College Student Personnel Administration Program
Program Description
The master of educational leadership (M.Ed.) in college student personnel administration (STPA) will prepare graduate students for a career in a variety of student affairs settings, such as academic advising, career development centers, college student unions, international student services, multicultural affairs, orientation programs, residential living programs and student activities organizations.
Consistent with Jesuit tradition, the master of education in college student personnel administration has a commitment to social justice within institutions of higher learning. This commitment demands that graduates of the program have a deep understanding of the institutions' role, administrators' practice, and students' participation in creating a comfortable environment for all participants.
Essential throughout the program is the development of progressive leadership skills that emphasize the ideals of care and respect for all students particularly in the areas of racial and social justice. Curriculum for this administrative degree includes course work in transformational leadership, critical refection and helping skills (e.g., counseling, consultation, and organizational development).
As such, the M.Ed. with special emphasis in college student personnel administration is offered as preparation for a career in colleges, professional organizations, and various federal, state, and local entities advocating post-secondary education. This program is collaboratively offered through the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership and the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology in the School of Education.
Required Coursework:
EDPL200 – Theory and Practice of Educational Leadership
EDPL250 – History of Higher Education
EDPL 220 -- Introduction to Educational Inquiry
EDPL205 - American Law and the Educational Organization
EDPL259 – Introduction to Student Affairs
COUN216 – Introduction to Counseling
EDPS271 - Student Development in Higher Education
EDPL272– Diverse Students on the College Campus
EDPL208 – Practicum in Educational Leadership
EDPL210 – Current Issues in Educational Leadership (capstone course)
In addition to the above 30 credits, students will also complete THREE (3) Elective credits.
Practicum Opportunities
The following types of experience have been arranged by STPA students and participating sites in the past. Practicum opportunities are available through most cooperating departments and/or colleges, and students are encouraged to investigate and arrange their own practicum experiences that will strengthen their base of professional experience in student affairs.
Please note that this is by no means a complete listing and some listed here may not be available for practicum students. This list is to simply give you a better idea of the types of opportunities that may be available.
- Academic Advising
- Activities
- Admissions
- Administration
- Alumni Relations and Development
- Athletics
- Campus Ministry
- Campus Union
- Career Development
- Counseling
- Housing
- International Students
- Minority Students and Multicultural Programs
- Orientation
- Disability Services
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is STPA?
STPA stands for [College] Student Personnel Administration. The program is a strand in Marquette University's School of Education, combining courses from the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership and courses from the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology.
What can I do with a STPA Master’s degree?
Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in the following fields in higher education: admission, career counseling, advising, financial aid, orientation, housing, alumni affairs, and development. Because the program blends academic curriculum with hands-on field experience through required internships/practicum, graduates are well prepared to embark on a career in higher education administration.
How do I get more information about the STPA program?
If you have additional questions about the STPA program in general, please contact Alissa Ewer (alissa.ewer@marquette.edu). If you have general questions about Marquette, please contact the Graduate School. You can also request a packet of information by visiting the Graduate School Web site.
How long does the program take to complete?
The program is full-time and is typically completed in two years. If you have a question about an alternative plan, please contact Dr. Joan Whipp.
What is MUCSPA?
The Marquette University College Student Personnel Association - the graduate student organization for the STPA program. The MUCSPA is involved in a variety of activities on Marquette's campus, including service projects, networking/internship events, and fundraisers to underwrite national student affairs conference attendance.
College Student Personnel Graduate Student Organization
The Marquette University College Student Personnel Association is an organization for all graduate students or Marquette University alumni/ae interested in higher education and student affairs.
The aims and purposes of the organization are consistent with the philosophy of student development. The organization aims to provide an educational, professional and social base to encourage and enhance all facets of individual professional growth and development and advocate on behalf of the organization's members. The organization serves as the official graduate student assembly for all students in the College Student Personnel Administration (STPA) program.
Admission
All applications for admission to the master's programs in educational policy and leadership must originate with the Graduate School. New students can enter the program any semester of each year or during the summer term. All applicants must have at least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Individuals interested in applying to the program may obtain application information by contacting the Graduate School at (414) 288-7137. Application can also be made online at www.marquette.edu/grad/future/apply.shtml
Apply as a Master of Education (MED) student with a specialization in College Student Personnel Administration (STPA).
Materials to be submitted for application:
- Graduate School Application Form and application fee
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions except Marquette
- Test scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test
- Three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who can address the applicant's academic and professional potential
- A statement of purpose
- Interview (optional but recommended)
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a complete, self-assembled application packet of all application materials, other than test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, etc.). For more information, visit http://www.grad.mu.edu/future/req4.shtml
Departmental faculty review applicant files on a rolling basis. Application deadlines are:
April 15 (for summer admission)
July 15 (for fall admission)*
November 15 (for spring admission)
*Applicants applying for FALL admission should keep in mind that the financial aid deadline for fall is FEBRUARY 15th. Applicants applying for financial aid must have all materials submitted on or before this date.
Applicants should make sure that their files are complete by these dates. Applicant files are reviewed comprehensively, emphasizing all aspects of applicants' backgrounds. Academic transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, statements of purpose and professional background receive particular attention in the review process. If necessary, the department faculty may request an interview before making a final decision.
