M.S. in College Student Personnel

Curriculum

A total of 36 credits are needed for the M.S. CSP degree. Full-time students complete the program in two years; part-time students have the flexibility to finish in three to five years. Most courses are offered in late afternoon or early evening at URI’s Kingston campus.

Learning Outcomes
Course Descriptions

All students take a core curriculum of 24 credits consisting of the following courses:

EDC 529: Foundations of Educational Research
EDC 554: Contemporary College Student I
EDC 556: Contemporary College Student II
EDC 560: Group Procedures and Leadership
EDC 561: Principles and Practices of College Student Personnel
EDC 571: Administrative Issues in Student Affairs
EDC 573: Ed Law and Policy
EDC 576: Diversity and Cultural Competence in Student Affairs
EDC 580: Seminar in Student Affairs in Higher Education I
The remaining 9 credits can include:
- Practicum/field experience credits (EDC 553) and/or elective credits.

Electives are selected in consultation with your faculty advisor.

Sample two-year timeline for full-time students

Field Experiences can be a one semester stand alone opportunity or they may be two semester continuous opportunity. Two semester experiences will fulfill the field experiences/elective credit requirement for six (6) credits. *Students may choose to complete a second one semester field experience at a different campus/continue a field experience at their current campus or they may take an elective to fulfill the field experience/elective credit requirement.
First Year - Fall Semester (9 credits)
EDC 561: Principles and Practices of College Student Personnel	Explore the historical and contemporary contexts of student affairs.
EDC 554: Contemporary College Student I	Analyze how students learn and grow during the college years.
EDC 576: Diversity and Cultural Competence in Student Affairs	Develop the knowledge and skills to support equity and inclusion of all students.
First Year - Spring Semester (9 credits)
EDC 560: Group Procedures and Leadership	Learn group dynamics, compare leadership perspectives, and hone facilitation techniques.
EDC 556: Contemporary College Student II	Analyze how students learn and grow during college years.
EDC 571: Administrative Issues in Student Affairs	Examine important administrative aspects of student affairs including law, budgets, and technology.
Second Year - Fall Semester (6-9 credits)
EDC 529: Foundations of Educational Research	Learn how to evaluate, conduct, and apply research and assessment in higher education settings.
EDC 553: Higher Education Practicum/Elective *	Design a one-semester practicum on any campus where you can learn new skills and build your resume.
Elective	Electives are selected in consultation with your faculty advisor.
Second Year - Spring Semester (6-9 credits)
EDC 573: Higher Education Law and Policy	Explore various legal issues related to American higher education
EDC 580: Seminar in Student Affairs in Higher Education I	Discuss current events in the field of student affairs and complete a year-long capstone project.
EDC 553: Higher Education Practicum/Elective **	Design a one-semester practicum on any campus where you can learn new skills and build your resume.