M.S. in College Student Personnel

Admission

How/When to Apply

Submit your application online through the URI Graduate School.

Your completed application package, including supporting materials, is due by January 15 for priority admission consideration and to be eligible to apply for graduate assistantships. We recommend submitting your online application by no later than January 1, which gives your references two weeks to complete their recommendations. Materials received after January 15 and prior to April 1 are reviewed on a space-available basis.

Application Requirements

Along with the online application, the following supporting materials are also required:

  • At least two letters of recommendation: One academic (preferably a faculty member from your undergraduate major); and one student affairs professional. While filling out the online application, you will be prompted to enter the contact information for your references.
  • Transcripts of all previous college work: Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded to the online application. If you are accepted into the CSP program, you will be asked to submit an official transcript before beginning in the fall.
  • Current resume that includes all student affairs related experience (paid and unpaid) uploaded to the online application.
  • Personal Statement: Within the online application, you will be asked to upload a Personal Statement. Please address the following:
    • Why you are choosing to pursue the College Student Personnel graduate program at the University of Rhode Island.
    • What you hope to gain from the CSP program.
    • What makes you a strong candidate for the CSP program.
    • If there is an atypical aspect to your application, please use the Personal Statement to explain (e.g., GPA lower than 3.0, lack of student affairs related experience).

You must upload all supporting materials to the online application. DO NOT send mail to the Graduate School or department, as this will postpone evaluation of your application.

Selection for admission to this program is competitive, and enrollment is limited; preference is given to applicants with experience in college student affairs. While no specific undergraduate academic major is required, applicants need to have a clear understanding of the field of student affairs.

Admission Timeline

After initial screening, selected applicants will be offered admission or invited to interview with a faculty representative. At that time, candidates have the opportunity to apply for assistantships and other paid positions.

Financing Your Degree

Graduate assistantships and other paid positions provide opportunities to integrate theory with practice and to receive financial assistance. The URI CSP program works with partners on and off campus to offer a variety of links to practice (with various remuneration packages). We strongly encourage applicants to apply for multiple positions – especially the paid positions (non GA). Competition is high for all positions.

Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are positions on URI’s campus, working in a particular department/office. These positions typically offer tuition remission plus 20% of student fees, health insurance, and a stipend. For more details and to access the URI Graduate Assistants United (GAU) contract, visit the GAU website.

Other Paid Positions
Paid part-time positions are offered by neighboring institutions and vary in compensation. While they do not offer tuition remission, these positions may be a strong option to defray the cost of attendance.

Dean’s Diversity Fellowships
In addition to assistantships and other paid positions, students may nominate themselves to be considered for the Dean’s Diversity Fellowship as a way of funding their education.

Any applicant interested in being considered to be nominated for the Dean’s Diversity Fellowship, should send an email noting which criteria qualifies you for the award to uricspinfo@etal.uri.edu no later than January 30th. Note: if the program decides to nominate you, required submission materials will be due in February.