College Student Personnel FAQs

Listed below are some frequently asked questions we often receive from students and others expressing interest in our College Student Personnel (CSP) MS Program. Still have questions? Feel free to reach out to us at elps@utk.edu

+ Applying to the Program

Who should write my recommendation letters?

• Advisors, supervisors, and/or mentors you have worked closely with and who currently work in student affairs are generally best. In most cases, you want to avoid peer recommendations or letters from students unless they are additional to the three you submit. Also, you want to ensure one of your references can speak to your academic ability—a faculty member is highly encouraged and preferred.

What else should I know?

• We typically do not provide individual feedback on the admissions process. What we can say is that we do not evaluate based on weaknesses, but on how an applicant may or may not fit with the cohort that year. Each year of applicants is unique. So, what might constitute a fit in one year might be a better fit in another. For example, one year we had a large number of applicants interested primarily in housing. During that candidate selection, individuals with interests in other areas received more priority, as we wanted to ensure we had a balanced cohort based on interests.

+ General Questions about the CSP Program

What makes the College Student Personnel program unique?

• We have one of the longest running CSP programs in the country (approximately 70 years). We pride ourselves on the intimacy of our program with small classes and accessible faculty. The faculty members at UT are interested in helping students find their niche in higher education and student affairs. They give students the attention they need to achieve their full potential.

What kinds of jobs do CSP graduates obtain after graduation?

• Graduates obtain a variety of jobs in student affairs including, residence life and housing, leadership development, academic advising, admissions, international student services, orientation, and student activities.

Can I attend classes part time?

• Yes. While most students in the CSP program attend full-time, some take fewer classes each semester and extend the time it takes them to complete the degree. These students are typically UT employees.

Is there any flexibility in the program? Can I take classes from outside of the program?

• The CSP curriculum has a set of required courses that all students must take. Students are welcome to take additional classes from outside of the program; however, these classes will not substitute for required CSP classes.
• There are a number of ways to personalize the CSP program. Both CSPA (College Student Personnel Association) and UT provide a number of opportunities for professional development through speakers and seminars that address a variety of topics. Practicum also offer ways to gain experience in specific areas of interest. In addition to practicum required by the program, students are encouraged to volunteer on campus to gain additional experience. Departments value practicum and volunteer students, so finding these opportunities will not be difficult. Students can also focus their research (both for classes and for the thesis or project) on topics of interest.

May a student transfer credits from another program or institution?

• There are limited options for transferring into the program. We value the cohort model, one where students enroll and take courses together. The cohort model allows students to have extensive engagement with program faculty. Given this, students who transfer into the program do not fully experience this aspect of the program. If permitted to transfer into the CSP program, a limited number of courses might be approved for transfer after an extensive review and faculty approval. The graduate school allows only a limited number of credit hours to transfer from another institution. Finally, we only admit students once a year with a fall semester enrollment.

How long is the program and when are classes typically offered?

• For students who attend classes full time, the program will take 21 months. Students begin in August and graduate two years later in May.
• Class times vary. Some classes are offered during the day and others during the evening to accommodate the needs of the functional units on campus.

What is the typical schedule of a full-time CSP student?

• The schedules for CSP students vary widely depending on their graduate assistantships, practicums, and course load. Full-time students take three classes each semester for four semesters. Most students have a graduate assistantship, which averages 20 hours of work a week. Graduate assistants’ schedules are determined by the department or office for which they work. Some GAs work regular business hours, while others may be required to work night and weekend hours. Additionally, CSP students complete two to three practicums. In order to complete a practicum in a single semester, students must work approximately 12 hours a week. Some students choose to “stretch out” their practicum over two or more semesters.

What is the difference between the thesis and capstone project?

• Both the thesis and capstone project involve students identifying an issue, problem, or gap in knowledge to be researched. The project is an individual activity that provides CSP students the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge that they acquired during their program of study into the development, implementation and analysis of a practical project that has an administrative, learning, or student support focus. The capstone project should address a problem of practice, need, and/or issue that offers direct practical value to the target student population, institution, university department, or profession. A thesis involves proposing and conducting the research and reporting the results/findings and implications. Both the capstone project and thesis must be defended before a committee of three faculty members. For the thesis option, students must adhere to the guidelines established by the Graduate School.

What is the College Student Personnel Association (CSPA)?

• The College Student Personnel Association, referred to as CSPA, is a student-led organization for the CSP program. The goal of CSPA is to provide opportunities for professional development and socialization within the program. Member benefits include eligibility for travel funds, a professional mentor, exposure to networking opportunities, and more. CSPA holds regular meetings throughout the year. Additionally, CSPA contributes to planning events such as Interview Weekend, the graduate hooding ceremony, CSP alumni homecoming tailgate, and CSP orientation. Examples of past events have also included an etiquette dinner, a meal with faculty, sessions on job search tips, holiday gatherings, and collaborations with the undergraduate Aspiring Student Affairs Professionals (ASAP) organization.

+ Finances & Assistantships

How much does the program cost?

• Information about graduate tuition and fees can be found through One Stop Express Student Services.
• The majority of students have graduate assistantships, which helps relieve the financial burden of graduate study. Many graduate assistantships waive both in-state and out-of-state tuition (not including fees) and provide students with a stipend. Assistantships in housing also provide room and board.

What financial aid options are available to me?

• Graduate assistantships are the most common form of financial aid to CSP students; however, there are some graduate fellowships available to students. Information about the fellowships and student loans is available through One Stop Express Student Services.

What benefits does a graduate assistantship provide?

• UT graduate assistants receive a waiver of both in-state and out-of-state tuition (not including fees, which are approximately $1,000 per semester). Also, graduate assistants receive a monthly stipend and health insurance. The amount of this stipend varies by department, but is approximately $10,000 per year. The available assistantships vary from year to year.

How do I get a graduate assistantship?

• Once you have applied to the CSP program and are identified as a likely candidate for the program, you will be invited to interview for assistantships during the Interview Weekend. You will receive a list of available assistantship positions from which you can indicate your areas of interest. Those departments or offices will then receive your resume. If a department or office is interested in you as a candidate for their assistantship position(s), we will schedule an interview for you with them during the Interview Weekend.

+ Practicum

What is a practicum?

• A practicum is a practical learning experience under the supervision of a student affairs administrator. The CSP program requires each student to complete at least two practicums in different areas of student affairs. Total practicum hours must total 270 hours.

What are my options for a practicum?

• Practicum opportunities are available in a variety of functional areas/units at UT, at area colleges (public and private, large and small), and at institutions around the country and around the world. Students have considerable flexibility in choosing practicum sites, as long as the practicum relates both to the student’s career goals and the program.

How do I find a practicum?

• The best way to find a practicum is to explore your career goals and interests and decide what experiences will prepare you for the future. The program coordinator is there to help you do this. Once you identify areas and/or institutions in which you wish to complete a practicum, you can contact the program or institution directly to explore the possibilities. The practicum site, supervisor and the objectives of the experience must be approved by the program coordinator before you may sign up for the practicum. CSPA hosts a practicum fair each fall where representatives from various UT departments present practicum opportunities. In addition, you may contact the Center for International Education about opportunities to complete a practicum abroad.

Can I complete a practicum at a location other than UT?

• Definitely! In the past, students have completed practicums in Australia and Wales and other institutions around the country. Some students complete summer practicums at an institution in their hometown or at an institution where they would like to work.