Admissions

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a master's program must:

• have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
• present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term. If accepted, official transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 209 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

The Master's Degree in College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) trains candidates to succeed in entry- to-mid-level student affairs positions in two-year and four-year public and private colleges and universities. Graduates will be qualified to serve as higher education administrators, advisors, and programmers in areas as diverse as residential life, activities, admissions, advising, service and leadership, orientation, multicultural programs, student conduct, fraternity and sorority life, and assessment.

Applicants interested in P-12 teaching or administration should apply to other relevant programs within the College of Education. International applicants seeking an F1 or J1 visa should apply for the fall application cycles, as spring admissions are offered on a part-time basis only.

The department may request an interview with the admissions committee before final admissions decisions are made. 

Our staff will contact applicants with whom they desire an interview.

To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.

GPA

You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of your undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a master’s program.

A 3.0 GPA is required to hold a graduate assistantship.

Resume

Submit a current resume.

Statement

Submit a statement that describes your career objectives and addresses the following points:

• Why are you interested in pursuing the College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) program?
• What experiences have you had that prepared you for academic work in the CSPA program?
• What are your short and long-range career goals?
• How will the CSPA program help you meet those goals?
• What qualities and characteristics do you possess that make you a strong candidate for admission to the CSPA program?

Statement Length Requirement: 750 words, typed and double-spaced

Reference Letters

Submit two letters of reference.

One letter should be from a faculty member who can speak to your academic accomplishments.

The other letter should come from a faculty, staff member, or supervisor who is familiar with your work ethic and leadership abilities.

Part-Time Applicants

Part-time students must be currently employed at a college or university. Employment must be in an area that can be used as a learning laboratory to apply material learned in class.

A minimum of two years of related student affairs work prior to being admitted is preferred.

Admission Dates and Deadlines

Graduate Coordinator