M.A. in English
The MA in English at UCA is a focused program designed to build upon undergraduate know...
M.S. in College Student Personnel Administration
Conway, Arkansas
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The MS in CSPA at UCA is a 39-semester-hour program that integrates theory with practice through a combination of rigorous academic preparation and extensive field-based experiences, including internships. The program's mission is to prepare student affairs professionals with a broad array of responsibilities, focusing on areas such as helping skills, research, finance & budgeting, grant writing, assessment, leadership, and legal/ethical issues. Aligned with the standards and beliefs of prominent professional organizations like ACPA: College Student Educators International, NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, and the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS), the program ensures graduates meet industry expectations. The cohort model, where students progress through the curriculum together, offers mutual academic and emotional support, contributing to high program success and timely completion rates.
Curriculum: The 39-credit-hour curriculum includes a core of 33 required hours and 6 elective hours, providing both foundational knowledge and opportunities for specialization. Key required courses cover essential areas such as: Leadership and Supervision, Financing Higher Education, Law of Higher Education, Assessment in Higher Education, Diversity in Higher Education, Practicum, Internship, Principles and Practices in Student Affairs, Student Development Theory, Research Methods, and Individual and Group Counseling in the K-20 Education Environment. This comprehensive curriculum ensures graduates develop a strong theoretical understanding of student development and higher education administration, alongside practical skills necessary for effective professional practice. The program culminates in either a written comprehensive examination or a thesis.
Research Focus: The CSPA program at UCA places a significant emphasis on the role of research in informing professional practice within student affairs. The curriculum includes a dedicated "Research Methods" course, training students in both qualitative and quantitative analysis to investigate and solve problems in higher education. The thesis option provides students with an opportunity to engage in original scholarly work, drawing upon and consolidating knowledge from coursework and field experiences. This focus on "evidence-informed practice" means graduates are trained to critically evaluate and apply research findings to their work, fostering a commitment to continuous learning and contributing to the body of knowledge in the field.
Industry Engagement: UCA's MS in CSPA program boasts robust industry engagement through its embedded practical experiences. The program requires extensive field experiences and internships, which provide students with direct exposure to supervised professional-level work in various student affairs departments. These opportunities allow students to gain real-world experience, apply theoretical knowledge, and integrate into the professional community. Furthermore, the faculty often comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds, including field practitioners, bridging the gap between academia and practice. The program's alignment with national professional standards (ACPA, NASPA, CAS) further ensures its relevance to the current needs and best practices of the higher education industry.
Global Perspective: While the curriculum's core focus is on American higher education, particularly through courses like "History of Higher Education," the program inherently fosters a global perspective through its emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and equity in higher education. The course "Diversity in Higher Education" specifically addresses the complexities of a diverse student body, which increasingly includes international students and various cultural backgrounds. UCA generally promotes a global community, and the CSPA program's goal to prepare professionals who can recognize and adapt to changes in the broader higher education enterprise inherently includes a global viewpoint, preparing graduates to work with increasingly diverse student populations and in potentially international educational contexts. The development of strong interpersonal and leadership skills are universally applicable in any educational setting.
Location
Conway, Arkansas
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 11400
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make higher education affordable and accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, supporting talented students from around the world as they pursue their degrees.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UCA provides competitive merit scholarships specifically for international students, awarded based on academic achievements such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarship: The university offers dedicated scholarships for international students, including awards that cover partial tuition fees. These scholarships aim to attract high-performing students globally and promote diversity on campus.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges and departments within UCA provide scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, education, health sciences, or the arts. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire about scholarships related to their major.
An M.S. in College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a comprehensive and practical education for individuals passionate about supporting student success and contributing to the vibrant landscape of higher education. This specialized master's degree equips graduates with the skills in leadership, assessment, counseling, and organizational management necessary to thrive in a variety of roles across two-year and four-year institutions, as well as related non-profit, government, and corporate sectors.
Academic Advisor: Academic advisors play a crucial role in guiding students through their educational journey, helping them select courses, understand degree requirements, explore academic pathways, and connect with resources to support their success.
Admissions Counselor/Recruiter: These professionals are vital for universities, responsible for recruiting prospective students, evaluating applications, conducting informational sessions, and helping applicants navigate the admissions process. This can include specialized roles like international admissions.
Residence Life Professional (e.g., Resident Director, Assistant Director): Working in Housing and Residence Life, these individuals manage residence halls, supervise student staff (like RAs), develop community-building programs, enforce policies, and provide direct support and crisis intervention for students living on campus.
Career Services Professional (e.g., Career Counselor, Coordinator): Graduates work in career services offices, assisting students with career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, internship and job search strategies, and connecting them with employers.
Student Activities/Student Life Coordinator: These roles involve planning, organizing, and implementing a wide range of social, cultural, and recreational events and programs for students. They often advise student organizations and foster a vibrant campus community.
Financial Aid Administrator/Counselor: Professionals in financial aid offices help students understand and navigate the complexities of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, ensuring access to higher education.
Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs/Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: These roles focus on creating inclusive campus environments, developing programs that support diverse student populations, addressing issues of equity, and promoting intercultural understanding.
Student Conduct Administrator: Responsible for upholding university policies and procedures, these professionals address student behavioral issues, facilitate disciplinary processes, and educate students on responsible community citizenship.
Assistant/Associate Dean of Students: These mid- to senior-level administrative roles involve overseeing various student affairs departments, managing budgets, developing strategic initiatives, and serving as a key resource and advocate for the student body.
Alumni Relations Officer: While often associated with development, alumni relations professionals connect with former students, fostering engagement, organizing events, and encouraging alumni support for the university, leveraging strong communication and relationship-building skills learned in CSPA.
