St. Cloud State University

Graduate Programs-College Counseling & Student Development

Mission and Objectives:

The graduate program in College Counseling & Student Development (CCSD) at SCSU is committed to the preparation of counseling and student affairs professionals for work within the college and university setting. The purpose of the program is to provide a comprehensive view of college student services and to facilitate the development of skills essential for a student affairs administrator within the unique world of higher education. By adhering to the standards set by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA), the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and related Educational Programs (CACREP) the CCSD program at SCSU offers a unique opportunity to integrate theory, practice and research, for the preparation of competent professionals who assist in the cognitive and personal development of college students.

The graduate program in CCSD at SCSU prepares students for positions in a variety of higher education settings such as admissions, housing, residential life, academic and special advising, career development, placement, planning, financial aid, records and registration, international student services and advisement, community service programs, multicultural and minority student services, student activities and other student support systems. The faculty and student affairs staff present a broad diversity of educational and experiential background essential to understanding the nature of working as a counselor and student affairs professional.

As a result of participating in the academic and experiential coursework, graduates are expected to demonstrate learning outcomes such as those listed below:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the historical roots, philosophical assumptions, and critical issues underlying the student affairs profession in higher education.
• Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for students of multicultural and or diverse backgrounds by characterizing the special needs of a variety of student subgroups (e.g., non-traditional adult, racial, ethnic, women, international students).
• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between theory, practice and informed research by designing student development interventions that utilize these tools of inquiry.
• Demonstrate analytical skills through knowledge acquisition and application through the use of assessment and evaluation techniques, research methods, critical thinking, and computer technology.
• Demonstrate the ability to transform theoretical knowledge about the development of organizations and individuals into effective counseling, instruction, supervision, program design, administration, research and evaluation practices.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of student development, counseling, human growth and development, career development, and organizational theories through application in coursework, practicum, assistantship, internship and comprehensive examination.