Educational Policy & Leadership Programs
College Student Personnel Administration Program
- Program description
- Required course work
- Practicum
- F.A.Q.
- CSPA — Student Organization
- Admissions/application information
- Graduate assistantships and employment
- The face of College Student Personnel graduate students (photos, etc.)
Program description
The master of educational leadership in college student personnel administration prepares graduate students for a career in a variety of student affairs settings, such as academic advising, career development centers, college student unions, international student services, multicultural affairs, orientation programs, residential living programs and student activities organizations.
Consistent with Jesuit tradition, the master of education in college student personnel administration has a commitment to social justice within institutions of higher learning. This commitment demands that graduates of the program have a deep understanding of the institutions' role, administrators' practice and students' participation in creating a comfortable environment for all participants.
Essential throughout the program is the development of progressive leadership skills that emphasize the ideals of care and respect for all students, particularly in the areas of racial and social justice. Curriculum for this administrative degree includes course work in transformational leadership, critical refection and helping skills (e.g., counseling, consultation and organizational development).
As such, the M.Ed. with special emphasis in college student personnel administration is offered as preparation for a career in colleges, professional organizations, and various federal, state and local entities advocating post-secondary education.
Required course work (36 credits)
- EDPL 6000: Introduction to Educational Inquiry
- EDPL 6100: Introduction to Student Affairs
- EDPL 6140: Diverse Students on the College Campus
- EDPL 6200: Student Development in Higher Education
- EDPL 6210: Environmental Theory and Assessment in Higher Education
- EDPL 6250: History of Higher Education in the United States
- EDPL 6260: Organizational Theory and Administration in Higher Education
- EDPL 6800: American Law and the Educational Organization
- EDPL 6965: Practicum in Student Affairs Leadership 1
- EDPL 6966: Practicum in Student Affairs Leadership 2*
- COUN 6000: Introduction to Counseling
- EDPL 6997: Current Issues in Educational Leadership (capstone course)
* May be waived for students with on-campus assistantship
Students for whom the second practicum course is waived must choose one elective in an area of interest.
Practicum opportunities
The following types of experience have been arranged by STPA students and participating sites in the past. Practicum opportunities are available through most cooperating departments and/or colleges, and students are encouraged to investigate and arrange their own practicum experiences that will strengthen their base of professional experience in student affairs.
Please note that this is by no means a complete listing and some listed here may not be available for practicum students. This list is to simply give you a better idea of the types of opportunities that may be available.
- Academic Advising
- Activities
- Admissions
- Administration
- Alumni Relations and Development
- Athletics
- Campus Ministry
- Campus Union
- Career Development
- Counseling
- Disability Services
- Housing
- International Students
- Minority Students and Multicultural Programs
- Orientation
Frequently asked questions
What is STPA?
STPA stands for (College) Student Personnel Administration. The program is a strand in Marquette's College of Education, combining courses from the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership and Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology.
What can I do with a STPA master’s degree?
Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in the following higher education fields: admissions, career counseling, advising, financial aid, orientation, housing, alumni affairs and development. Because the program blends academic curriculum with hands-on field experience through required internships/practicum, graduates are well-prepared to embark on a career in higher education administration.
How do I get more information about the STPA program?
If you have additional questions about the STPA program in general, please contact Rebecca Olsen (rebecca.olsen@marquette.edu). If you have general questions about Marquette, please contact the Graduate School. You can also request an information packet by visiting the
Graduate School Web site.
How long does the program take to complete?
The program is full time and typically completed in two years. If you have a question about an alternative plan, please contact Dr. Sharon Chubbuck.
What is CSPA?
The College Student Personnel Association — the graduate student organization for the STPA program — is involved in a variety of campus activities, including service projects, networking and internship events, and fundraisers to underwrite national student affairs conference attendance.
CSP Association
The College Student Personnel Association is an organization for all graduate students or Marquette alumni/ae interested in higher education and student affairs.
The organization aims to provide an educational, professional and social base to encourage and enhance all facets of individual professional growth and development and advocate on behalf of the organization's members. The organization serves as the official graduate student assembly for all students in the College Student Personnel Administration program.
Admission
All applications for admission to the master's programs in educational policy and leadership must originate with the Graduate School. All applicants must have at least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Individuals interested in applying to the program should apply online on the Graduate School Web site.
SPECIAL NOTES: Apply under the EDPL graduate studies as a Master of education (M.Ed.) student with a specialization in College Student Personnel Administration. Be sure to inform the individuals you choose for recommendations that filling out the online assessment is not enough. They must upload their letter online.
Materials to be submitted for application:
- Graduate School Application Form and application fee
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions except Marquette
- Test scores on the Graduate Record Examination general test
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can address the applicant's academic and professional potential
- A statement of purpose
- Interview (optional but recommended)
Most students in the STPA program begin during the fall term. Application deadlines are:
- January 31 (for fall admission, specifically for students participating in our February interview day)
- July 15* (last possible deadline for fall admission)
* Applicants applying for FALL admission should keep in mind that the financial aid deadline for fall is FEBRUARY 15. Applicants applying for financial aid must have all materials submitted on or before this date.
Applicants should make sure that their files are complete by the application deadline. Applicant files are reviewed comprehensively, emphasizing all aspects of applicants' backgrounds. Academic transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, statements of purpose and professional background receive particular attention in the review process. If necessary, the department faculty may request an interview before making a final decision.
For more information about the College Student Personnel Administration Program, please contact Rebecca Olsen via email at (rebecca.olsen@marquette.edu) or via phone at 414-288-7502.
