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About College Student Personnel (M.S.E.)

Welcome to the College Student Personnel program!

"Building Learning Communities Through Critical Reflection"

The 39-hour master's degree program in college student personnel is designed to assist students in gaining the practice, theoretical perspectives, and appropriate integration to be successful in working on college and university campuses in a variety of positions. The program follows CAS Standards as established by our professional organizations. Coursework emphasizes the development of the professional, working with individual and groups of students, and designing campus environments. Students complete three internships at surrounding colleges and universities. Many of our students hold graduate assistantships in student development at the University of Dayton. Full-time students can complete the program in two academic years. This program also offers a part-time track, accommodating students holding full-time jobs.

Download our printable program brochure (pdf) >>

Program Highlights


  • Low student to faculty ratio
  • Practicum and internship experiences
  • Active student organization
  • Opportunity for study abroad experience
  • Expanded curriculum to include international and global higher education

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    What will you be learning?

    Faculty members conduct regular curriculum reviews to make class content current, relevant, and comprehensive. 

    • EDC 540  Perspectives in Higher Education
    • EDC 550  Student Development's Role in Learning
    • EDC 557  Learning in Community
    • EDC 560  Leadership in College & University Environment
    • EDC 568  Research & Evaluation in Human Services
    • EDC 551  Student Cultures & Development
    • EDC 555  Administration & Organization in College Student Personnel
    • EDC 562  Learning Design
    • EDC 553  Internship in College Student Personnel (three terms)
    • EDC 565  Educational Structures in Post-Secondary Education
    • EDC 559  International & Global Higher Education
    • EDC 672  History of Higher Education in the United States
    • EDC 569  Scholarly Project in College Student Personnel / Higher Education
    Resources

    Visit the Resources tab to access the following:

    • Course matrices
    • Course schedules
    • Checksheets
    • Program and department handouts
    • Seminars
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    Gain professional experience!

    Students complete 300 hours of supervised practice in three 100-hour internships. These are completed in many local campus settings, and are coordinated with your advisor.

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    Meet Our Faculty & Staff!

    Faculty

    Program Coordinator

    Molly Schaller, Ph.D.

    Contact Information

    Department of Counselor Education & Human Services
    School of Education & Allied Professions
    University of Dayton
    300 College Park
    Chaminade 301
    Dayton, OH 45469-0530

    Phone: 937-229-3644
    Fax: 937-229-1055

    You can also reach us at our toll free number 800-259-8710, #1.

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    Get outside the classroom!

    The College Student Personnel Program offers students more than just classroom learning. Students in the department have access to a wide variety of opportunities and activities to develop the skills they're learning in their courses, fieldwork and research.

    What Are Graduate Assistantships?

    Student Development Graduate Assistantship Application Deadline: January 11, 2013

    A variety of assistantship opportunities are available for students who are enrolled in the program. Recipients receive an annual stipend and tuition credits. Graduate Assistantships (which are paid)  and Internships (which are generally unpaid) provide vital learning environments for students who are studying full time in the program and working part-time. The College Student Personnel and Higher Education Administration Programs have a close working relationship with the Division of Student Development and other units offering graduate assistantships to our students. These included a variety of positions in the department, university, and community, including the following placements: 

    • Art Street
    • Career Services
    • Campus Recreation
    • Community Wellness Services
    • Greek Life and Leadership Programs
    • Housing and Residence Life
    • New Student Programs
    • Student Development
    • Teacher Education Department
    • Departmental Administrative/Research Assistant positions

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    How Do I Apply for a Graduate Assistantship?

    Graduate students in any program may apply for a variety of assistantship opportunities across many departments within the Division of Student Development. The competitive application process will open November 1, 2012, and applications are due January 11, 2013. Applicants should be aware of the following timeline:

    • Friday, January 11, 2013  – Applications for fall 2013 due 
    • No later than Friday, February 1 – On Campus invitations sent to candidates
    • Sunday, February 17 – Candidate social (4:00-6:00pm, KU Ballroom)
    • Monday, February 18 – On campus interview/workshop day (8:30am-4:00pm, Kennedy Union)
    • Friday, March 8 – Offer letters sent to candidates
    • Monday, April 15 – Deadline by which candidates must accept/decline positions

    If you have questions, please contact Kevin Cane or call 937-229-4114.

    Complete the Graduate Assistantship Application (pdf) >>

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    Where Can I Study Abroad?

    In 2010 and 2011, students participated in an optional study abroad course in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This opportunity enabled students to learn about another culture by visiting schools, agencies, and neighborhoods in another country.

    View pictures from the trips >>

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    What Regional and National Organizations Can I Join?

    Graduate Community Fellows

    Graduate fellows in the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community help build community partnerships to benefit the wider Dayton community while enhancing the learning experience of University of Dayton students through service. 

    Additional organizations include the following:

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    Hear what former graduates have to say!

    Nikki Benkalowycz
    Academic Advisor at The University of Akron

    The College Student Personnel program at the University of Dayton created an invaluable foundation for the work I do with students. Through the study of theory, student development, self-authorship, and culture I am able to advise my students holistically. It is imperative in our work that we do not simply see the students for why they are in our office but the stories they bring with them. Student development is a vital key to how we interact with our students and that was an imperative part of how the faculty for this program taught me. The courses and the professors encouraged me to be the best version of myself in order to be the best advisor to my students. Each course of the College Student Personnel program was more than a class; they were building blocks to professional success.

    Shondrika Merritt
    Assistant Director of Residential Life for Student Conduct, Temple University
    The College Student Personnel program changed my life! It is not just a program where you can go in a classroom hear a lecture, take a quiz and leave. The program will challenge you to step out of the world in which you find comfort and step into a world where you are forced to challenge, explore and support your thoughts, beliefs and experience through scholarly research and theory, passionate faculty and self-reflection. If you are ready to be honest with yourself, learn from personal experiences and be challenged academically and personally, then you will love the College Student Personnel program. The best way to describe my experience is the CSP program takes love and turns it into passion.
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    Apply to College Student Personnel!

    The application process is online, easy, and free!

    Admissions Requirements

    Download the documents below to view admissions requirements for each Counselor Education & Human Services degree program.

    College Student Personnel (pdf) >>

    Application Deadlines

    • Spring deadline: September 10
    • Summer deadline: January 10
    • Fall deadline: May 10

    Students interested in graduate assistantships through the Student Development Division should apply by January 9 for Fall enrollment.

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