Program Overview: Post-Masters Certificate Program

Purpose

The rationale and need for the certificate program lies in the circuitous routes through which many individuals enter the Student Affairs profession. Basic entry-level requirements for a position in Student Affairs include a master’s degree – preferably in the field of counseling, student personnel services, higher education administration, or a comparable discipline. However, many individuals enter the profession with academic preparation in other disciplines and advance in the field based upon their experience. While these professionals are adept in their management skills, they may lack an educational/developmental focus in performing their duties. The certificate program is designed to educate professionals regarding how and why students develop during their college years. Equipped with this training, professionals will be better able to construct learning/development outcomes and design programs that will intentionally facilitate such learning/development.

Description

The certificate program in College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) is a twelve credit-hour program comprised of courses that address the core knowledge, theories, and philosophical foundations of the Student Affairs profession. Students who have completed a master’s degree in a discipline outside of CSPA are admitted to this program and introduced to the specialized knowledge and practice inherent in the profession. The certificate program is comprised of courses in college student development, student personnel services, professional issues in student services, and an approved elective in the area of either management or counseling/student development (based upon the student’s previous training).

Application to the Certificate Program

Students who wish to apply to the Post-Master’s Certificate Program in College Student Personnel Administration must submit the following items online to the Graduate School by January 15, 2009:

1.  Graduate School Application (online) and $55 application fee.
2.  Submit transcript indicating completion of master's level degree.
3.  Submit your resume.
4.  Attach a letter of recommendation from a current supervisor.
5.  Written responses to the following:
           Describe your current position and how you interact with students
           Describe how you will benefit from completing the certificate program.
           Describe how the degree-seeking students (ie, classmates) will benefit from your participation in class activities.
           Describe your future plans and the role of a CSPA certificate in those plans.

Questions and additional information, contact the co-directors:

    Donna Harper, Executive Assistant to the President
    harperdl@jmu.edu
    540-568-3705

    Jim McConnel, Associate Vice President, Student Life
    mcconnjw@jmu.edu
    540-568-6468