Apply to the Program

Dear Prospective Student:

Thank you for your interest regarding the College Student Personnel Administration graduate program at James Madison University. Included on this website you will find several pieces of information about the program and the application process.

This program is in conjunction with the Department of Psychology and will lead to a Master's of Education in Counseling. Counseling is an important part of our philosophy in the training of student personnel administrators, thus, we value our connection with the College of Health and Behavioral Studies.

Our program offers assistantships to all full-time students. The majority of assistantships are in the Division of Student Affairs and University Planning with a few in the Division of Academic Affairs. These assistantships offer the opportunity to enhance your skill development and work in conjunction with student affairs professionals. Two practicums are required for completion of the CSPA program and are offered in a variety of university offices, as well as surrounding colleges.

The CSPA program at James Madison University consists of approximately 28 students - fourteen first year students and fourteen second year students. This provides students the opportunity to work directly with professionals in the Division of Student Affairs and University Planning. Most of the student personnel courses are taught by these same professionals. Each student is also assigned an advisor who is a member of the CSPA Advisory Committee. The academic program consists of 36 hours taken in two years.

Please note the priority application deadline is January 2, 2023. The final deadline has been extended to February 15, 2023. All application forms and supporting materials are due at this time. Following the initial review of all the written application materials, the program committee will invite candidates for an interview during the month of February. If invited, this interview is a required part of the application process. The program begins reviewing applications upon receipt and will give preference to applications received by the priority deadline. In addition, if you are invited for an interview you will be asked for your preference of assistantship sites based on those available for the coming academic year (rising second year students in the program will have selected their sites). Candidates will have the opportunity to interview for their assistantship sites.

Interview dates are February 3 (virtual), February 13 (on-campus), February 24 (virtual).

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (540) 568-6522 or email me at meixnecx@jmu.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Cara Meixner
Director, CSPA Program