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M.S. in College Student Affairs
Program Description
The M.S. in College Student Affairs is designed to prepare students for the expanded roles
and responsibilities of student affairs professionals in today’s diverse college and university
educational environments. Students will learn and experience the practical application of
the knowledge base and skill sets of student affairs administration and conflict analysis
and resolution in higher education organizational settings. The program is designed for
students who are interested in a career in student affairs, and for those currently working
in student affairs who seek to advance their own personal knowledge and professional
credentials. The CSA program consists of a 15 course (45 credits) sequence that places
emphasis on two core concentrations, Conflict Analysis and Resolution and Student Affairs
in Higher Education.
*Students in DCAR who are counting a concentration in Organizations and Schools using
College Student Personnel Administration courses towards their degree in Conflict Analysis
and Resolution will not be able to complete the M.S. in College Student Affairs as an
additional degree.
Program Formats
The CSA program is offered in both residential and distance learning formats. The flexible
distance learning formats allow mid-career working adults and those unable to attend the
residential program, to study college student affairs in a creative, rigorous, and structured
fashion. CSA students taking online classes are required to attend two Residential
Institutes (RI) per academic year on the Fort Lauderdale campus as well as online Web-
based courses. Each RI is 5 days long. Currently the RIs are held in February and late
September/October. Please visit
for current information.
Students may enroll full or part time, taking six to nine credit hours per term. Students
who enroll in 3 courses per term can expect to complete the program in five terms. Part-
time students can expect to complete the program in three years. Students register for
three terms a year.
Degree Plans
A sample degree plan for a residential student who begins their studies in the Fall term
and enrolls in 3 courses per term can be found on the website at
Degree plans will be modified
based on a student’s enrollment date and pace of study.
Degree Plan: 45 credits hours
Fall (September)
Winter (January)
Summer (April)
Year 1
CSPA 5001: The 21
st
Century
College Student
CSPA 5004: Administration of
College Student Affairs
CARM 5040: Human Factors
CSPA 5002: Current Issues &
Trends in Student Affairs
CARM 5006: College
Student/Adult Development
CARM 5200: Research Design
CARM 6000: Organizational
Conflict: Theory & Practice
CARM 6140: Facilitation
Theory and Practice
(Residential)
CSPA 5003: The College
Student & the Law
CSPA 6130: Practicum I
