Program Description: The M.Ed. in College Student Personnel is designed to meet the guidelines established by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS). Specifically, it will prepare student affairs professionals who work in positions that promote the intellectual, social, and personal development of college students. Student Affairs personnel work with colleagues, faculty, administrators, and staff to provide college students with an array of services that enhance their educational and campus experiences.
The degree requires 48 semester hours of course work. Coursework includes 39 semester hours of core courses including 6 semester hours in internships, and 9 semester hours in electives that complement the program. Students may enter the program on a full-time or part-time basis, with degree completion ranging from two to four years, depending upon the route that they elect.
Courses incorporate content that is appropriate for working in student services in a variety of two and four-year higher education settings. Students will complete a common core of courses that will integrate theoretical constructs and internship experiences. Students may also complete electives in such areas as foundations of adult education, human resource development, outdoor recreation leadership, counseling, psychology, and special topics in college student affairs work.
Course descriptions are available at http://catalog.wcu.edu/content.php?catoid=5&navoid=17 .
An average grade of B (3.0) GPA is required for this graduate degree. Grades received in all graduate courses will be included in the cumulative average. Up to six semester hours of graduate credit with grades of B or better may be transferred from other regionally accredited graduate schools. Work to be applied to the program must have been completed within six years immediately preceding the completion of the requirements for the degree.
Required Standardized Test: GRE General Test
Minimum Admissions Requirements: Undergraduate grade point aerage meeting minimum WCU graduate entrance requirements and a personal interview are required. Admissions documents required include: three letters of recommendation, statement of professional goals outlining applicant’s rationale for seeking graduate study in College Student Personnel, and official transcripts from all institutions attended.
Additional Admissions Criteria: None
Application Deadline: Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis for fall semester. A limited number of students may be admitted for the spring semester, and all Spring application materials must be submitted by December 1.
Prerequisites: None
Number of Graduate Faculty: 12
Number of Students: 15
Location of Course Offerings: Cullowhee and Asheville (limited)
Graduate Program Director:
Dr. Cheryl Joy Daly
Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Foundations
College of Education and Allied Professions
Killian Building, Room 250
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828-227-2115 (phone)
828-227-7607 (fax)
cdaly@email.wcu.edu
Departmental Website: College Student Personnel