About CSPA

James Madison University's graduate program in College Student Personnel Administration has been carefully designed to provide you with an opportunity to integrate academic course work with practical experiences in a dynamic two-year professional program. The program's unique blend of theory and practice is due to the collaborative efforts of the Department of Graduate Psychology and the Division of Student Affairs.

The program is designed to provide professional preparation for college, university, and community college positions. Preparation for college student personnel careers involves participation in learning experiences designed to provide an understanding of the college student, various collegiate subcultures, and the nature of higher education as an institution in the United States. The program's link with counseling psychology provides opportunities for personal growth and the development of interpersonal relationship skills.

Graduate courses are offered in areas such as developmental theory, counseling techniques and theory, group dynamics, student personnel services, psychological statistics, educational research methods and organizational theory. One of the unique aspects of the program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students gain valuable experience in a number of student affairs offices through a structured program of practicums and assistantships. Students have the opportunity to develop their skills as college personnel professionals and to practice what they have learned in the classroom.

For Additional Information

If you have any additional questions regarding the program, please contact:

Dr. Cara Meixner
Director, CSPA Program
James Madison University
MSC 7401
Phone: 540-568-6522
Email: meixnecx@jmu.edu