Canisius College

College Student Personnel Administration

Faculty:
Dr. Paul Nochelski, S.J.; Chair; Dr. Sandra M. Estanek, Director.

The College Student Personnel Administration curriculum (CSPA) leads to a master of science degree and is designed to prepare candidates for entry-level positions in higher education administration. The program provides candidates with an understanding of the many factors which affect a student’s college experience, including the academic climate and its demands, student learning and development issues, the role of faculty members and administrators and the impact of extra-curricular activities.

While preparing candidates for employment in all types of institutions, the CSPA program highlights the profession of student personnel administration at private institutions. Consequently, all courses, including those which investigate such topics as current issues, history, legal foundations, student and administrative concerns, have been carefully developed to examine their relation to and their impact on, private institutions. Practical experience is a major component of the program and candidates are required to complete two internships. Additional experience is gained by many candidates through compensated graduate assistantships. Such opportunities are available at Canisius and at a variety of other cooperating area colleges and universities.

Full-time study in this program is defined as nine credit hours each fall and spring semester for two years. Candidates registering for full-time study will be charged a single program fee which includes tuition, books, membership in a national professional association and the cost of attendance at one national professional conference during each year of the program. This experience will enhance the student’s understanding of the importance of professional development and the value of professional relationships. Candidates will progress through the academic program together, taking all of their coursework as a cohesive group and thus developing strong team building skills and effective work groups.

Admission
Application for admission to the program is open to any qualified holder of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university regardless of undergraduate field of study. The goal of the Admissions Committee is to select candidates who indicate the greatest potential for academic and professional success. Applicants must meet the general requirements for admission to graduate work in education.

In addition to those requirements, applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from faculty or student personnel practitioners.

College Student Personnel Administration curriculum

COURSES 2004-2006 CSP 501 Introduction to College Student Personnel Administration (3 credits)
A review of the characteristics of organization and administration if student affairs programs and services; emphasis will be given to the special concerns that might normally arise regarding the delivery of student affairs programs and services in the private sector of higher education.

CSP 510 History and Organization of Higher Education in the United States (3 credits)
Historical perspective of college and university system designed to assist candidates in understanding the campus environment and the current organization of American higher education.

CSP 520 Technology in Higher Education (3 credits)
Examines the relationship between technology and higher education from several perspectives including implications for student learning, administration and research. Includes hands-on experience with specific applications including Web Page Design, Blackboard, and SCT Banner.

CSP 530 Methods of Research (3 credits)
The nature of social science inquiry with specific implications toward research methodologies in higher education. Review of both quantitative and qualitative methods of research.

CSP 550 Issues and Problems in Higher Education (3 credits)
An examination of current trends and various topics in higher education, including areas such as enrollment and retention issues, campus climate, Greek life, financing higher education and the role of athletics.

CSP 570 Foundations of Counseling in Student Affairs (3 credits)
Introduction to counseling philosophy, issues, theories, processes and professional concerns facing student affairs professionals incolleges and universities.

CSP 660 The American College Student (3 credits)
Provides an introduction to student development theory and to a profile of the contemporary college student. Theories of human development, involvement, and learning will be considered. In addition, the relation of theory to practice in student affairs will be explored along with issues related to diversity.

CSP 665 Legal Issues in Higher Education (3 credits)
An examination of the legal foundations that govern higher education, particularly in respect to student-institution relationships, differences between public and private institutions, church and state issues, due process, discipline and freedom of expression.

CSP 677 Administrative Leadership (3 credits)
Serves as a capstone course. Topics to be covered are mission, professional values and ethics, assessment, budget development and strategic planning, human resource management, leadership and professional development.

CSP 680 Internship I (3 credits)
The first of two required internship experiences intended to broaden the student’s understanding of the profession. Each internship requires 225 hours of supervised experience. Permission of the program director is required. Prerequisites: CSP 501, CSP 510, CSP 520, CSP 530, CSP 570, CSP 660.

CSP 681 Internship II (3 credits)
The second of two required internship experiences intended to broaden the student’s understanding of the profession. Each internship requires 225 hours of supervised experience. Permission of the program director is required. Prerequisite: CSP 680.

CSP 699 Independent Research (3 credits)
A research paper or project which provides the opportunity to investigate an issue or aspect of student personnel administration of particular interest to the student. Prerequisites: CSP 501, CSP 510, CSP 520, CSP 530, CSP 550, CSP 660, CSP 665, EDC 570.

¹ Restricted electives may be selected from the following graduate level courses: EDC 572 Vocational Development and Adjustment; EDC 573 Counseling Theory and Process; EDC 574 Group Dynamics; EDC 585 Chemical Dependency and Rehabilitation; OCD 610 Leadership and Motivation; OCD 635 Small Group Communications; OCD 640  Business and Professional Presentation.

² Students may opt to complete a research paper/project or they may choose to take a graduate-level elective course and a comprehensive examination. Consultation with the program director is strongly advised.