all CSPA Graduate certificates while others are unique to each. The unique courses for this certificate include:
- CSPA 5130 Leadership and Organizational Theory in Higher Education
- SPA 5610 The Community College
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this certificate you will understand the major characteristics of American community colleges, including missions, students and constituencies; methods of governance, organization and finance; student services functions, historical development, current status; and future prospects.
- Have a broad familiarity with professional organizations, research centers, publications, and other resources concerned with community colleges.
- Possess a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the major research, commentary and other literature on community colleges.
- Be familiar with the types of community colleges in the United States, including knowledge of specific institutions and state systems.
CSPA Graduate Assistantships
Get Ready for a Great Experience!
Working with committed staff, you will find that diversity and creativity are not only welcomed, but encouraged. The close working relationships between and among students, student services faculty, professional staff, and administrators promote an environment in which students are mentored, challenged, and offered a broad spectrum of experiences to create themselves as the outstanding professionals they seek to become.
Admission requirements
Admission to Graduate Studies
To submit your application, go to our online graduate admissions application form. You must pay a $30 non-refundable application fee and arrange for official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended to be sent to UCM Graduate Studies. You may also print a hard copy of the Graduate Application and mail it to:
UCM Graduate Studies
P.O. Box 800
Ward Edwards 1800
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Requirements for admission to graduate study include:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (2.70 GPA is required)
- Application on file prior to registration
- Official transcripts of previous college work
After admission to the Graduate School, your application is then forwarded to the CSPA program. Additional documents required by the program include:
- Two current letters of recommendation
- Current resume
- Autobiographical statement of purpose in pursuing graduate work
These items must be sent electronically to mconrad@ucmo.edu
Standards and Practices
Our CSPA Program follows the standards and practices of the following organizations:
- Missouri College Personnel Association
- American College Personnel Association
- National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
- ACUHO-I Internship Program
- Student Affairs.com
