Graduate Programs at Western Illinois University

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Degrees Available:
- M.S.
Locations:
- Macomb
Required GPA:
- Cumulative: 2.75
- Last 2 years: 3.0
Admission Requirements:
- Goals Statement
- Interview/Audition
- Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation
Interesting Facts: Fall 2009
- Currently enrolled: 42
- International: 0
- Minority: 3
- Male: 14
- Female: 28
- Students with Assistantships: 42

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Graduate Programs of Study

Academic College: Education and Human Services

Program: College Student Personnel

Program Overview

The mission of the College Student Personnel program at Western Illinois University is to produce outstanding entry level student affairs practitioners who possess the knowledge and skills to facilitate the learning and development of students. Preparation is guided by an understanding of college student diversity and the dynamic nature of higher education. CSP has a competitive application deadline of February 1st.

College Student Personnel

Why College Student Personnel at WIU?

1. Cohort style classes of 20-22 students and full time assistantships in the Division of Student Services for each student
2. 45 + graduate assistantships available in 17 offices on Western's campus
3. Professional mentors while on campus and a strong network of dedicated and involved alumni
4. Theory-to-practice focus with diverse opportunities for assistantships, internships and practica
5. Award-winning faculty, professional student affairs staff, and students
6. High Placement Rates at graduation

Our Teaching Philosophy
The CSP program has a theory-to-practice orientation that includes coursework in student development theory, groups dynamics, philosophy of higher education, organization and administration of student affairs, multicultural issues, counseling theory and techniques, and research methods. Individuals are prepared to work as student affairs professionals in a variety of student settings, including residence life, student activities, Greek affairs, admissions, academic advising, orientation, and multicultural student programs.

The CSP program meets the standards established by the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) for student services and developmental programs, and it provides quality preparation for immediate employment in student affairs as well as a sound background for individuals interested in pursuing future doctoral degrees in college student personnel of higher education.

Our Faculty

Deanna S. Forney,Professor, College Student Personnel (Ph.D., University of Maryland-College Park) - Dr. Forney has served as director of career services at Gettysburg College and Allegheny College; associate director of career services at Allegheny College; residence complex coordinator at University of Delaware; residence hall director at State University of New York at Oswego; and head resident at Penn State. She also served as a doctoral intern for teaching and supervision in the Department of Counseling and Personnel Services at the University of Maryland-College Park. More

Tracy Davis, Associate Professor and Coordinator, College Student Personnel Program (Ph.D., The University of Iowa) - Dr. Davis is a Professor of College Student Personnel (CSP) in the Department of Education and Interdisciplinary Studies. As a CSP faculty member, he teaches courses in group dynamics, student development theory, gender identity development, student characteristics and college environments, qualitative methods, and the capstone seminar. More

W. Garry Johnson, Vice President for Student Services; Associate Professor, College Student Personnel (Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia)- Dr. Johnson is Vice President for Student Services and Adjunct Associate Professor of Counselor Education and College Student Personnel at Western Illinois University. Previous to his appointment to Vice President, Garry served as Associate Vice President for Student Services, Assistant Vice President for Student Services - Student Life, and Director of Residence Life at Western. More

Earl Bracey, Associate Vice President for Student Services; Adjunct Assistant Professor, Counselor Education and College Student Personnel (J.D., Southern Illinois University) - Dr. Bracey previously served as director of Student Legal Services at WIU from 1979 to 1986. He remains actively involved in a part-time legal practice. More

Tom Cody, Professor, Education and Interdisciplinary Studies (Ph.D., Southern Illinois University-Carbondale) - Dr.Cody teaches undergraduate courses in the areas of human growth and development, assessment and learning for student in the teacher education program. He also serves as the coordinator of the department’s graduate program and serves on many university and college committees. More

Extracurricular Opportunities

The Western Illinois Student Personnel Association (WISPA) is a student organization that enhances the personal and professional development of students who are interested in pursuing careers in student affairs through social and professional networks, professional preparation workshops and conferences, open forums for issues and ideas, and a sincere commitment to continued education in the profession. Western Illinois University’s student, faculty and staff are also very involved in professional organizations in the field of Student Affairs. Attending both national and regional conferences and events. We are active in NASPA, ACPA, NODA, NACA, ACUHO-I and many more professional associations. We encourage leadership and participation in professional groups for professional development and professional networking.

Other Information

Academic Degree Requirements: Students choosing this degree program must complete 48 semester hours of credit. Students are required to take a specialization core of 36 hours, two hours of practicum, and six hours of internship. Four hours of electives from the behavioral sciences, counseling, and other related areas should be taken only after consultation with the student’s adviser.

School of Graduate Studies