Candidates are evaluated for admission on academic ability and achievements, student affairs knowledge and experience, and personal attributes necessary to successfully complete the program and thrive in the field of student affairs. Various factors play into the admission decision, such as a professional resume, personal goals statement, academic transcript, letters of recommendation, the Graduate Studies application, and a personal interview.

Questions regarding the application process or the receipt of application materials should be directed to CSP@wiu.edu or the program coordinator at (309) 298-2082.

Please review the following steps for specific application instructions. You must submit ALL of the following materials:

• Application for admission with the School of Graduate Studies. (There is a $30 application fee for new domestic graduate students and a $50 application fee for new international graduate students.)
• Graduate Assistantship application form 
• Personal Goals Statement: In 500-700 words, please address the following prompt - When choosing a graduate program, you are choosing an intellectual and professional community where you believe you can learn and develop. How do you see the College Student Personnel program at WIU contributing to your professional goals of working in student affairs or higher education?
• Three Letters of Recommendation: These recommendations should be from individuals who can address your skills, potential for success in the field of student affairs, maturity, and level of responsibility. At least one reference should be from a faculty member familiar with your academic ability. (If you are completing the form through Graduate Studies, your recommenders will receive an email with further instructions.)
• Resume: Please make sure to update the document by including your most recent positions and achievements.
• Official transcript(s): You must request an official transcript(s) of all previous undergraduate or graduate coursework completed at any college or university. Send them to School of Graduate Studies, Sherman Hall 116, Macomb, IL 61455. Email Grad-Office@wiu.edu for details. Please note that if you are an international student, an evaluation of your transcript is required before your application will be considered for admission.

If you are unable to submit your personal goals statement, resume, and letters of recommendation at the time of your application submission (preferred method), you may alternatively submit these documents directly to the CSP program at csp@wiu.edu

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not a requirement for admission to the program.

As a candidate, it is your responsibility to check on the status of your application to be sure all materials arrive prior to the application deadline.

Application Process Timeline

Dec. 1 - Recommended deadline for international candidates to submit application materials to International Admissions (allowing for processing time to meet the Jan. 5 deadline)

Dec. 15 - Recommended deadline for domestic candidates to submit application materials to Graduate Studies (allowing for processing time to meet the Jan. 15 deadline)

Jan. 15 - Priority deadline for receiving application materials. Applications will still be accepted on a space-available basis after that date. 

Once your application is received:

1.  Invitations to participate in the interview process will be extended to select candidates
2. Academic and assistantship interviews and peer meetings will take place

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to be able to interview with your preferred assistantship site. Interviews for the upcoming fall may begin as early as the previous November or December. For more details about our admissions and enrollment process as well as how it applies to international students, please review our student affairs track FAQ page.

The cohort model is a central component of the CSP experience. Your cohort of approximately 12-18 peers will engage with you in class discussions, study with you at local coffee shops, attend campus events that you plan, and support you to graduation and beyond! Our students come from a variety of backgrounds bringing diverse mindsets and professional experiences. Cohort members come to Western from all over the United States and the world. Here at Western, you will be surrounded by new ideas and perspectives.

I thoroughly enjoyed going to class! Every day was an opportunity to learn. It was the best part of my week. I got to destress, consult and get advice from my cohort members and lecturers on anything happening in my assistantship and, of course, learn more about student affairs. Particularly as an international student, I always felt that my viewpoint and input was valued in the classroom and on campus and so much was done to help me acclimate to a different educational system. I am truly thankful for the master's experience that I got. –

 Nikisha Smith, Class of 2024

Graduate assistantship and practicum experiences align with the theory-to-practice value philosophy of the CSP program. The opportunity to hold an assistantship and participate in a semester-long practicum enables you to fully engage in the learning process. You will apply theories and concepts gained in the classroom to real-life student affairs work on a daily basis. You gain professional skills, concepts, and knowledge to become outstanding student affairs practitioners who facilitate the learning and development of students.

 

Course Rotation for Students Beginning Fall 2024

Fall 2024	CSP 533: Special Topics in Student Affairs (1) CSP 552: Intro to Student Affairs & Higher Education History (3) CSP 555: Advising and Helping Skills (3) CSP 581: Group Dynamics and Leadership (3)
Spring 2025	CN 515: Research and Program Evaluation (3) CSP 559: Student Development Theory in Praxis (4) CSP 597: Program Design (3)
Summer 2025	CSP 560: Student Engagement & College Environments (3)
Fall 2025	CSP 553: Organization & Administration of CSP (3) CSP 561: Practicum in Student Affairs (3) CSP 565: Critical Theories in Praxis (4)
Spring 2026	CSP 550: Legal Issues in Student Affairs (3) CSP 598: Assessment in Student Affairs (3) CSP 600: Professional Development Seminar (3)

WIU offers graduate assistantship opportunities in over 10 offices on campus. If you are a full-time graduate assistant, you work 20 hours per week and receive a monthly stipend and waiver of tuition. The current graduate assistant stipend as of July 2024 is $1,224 per month or $9,792 per academic year (pre-tax). Graduate assistantships in University Housing and Dining Services also offer room and board benefits. Read more about how graduate assistantships connect to the CSP program with experiential learning.

CSP also has several alumni-funded scholarships for our students. Learn more about them at the alumni section of our website.

You can find additional information about funding sources at the Graduate Studies website.