M.S. in Biology
The M.S. in Biology at Western Illinois University is a graduate program leading to a M...
M.S. in College Student Personnel
Quad Cities (Moline)
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in College Student Personnel offers two distinct tracks: the Student Affairs track (Macomb-based, high-residency, full-time) and the Higher Education Leadership track (Quad Cities-based, low-residency, part-time). The latter is specifically designed for professionals already working in student affairs or closely related fields who wish to enhance their credentials while continuing their careers. The Higher Education Leadership track requires 38 semester hours of credit, delivered in a hybrid model that blends in-person weekend meetings (typically three per semester/session) with online coursework through Western Online. This flexible format allows students to remain in their professional roles while pursuing advanced study. The program emphasizes leadership, student development theory, group dynamics, organizational administration of student affairs, and multicultural competency. Graduate assistantships, which often include tuition waivers and stipends, are available and provide invaluable hands-on professional experience for full-time students in the Student Affairs track.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in College Student Personnel, particularly the Higher Education Leadership track at the Quad Cities campus, is rooted in the professional competencies outlined by ACPA/NASPA and the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) Graduate Preparation Program guidelines. The 38-credit program typically covers core areas including student development theory, leadership development, group dynamics, philosophy and history of higher education, organization and administration of student affairs, multicultural competency, counseling theory and techniques, and research methods. Specific course offerings for the Higher Education Leadership track emphasize advanced skills in higher education administration, law, student engagement, and research. The low-residency format with in-person weekend meetings supplemented by online learning is designed to facilitate the application of classroom concepts to real-world student affairs work.
Research Focus: The M.S. in College Student Personnel at Western Illinois University emphasizes the importance of research and assessment in professional practice. The curriculum includes coursework focused on "quantitative and qualitative research methods" and the ability to "gather, apply, and deploy methods of research and assessment to improve, shape, and benefit student learning and higher education." While the program description for the Higher Education Leadership track does not explicitly mention a thesis requirement, the strong emphasis on research and assessment skills indicates that students will be trained to critically analyze data, evaluate programs, and use evidence-based approaches to inform their decision-making and improve student services. The program aims to foster reflective practitioners who can engage in systematic inquiry to advance the field of student affairs.
Industry Engagement: Western Illinois University's College Student Personnel program is characterized by its deep industry engagement through its "theory-to-practice" model. This approach is central to both program tracks, ensuring that students apply concepts explored in the classroom directly to hands-on student affairs work. The program emphasizes practical experience through assistantships, practica, and internships, particularly for those in the full-time Student Affairs track. The Higher Education Leadership track, designed for current professionals, further strengthens this engagement by allowing students to directly integrate their graduate coursework with their ongoing professional roles. The program's alignment with national student affairs organizations (ACPA, NASPA, CAS) ensures that the curriculum and training meet current industry standards and best practices, preparing graduates to immediately contribute to the success of students and their institutions.
Global Perspective: Western Illinois University's College Student Personnel program incorporates a global perspective primarily through its emphasis on multicultural and intercultural competency, and its commitment to social justice. The curriculum explicitly includes coursework on "multicultural competency" and focuses on creating learning environments that support the "inclusion of all students and members of campus communities," while attending to issues of "privilege, power, and oppression." This focus inherently prepares student affairs professionals to work with diverse student populations, including international students, and to navigate the complexities of an increasingly globalized higher education landscape. While not explicitly detailing courses on comparative international higher education systems, the program's foundational principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion foster a mindset that values and understands global and cross-cultural dynamics within student affairs practice.
Location
Quad Cities (Moline)
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% 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 73 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 49 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Western Illinois University – Quad Cities offers a range of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in pursuing their academic goals affordably. These scholarships recognize academic merit, leadership potential, and community involvement, helping ease the financial burden for students coming from abroad.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at WIU-QC can qualify for merit scholarships based on their high school or previous college academic performance. These scholarships reward outstanding grades, test scores, and other achievements, encouraging students to maintain excellence throughout their studies.
Western Illinois University International Student Scholarships: WIU provides dedicated scholarships for international students enrolled at the Quad Cities campus. These scholarships often cover a portion of tuition fees and are competitive, requiring students to submit applications demonstrating academic promise and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at WIU-QC offer specialized scholarships for students pursuing specific majors. These awards target disciplines such as business, education, engineering, and health sciences, supporting students who demonstrate and leadership within their field.
Graduates of Western Illinois University's M.S. in College Student Personnel program are equipped with a strong foundation in student development theory, administrative skills, and multicultural competency, making them versatile and highly sought-after professionals within colleges and universities. Their understanding of student needs and campus operations prepares them for a wide array of impactful roles.
Residence Life Coordinator/Director: A cornerstone of student affairs, these professionals manage student housing operations, supervise staff (like Resident Assistants), develop community-building initiatives, and provide crisis intervention within residential halls. This is a common entry and mid-level role for CSP graduates.
Academic Advisor/Success Coach: Graduates guide students through their academic journey, assisting with course selection, major exploration, degree requirements, and connecting them to academic support resources. They play a crucial role in student retention and academic success.
Student Activities Coordinator/Director: These professionals design, implement, and evaluate co-curricular programs and events, including student organizations, leadership development programs, orientation, and campus traditions, enriching the student experience outside the classroom.
Admissions Counselor/Recruiter: CSP graduates help attract and enroll prospective students by providing information about the institution, assisting with the application process, conducting presentations, and building relationships with students and their families.
Career Services Specialist/Advisor: Professionals in this field assist students with career exploration, job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and connecting them with employers for internships and post-graduation employment.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program Coordinator/Manager: With the program's emphasis on multicultural competency and social justice, graduates are well-suited to develop and manage initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus, fostering a welcoming environment for all students.
Coordinator of Orientation and New Student Programs: These roles focus on designing and executing programs that help new students transition successfully into the university environment, addressing their social, academic, and practical needs.
Student Conduct Administrator: Graduates in this role work to uphold campus policies and codes of conduct, mediate student conflicts, and facilitate disciplinary processes to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment.
Director of Disability Services/Accessibility Coordinator: Professionals here ensure that students with disabilities have equitable access to educational opportunities and campus resources, overseeing accommodations and advocating for inclusive practices.
Assistant/Associate Dean of Students: With relevant experience and continued professional development, CSP graduates can advance to broader administrative roles, overseeing multiple student affairs departments, contributing to institutional policy, and playing a key role in overall student well-being and success.
