College Student Affairs (GC)

Summary

The graduate certificate in College Student Affairs is designed for learners who have already earned a master’s degree in a different field or who have two years (full-time equivalent) of direct student affairs experience following the completion of their bachelor’s degree. The program curriculum for the graduate certificate is delivered 100% online, and focuses on student affairs administration and college student development through a social justice approach.

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Certificate

Major Credits

12

Total Credits

12

Locations

Online

Career Cluster

Education and Training

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Program Requirements

Common Core

Students will explore the functional areas represented by the student affairs profession and will examine current issues and problems facing student affairs and higher education. Philosophical and historical underpinnings of the student affairs profession will also be examined.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to facilitate an understanding of current models and practices in the administration and finance of student affairs programs in higher education through a social justice framework. Models of planning and management, techniques related to budgeting and staffing, and current issues and trends in student affairs administration and finance are also explored.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to facilitate an understanding of today's college students through various theoretical perspectives including social identity development (i.e., racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, spiritual, disability, and social class) as well as psychological, intellectual, and moral development. Special focus will be paid to recognizing the unique characteristics and issues faced by today's college students and applying theory to practice.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to facilitate an understanding of current models and practices of assessment and program evaluation in higher education and student affairs, particularly regarding the process of assessing student learning and development. Models of organizational development and change, as well as the impact of campus environments on diverse student populations, will also be central to this course.

Prerequisites: none

Policies

The graduate certificate in College Student Affairs has rolling enrollment with two options for start dates each year: Fall and Spring semesters. For Fall admission, priority deadline is January 15 with a final deadline of August 1. For Spring admission, priority deadline is August 15 with a final deadline of December 1. Applications received after the priority deadline will be considered on a rolling basis and on space availability.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Master's degree from an accredited university OR a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 WITH two years (full-time equivalent) of direct student affairs experience following the completion of the bachelor’s degree.
  2. One letter of recommendation from a current or past supervisor focusing on your potential to become an effective student affairs educator.
  3. Personal statement submitted by answering prompt questions.

Application Instructions

  1. Upload a current resume to the Supporting Information section.
  2. Request recommendation from reference in the Program Materials section.
  3. Complete the personal statement form by answering the questions prompted in the Program Materials section.
  4. Upload unofficial transcripts from all previous college coursework to the Academic History section.
  5. Complete and submit the application.