Program highlights
- Outstanding reputation. The BGSU M.A. program in college student personnel has been training college personnel for more than 60 years. Program highlights include a theory to practice curriculum and real-world experience working with college students.
- Prime career connections. Make the most of our expansive network of 2,000+ CSP alumni. Many now work as college faculty, deans, vice presidents and presidents. Others are employed in student affairs divisions, student conduct, Greek, life, residential life, academic advising, diversity offices and more.
- Ample professional development opportunities. Attend and present at regional, national and international student affairs conferences. Join the on-campus Student Development Association (SDA). Get direct access to organizations like:
- College Student Educators International (ACPA)
- Association of Colleges and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I)
- Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention in Higher Education (NODA)
- NASPA: Students Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
- Ohio College Personnel Association
- First-rate field experiences and internships. Gain valuable work experience before you graduate, including a two-year internship – many of those at BGSU. International study abroad courses are also offered to help students gain exposure to other cultures and the practice of higher education student affairs in institutions around the globe.
The BGSU Division of Student Affairs has repeatedly been counted among the best in the country by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA).
Career opportunities
Many students in the BGSU master’s in college personnel degree program started out wondering how to become an academic advisor or where to pursue a master’s degree in student affairs. Both student affairs and academic advisor salary ranges are highly competitive. Industry growth is steady.
The Master of Arts in college student personnel at BGSU is committed to preparing student affairs practitioners at the post-secondary level. Our primary aim is to prepare graduates for generalist college student affairs jobs.
The program offers ample opportunity to choose CSP practicums to develop unique areas of expertise. Examples include:
- Program coordinator jobs
- Student athlete services
- Student housing
- Gender equity
- Title IX
- Academic assessment
- Conflict resolution
By the time you graduate, you’ll be fully capable of serving students from all walks of life.
Career paths
- Campus activities assistant director
- Program director
- Vice president for student affairs
- Student engagement director
- Academic advisor
- Student affairs case manager
- Educational consultant
- Director of counseling and student development
- Student affairs specialist
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
The 42-credit-hour master’s degree in college student personnel includes a balance of classroom-based academic learning and field-based, experiential learning.
CSP degree students are challenged by an internship where they’ll be exposed to several theoretical frameworks. The internship provides a foundation for understanding many facets of the undergraduate learning experience.
Capstone project
Showcase your skills and professional development with a capstone project and/or thesis. Explore important research topics, demonstrate your understanding, spotlight your experience and create a compelling electronic portfolio of your work for future employers.
Sample courses
- Multicultural Competence in Student Affairs
- Colleges and Universities in Film and Fiction
- Social Justice Training and Education
- Student Development Theory
- Collegiate Environments
- Current Trends in Student Affairs and Higher Education
- Law and Higher Education
The college student personnel master’s program is within the School of Counseling, Higher Education, Leadership and Foundations in the College of Education & Human Development.
Updated: 10/15/2024 09:43AM