Welcome
Welcome to the University of Central Arkansas' graduate program in College Student Personnel Services and Administration (CSPA) webpage! The CSPA program provides professional preparation for students seeking student services positions in both two-year and four-year postsecondary institutions. The program is interdisciplinary to prepare student services administrators for diverse areas of responsibility, including campus climate and diversity, finance, budgeting, grant writing, assessment, leadership/ team-building, and legal/ ethical issues. Please feel free to contact the Program Coordinator, Dr. Lawrence Mrozek with any questions.
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Program Coordinator: |
Dr. Lawrence J. Mrozek |
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Phone: |
(501) 450-5209 |
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Email: |
lmrozek@uca.edu |
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Office: |
Mashburn 230F |
General Program Information
Consistent with the standards and beliefs stated by ACPA - College Student Educators International, NASPA -Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and the Council for the Advancement of Standards, UCA’s course of study offers opportunities to experience the exciting relationship between theory and practice. Students are expected to meet the intellectual challenges of coursework, assistantships, and professional involvement and to participate in learning experiences leading to an understanding of college student development, collegiate subcultures, organizational dynamics, and the nature of higher education. Another important learning goal is to encourage appreciation of multiple perspectives while developing communication, consultation, and interpersonal relations skills.
The CSPA program centers on the profession of student affairs at higher education institutions. This two-year Master of Science program highlights the many factors that affect a student’s college experience, such as the academic climate and its demands, student learning and development issues, the role of faculty members and administrators, and the impact of extracurricular activities. The academic program prepares students for positions in higher education administration and examines such topics as current issues, climate and inclusion, assessment, grant writing, history, legal foundations, student and administrative concerns, leadership and research. Practical experience is also a major component of the CSPA program; therefore, students are required to complete a practicum and internship. (Graduate Bulletin)
A unique experience of the CSPA program is the yearly visit to Qingdao University for the study of student personnel services at Chinese Universities. Students have the option of spending two weeks in Qingdao and Beijing experiencing the collegiate and country's culture to enhance their understanding of diverse cultures and the international student experience.
Information for Prospective Students
Application and Admission Procedures
As an applicant for admission, you must present evidence of your ability to participate successfully in a graduate-level academic endeavor. To be considered, you must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning and have achieved a minimum cumulative undergraduate Grade Point Average of 2.7 or a 3.0 in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study. All applicants must complete all necessary files as required by the Graduate School.
Program Application
Not only must applicants meet the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School at the University of Central Arkansas, but additionally to be admitted to the CSPA program, students must:
- Submit a completed application for admission to Dr. Lawrence Mrozek.
- Submit three letters of reference from professionals who are familiar with the applicant's professional and academic performance.
- Participate in a scheduled interview with the CSPA Program Coordinator.
The materials above, including your assistantship application and résumé should be sent to:
Attn: Dr. Lawrence Mrozek
College Student Personnel Services and Administration
Department of Leadership Studies
Mashburn 230
University of Central Arkansas
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, AR 72035
Program Requirements
The College Student Personnel Services and Administration program is an interdisciplinary program developed within the guidelines set by the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS). The program prepares student services administrators for diverse areas of responsibility that cover campus climate and diversity, finance, budgeting, grant writing, assessment, leadership/team-building, and legal/ethical issues. The program integrates theory with practice by combining academic preparation with field-based experiences and internships. The program also provides students access to graduate-level instruction from faculty with diverse backgrounds including field practitioners.
The academic program requires the completion of 42 semester hours of graduate credit. A written comprehensive examination or thesis is required for graduation competency requirements. The curriculum consists of three components: Foundational Studies, Professional Studies, and Supervised Practice.
- Foundational Studies include,
- Organization and Administration of Student Personnel Services
- Student Development Theory
- Counseling Theories
- Student Characteristics and Effects of College on Students
- Cultural Understanding and Diversity
- History of Higher Education and Student Affairs
- Professional Studies includes five related areas:
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Grant Writing
- Research Methods
- Counseling Practices and Skills
- Leadership and Decision Making
- Ethics and Law
- Supervised Practice consists of two semester-long experiences, a practicum and internship, in at least two distinct settings.
Course Descriptions
Follow this link to CSPA course descriptions.
Information for Current Students
Course Rotation Schedule (ROTA)
- Course of study for students beginning ROTA_Fall10.
- Course of study for students beginning Fall 2011.
Required Forms and Due Dates
- Petition of Candidacy - The Petition of Candidacy is due to the CSPA Coordinator after completing the first 9-hours of study.
- See the Graduate School Website for the Program Application for Admission and deadline dates.
Internship Manual: Internship Manual 2011-2012