The Master of Science degree program in College Student Personnel Administration prepares outstanding generalists for a broad range of entry-level and mid-level positions in student life, student development, student services, and other professional staff areas in institutions of higher education. The curriculum integrates theory and practice in classroom and field-based settings to graduate professionals with the necessary knowledge, skills, commitment to ethics, respect for diversity, and caring to enrich the lives of students. The curriculum meets the standards set by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education for Student Affairs graduate preparation programs.
A major strength of the CSPA program is the close partnerships between the program and student affairs professionals on the campus. Practitioners in student life, housing, student activities, the campus union, and a variety of other settings mentor and teach students in the program. Students benefit from working closely with recognized leaders in their areas of expertise.
Submit a transcript showing an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with an overall undergraduate grade-point average of at least 2.70, or a 3.0 in the final 60 hours (requirements for those receiving a graduate assistantship may be higher). The transcript is submitted with the online application to the graduate school (see application process below). A copy of the transcript (or transcripts) will be sent to the CSPA Program Coordinator with the graduate application.
Candidates also must submit a writing sample describing his or her career goal and
how the academic program fits with that goal. Two letters of recommendation are required.
One letter should come from a former professor, while the second should be completed
by a work supervisor. These items must be sent electronically to elhd@ucmo.edu.
With a degree in College Student Personnel Administration, you will use the knowledge and skills obtained through your studies to:
See MoCENTS for information about applying for scholarships. Below is a partial list of UCM scholarships many of our students are eligible for. Create an account, complete the application, and apply for as many scholarships as fit your application. A selection of available scholarships is listed below:
Our CSPA Program follows the standards and practices of the following organizations:
This information applies to Graduate Assistants hired for the CSPA program. Information about other Graduate Assistanships is available through the Office of Graduate Education and Research.
CSPA GAs work with committed staff who not only welcome diversity and creativity, but encourage student development. 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.
To be considered for a CSPA GA position, you will need to submit all of the following materials:
All materials should be sent to the Selection Coordinator, Alan Nordyke, at nordyke@ucmo.edu (e-mail submission preferred). They can also be mailed to Alan Nordyke, Ellis Hall L23, Warrensburg, MO 64093.
The priority application date is February 1 for those not attending the Oshkosh Placement Exchange.
Candidates are also be required apply to the on-line job posting which will be posted on the UCM Jobs Page.
CSPA graduate students can be found in multiple positions across the UCM campus. To learn more about the GA positions dedicated to CSPA students, please click the links below for job descriptions.
For more information about CSPA Graduate Assistantships, contact Alan Nordyke (nordyke@ucmo.edu).
Not all CSPA courses are offered each semester. The rotation of classes is arranged to allow a full-time student entering in fall to graduate by the second May. Students beginning in January should still be able to finish within two calendar years (although this is not required).
Early enrollment is highly recommended. Delayed enrollment may result in a class being canceled for insufficient enrollment.
The current recommended rotation is as follows:
* Internship hours will occur in one hour increments across three terms, regardless of when the internship work experience is accrued.
** The elective should be approved by your graduate program advisor prior to enrollment.
Robert Bowman
Associate Professor
Lovinger 4114
Tel: 660-543-8628
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