College Student Personnel Administration

Rosemary K. Murray; Chair; Sandra M. Estanek, Director; Anne Marie Dobies, Terri L. Mangione, Margaret C. McCarthy, Vicki T. Sapp, Kim VanDerLinden.

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 and student affairs.

The master’s program in College Student Personnel Administration at Canisius College prepares student affairs practitioners to work in all sectors of higher education administration while emphasizing the unique context of private, independent colleges and universities. The CSPA program combines the in-class education of graduate coursework with the experiential learning of required internships to achieve its mission. Graduate assistantships are also available, which provide additional experience.
Graduates of the College Student Personnel Administration master’s degree program will:

  1. be prepared to enter the student affairs profession as practitioners in multiple administrative sub-fields(residence life, student activities, career services, etc.).
  2. be able to use the foundations of theory and practical experience to make sound and ethical professional decisions.
  3. be prepared to participate as professionals in the educa- tion of the whole student, consistent with the Jesuit value of cura personalis (“care for the person”), regardless of the institutional context of their work.
  4. understand the value of contributing to their profession through participation in professional associations, and through activities such as presentations and publications and serving in leadership positions.

The CSPA master’s program is a full time, cohort based program. Full-time study in this program is defined as nine credit hours each fall and spring semester for two years. Candidates 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 (ACPA or NASPA) 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.

College Student Personnel Administration curriculum

First Year ­ Fall and Spring:
CSP 501   Introduction to College Student Personnel Administration    3 
CSP 570 Foundations of Counseing in Student Affairs 3
CSP 660 The American College Student 3
CSP 510   History and Organization of Higher Education in the United States   3
CSP 540   Diversity in Higher Education   3 
CSP 530   Methods of Research and Assessment   3
 
Second Year ­ Fall and Spring:
CSP 550 Issues and Problems in Higher Education 3
CSP 665   Legal Issues in Higher Education   3
CSP 677   Capstone Seminar   3
CSP 699   Independent Research or Elective1/Comprehensive Exam Option2   3 
CSP 680-681   Internships   6
TOTAL 36

COURSES 2006-2008

CSP 501 Introduction to College Student Personnel Administration      3
A review of the characteristics of organization and administration of 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
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 530 Methods of Research and Assessment    3
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 540 Diversity in Higher Education     3
This class is designed to assist students in increasing their knowledge of diversity related issues and their impact on college communities. Students will explore how they can work to build inclusive communities within institutions of higher education and develop the competencies needed when addressing a diverse population.

CSP 560 Theories of Leadership    3
Introduction to the topic of leadership in the student affairs context. Introduction to leadership theories, styles, practices and applications. Development of one’s philosophy of leadership and reflection on how the course content may be incorporated into professional practice.

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

CSP 660 The American College Student     3
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
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
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
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
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
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.