Rosemary K. Murray, Chair; Sandra M. Estanek, Director; Margaret C. McCarthy. Adjunct Faculty: Anne Marie Dobies, Terri L. Mangione, Matthew H. Mulville, Brian P. Smith, Kim VanDerLinden, John D. White.
The College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) curriculum 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
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 (the American College Personnel Association [ACPA] or Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education [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, 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.
Curriculum
| First Year Fall and Spring | ||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| CSP 501 | Introduction to College Student Personnel Administration | 3 |
| CSP 570 | Foundations of Counseling 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 560 | Theories of Leadership | 3 |
| CSP 530 | Methods of Research and Assessment | 3 |
| First Year Fall and Spring | ||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| CSP 540 | Diversity in Higher Education | 3 |
| CSP 665 | Legal Issues in Higher Education | 3 |
| CSP 677 | Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| CSP 699 | Independent Research or Elective/ Comprehensive Exam Option* | 3 |
| CSP 680-681 | Internships | 6 |
| Total | 36 | |
COURSES 2010-2012
CSP 501 Introduction to College Student Personnel Administration 3 credits
An introduction to the development of student affairs as a profession, specific job responsibilities within student affairs and professional ethics. Introduction to higher education research and other professional sources.
CSP 510 History and Organization of Higher Education in the United States 3 credits
Historical perspective of student affairs and its place in the larger structure of higher education, the development of colleges and universities over time, and how current issues also have developed and changed.
CSP 530 Methods of Research and Assessment 3 credits
The nature of social science inquiry with specific implications for both research and assessment in higher education. Review of both quantitative and qualitative methods of research.
CSP 540 Diversity in Higher Education 3 credits
This class is designed to assist students increase 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 credits
Introduction to the topic of leadership in the student affairs context. Introduction to leadership theories, styles, practices and applications. Development of an individual 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 credits
Provides a working knowledge of counseling issues and techniques to address the needs of the student within the realm of higher education. Introduction to mental health disorders and exposure to preventative and communication strategies to assist college-aged students.
CSP 660 The American College Student 3 credits
Provides an introduction to student development theory and a profile of the contemporary college student. Theories of human development, involvement and learning will be considered. In addition, the relationship 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 Capstone Seminar 3 credits
Designed to provide graduating CSPA students with the opportunity to discuss current issues in student affairs practice with a goal toward making the transition from being graduate students to becoming full time student affairs professionals.
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 530, CSP 540, 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 thesis, research paper, or major 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 540, CSP 530, CSP 560, CSP 660, CSP 665, EDC 570.
*Students may also choose to fulfill the CSP 699 requirement through a comprehensive examination (written and oral) and by successfully completing an elective course, which is chosen in consultation with the CSPA program director.