The Master of Education in College Counseling and Student Affairs (CCSA) at Southern Arkansas University is designed for individuals seeking administrative positions in student services departments at colleges or universities. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing student development theory and practice to help you build a strong foundation for a career in higher education.
Why Choose SAU for your M.Ed. in CCSA?
The CCSA degree specifically targets the critical intersection of student counseling and higher education leadership.
- Affordability: A SAU M.Ed. is routinely recognized as among the most affordable graduate degrees and best value programs in the nation.
- Flexibility: Designed for working professionals with an accessible online structure.
- Comprehensive Preparation: Prepares you for a wide array of roles from residence life to academic advising.
- Supportive Faculty: Learn from dedicated and attentive instructors like Dr. Mayo and Mrs. Toms, who prioritize basic counseling techniques and personal mentorship.
Skills You Will Gain
- Counseling Techniques: Master basic individual and group counseling techniques tailored to student interactions.
- Student Development Theory: Understand the theoretical frameworks that drive successful student services and growth.
- Administrative Leadership: Develop key leadership, management, and organizational development skills.
- Practical Application: Apply classroom knowledge directly to real-world higher education settings through practicum and internship experiences.
Faculty & Digital Learning Environment
Our faculty are committed teachers and attentive staff with extensive knowledge of counseling, higher education, and student affairs administration.
- Online Community: Use modern LMS tools to collaborate with peers, building a strong foundation of skills and sharing diverse experiences to enhance the learning process.
Curriculum
The CCSA curriculum balances theoretical frameworks with hands-on, practical field experience in university settings.
- Core Courses: Student Development Theory, Basic Counseling Techniques, and Group Skills.
- Practical Fieldwork: Built-in practicum and internship requirements to solidify your skills in real-world educational environments.
- Learning Goals: A structured approach focused on effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional content knowledge.
Curriculum
Research Course (3 hours)
COUN 6083 – Research and Program Evaluation
Content Area Courses (27 hours)
COUN 6403 – Introduction to the Counseling Profession
COUN 6413 – Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling
COUN 6423 – Counseling Theories
COUN 6433 – Basic Counseling Skills
COUN 6443 – Group Counseling
COUN 6453 – Human Development for Helping Professionals
COUN 6463 – Career Counseling: Theory and Practice
COUN 6473 – Psychosocial and Multicultural Aspects of Counseling
COUN 6483 – Assessment Procedures for Counselors
HALE 6443 – The College Student
HALE 6453 – The Community College
HALE 6313 – Budgeting and Finance in Postsecondary Education
HALE 6363 – History and Philosophy of Postsecondary Education
HALE 6383 – Leadership and Organization Development
HALE 6413 – Program Planning and Evaluation in Postsecondary Contexts
Student Affairs Courses (12 hours)
COUN 6843 – Introduction to Student Affairs in Higher Education
COUN 6853 – Student Affairs Theory and Practice
COUN 6873 – Organization and Administration of Student Affairs Services
COUN 6943 – Counseling in Higher Education
Field Experience Courses (9 hours)
COUN 6493 – Practicum in Counseling
COUN 6883 – Internship I in College Counseling and Student Affairs
COUN 6893 – Internship II in College Counseling and Student Affairs
Total Hours – 51
Admissions
- Online Application: Submit your Graduate Studies Application.
- Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
Prerequisites:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Career Outcomes
An M.Ed. in CCSA provides a high return on investment by opening doors to leadership and student-facing roles across higher education:
- Higher Education Administration: Residence Life and Student Housing Director, Admissions and Student Orientation Coordinator, Financial Aid Director, or Career Services Advisor.
- Student Support Services: Academic Advisor, College Union Administrator, Student Activities Director, or TRiO Upward Bound Director.
- ROI: With SAU’s low tuition rates and out-of-state tuition waivers for bordering states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee) for students who choose to live in university housing or reside in a bordering Texas county or Louisiana parish, students often graduate with significantly less debt than peer programs.
Related Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the program entirely online?
Where do graduates typically find employment?
Are there out-of-state tuition waivers available?
Accreditation
Southern Arkansas University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. This ensures your degree meets rigorous academic standards and is recognized by employers and doctoral programs nationwide.
