Student Affairs in Higher Education

Master's Degree in College Student Personnel Work
The M.S. in college student personnel is designed to prepare the student for work in a college setting at one or many different student affairs agencies and to assist the student to meet the professional entry-level and advancement requirements in the field. Students complete 24 hours of core courses and also select one of three 15-hour options. The advising option is most appropriate for those intending primarily to provide developmental counseling/advising services within a college or university. The administration option is more appropriate for those intending to work as student services/programs administrators. The option in student services in intercollegiate athletics is appropriate for those who wish to pursue a career working with college student athletes. The student and advisor develop each program of study jointly.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Of the nine learning outcomes prescribed by the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) in Higher Education, our department will focus on the following learning outcomes in our three-year assessment plan.
1. Students must apply philosophical foundations of the profession to current student affairs practice.
2. Students must apply a code of ethics or ethical principles sanctioned by a recognized professional organization to their professional practice.
COMPONENTS:
• Research
• Assessment
• Evaluation
3. Students must apply theory to support student learning and development.

> Transition Points for the M.S. in College Student
Personnel Work (PDF)

Doctoral Degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education
The Ph.D. in student affairs in higher education is designed for experienced educators, administrators, direct service providers, and leaders who want the knowledge and professional skills to assume positions in institutions of higher education, or in education-related agencies. The Ph.D. program is for the advanced student who desires to contribute to the knowledge base of education and leadership through a thorough grounding in the conduct of research. The program emphasizes student development theory, higher education administration, and educational research.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Of the 11 learning outcomes prescribed by the department, we will focus on the following in our three-year assessment plan.
1. Students must apply philosophical foundations of the profession to current student affairs practice.
2. Students must apply a code of ethics or ethical principles to their professional practice.
COMPONENTS:
• Ethics sanctioned by a recognized professional organization
• Applied to research, assessment, and evaluation.
3. Students will be able to evaluate quantitative and qualitative research methods appropriate to education.