{"id":10412,"date":"2015-04-08T10:37:12","date_gmt":"2015-04-08T15:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/?post_type=program&#038;p=10412"},"modified":"2026-09-18T15:54:05","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T20:54:05","slug":"master-of-education-student-affairs-and-college-counseling","status":"publish","type":"program","link":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/master-of-education-student-affairs-and-college-counseling\/","title":{"rendered":"Master of Education in College Counseling and Student Affairs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW29803871 BCX0\">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\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW29803871 BCX0\">a strong foundation<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW29803871 BCX0\">\u00a0for a career in higher education.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Why Choose SAU for your M.Ed. in CCSA?<\/h3>\n<p>The CCSA degree specifically targets the critical intersection of student counseling and higher education leadership.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Affordability<\/strong>:\u00a0A SAU M.Ed. is routinely recognized as among the most affordable graduate degrees and best value programs in the nation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flexibility<\/strong>:\u00a0Designed for working professionals with an accessible online structure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Comprehensive Preparation<\/strong>:\u00a0Prepares you for a wide array of roles from residence life to academic advising.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Supportive Faculty<\/strong>:\u00a0Learn from dedicated and attentive instructors like Dr.\u00a0Mayo and Mrs. Toms, who prioritize basic counseling techniques and personal mentorship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Skills You Will Gain<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Counseling Techniques<\/strong>:\u00a0Master basic individual and group counseling techniques tailored to student interactions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Student Development Theory<\/strong>:\u00a0Understand the theoretical frameworks that drive successful student services and growth.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Administrative Leadership<\/strong>:\u00a0Develop key leadership, management, and organizational development skills.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Practical Application<\/strong>:\u00a0Apply classroom knowledge directly to real-world higher education settings through practicum and internship experiences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Faculty &amp; Digital Learning Environment<\/h3>\n<p>Our faculty are committed teachers and attentive staff with extensive knowledge of counseling,\u00a0higher education, and student affairs administration.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Online Community<\/strong>:\u00a0Use modern LMS tools to collaborate with peers,\u00a0building\u00a0a strong foundation\u00a0of\u00a0skills\u00a0and\u00a0sharing\u00a0diverse experiences to enhance the learning process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Curriculum<\/h3>\n<p>The CCSA curriculum balances theoretical frameworks with hands-on, practical field experience in university settings.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Core Courses<\/strong>:\u00a0Student Development Theory, Basic Counseling Techniques, and Group Skills.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Practical Fieldwork<\/strong>:\u00a0Built-in practicum and internship requirements to solidify your skills in real-world educational environments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Learning Goals<\/strong>:\u00a0A structured approach focused on effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional content knowledge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u00a0a strong foundation\u00a0for a career in higher education. Why Choose&#8230; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/master-of-education-student-affairs-and-college-counseling\/\"> Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":16404,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","_genesis_title":"","_genesis_description":"","_genesis_noindex":"","_genesis_nofollow":"","_genesis_noarchive":"","_genesis_canonical_uri":"","_open_graph_title":"","_open_graph_description":"","_twitter_title":"","_twitter_description":"","_social_image_url":"","_social_image_id":"","redirect":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"college_department":[18312,75,18307],"delivery":[28834],"types":[28851,71780],"class_list":["post-10412","program","type-program","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","college_department-counseling-and-professional-studies","college_department-college-of-education","college_department-school-of-graduate-studies","delivery-online","types-graduate","types-masters","entry"],"acf":{"page_layout":"standard","landing_page_url":"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/ccsa\/","department_college":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saumag.edu\/education\/academic-programs\/cps\/\">Counseling and Professional Studies<\/a> \/ <a href=\"\/education\">College of Education<\/a>","badge_text":"","Number_of_Hours":"51","tuition_instate":"","tuition_outstate":"","estimated_total_tuition":"","start_dates":"Multiple entry points (Fall, Spring, and Summer)","duration":"3 years","Degree Plans":"<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.saumag.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=11&amp;poid=2725&amp;returnto=407\">2026-2027<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.saumag.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=9&amp;poid=2115&amp;returnto=346\">2025-2026<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","Program_Contact_Info":"[dirswitch contacts=\"mayo-melody\"]","Catalog Entry":"<h4>Research Course (3 hours)<\/h4>\r\nCOUN 6083 - Research and Program Evaluation\r\n<h4>Content Area Courses (27 hours)<\/h4>\r\nCOUN 6403 - Introduction to the Counseling Profession\r\nCOUN 6413 - Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling\r\nCOUN 6423 - Counseling Theories\r\nCOUN 6433 - Basic Counseling Skills\r\nCOUN 6443 - Group Counseling\r\nCOUN 6453 - Human Development for Helping Professionals\r\nCOUN 6463 - Career Counseling: Theory and Practice\r\nCOUN 6473 - Psychosocial and Multicultural Aspects of Counseling\r\nCOUN 6483 - Assessment Procedures for Counselors\r\nHALE 6443 - The College Student\r\nHALE 6453 - The Community College\r\nHALE 6313 - Budgeting and Finance in Postsecondary Education\r\nHALE 6363 - History and Philosophy of Postsecondary Education\r\nHALE 6383 - Leadership and Organization Development\r\nHALE 6413 - Program Planning and Evaluation in Postsecondary Contexts\r\n<h4>Student Affairs Courses (12 hours)<\/h4>\r\nCOUN 6843 - Introduction to Student Affairs in Higher Education\r\nCOUN 6853 - Student Affairs Theory and Practice\r\nCOUN 6873 - Organization and Administration of Student Affairs Services\r\nCOUN 6943 - Counseling in Higher Education\r\n<h4>Field Experience Courses (9 hours)<\/h4>\r\nCOUN 6493 - Practicum in Counseling\r\nCOUN 6883 - Internship I in College Counseling and Student Affairs\r\nCOUN 6893 - Internship II in College Counseling and Student Affairs\r\n<h4>Total Hours - 51<\/h4>","minor_requirements":"","Admission Requirements or Deadlines":"<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Online Application<\/strong>:\u00a0Submit\u00a0your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/apply.saumag.edu\">Graduate Studies Application<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Transcripts<\/strong>:\u00a0Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h3>Prerequisites:<\/h3>\r\n<span class=\"TextRun SCXW102265071 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW102265071 BCX0\">A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.<\/span><\/span>","careers":"An M.Ed. in CCSA provides a high return on investment by opening doors to leadership and student-facing roles across higher education:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Higher Education Administration<\/strong>:\u00a0Residence Life and Student Housing Director, Admissions and Student Orientation Coordinator, Financial Aid Director, or Career Services Advisor.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Student Support Services<\/strong>:\u00a0Academic Advisor, College Union Administrator, Student Activities Director, or\u00a0TRiO\u00a0Upward Bound Director.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>ROI<\/strong>:\u00a0With SAU\u2019s 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.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","faq":[{"faq_question":"Is the program entirely online?","faq_answer":"Yes, the CCSA program is delivered online to accommodate busy schedules while maintaining rigorous training."},{"faq_question":"Where do graduates typically find employment?","faq_answer":"Graduates successfully find positions in a wide range of departments including student housing, financial aid, career services, academic advising, and specialized student support programs like TRiO."},{"faq_question":"Are there out-of-state tuition waivers available?","faq_answer":"Yes, SAU offers specific out-of-state tuition waivers for qualifying residents of neighboring states (TX, LA, MS, MO, OK, TN). "}],"Accreditations":"<span class=\"TextRun SCXW216612014 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW216612014 BCX0\">Southern Arkansas University is accredited by\u00a0<\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW216612014 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hlcommission.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW216612014 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW216612014 BCX0\">The Higher Learning Commission<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW216612014 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW216612014 BCX0\">. This ensures your degree meets rigorous academic standards and is recognized by employers and doctoral programs nationwide.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW216612014 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span>","Testimonials":"","student_information":"","Advisors":"","rankings":"","keywords":"","custom_tab_title":"","custom_tab_text":"","rfi_shortcode":"[gf_embed site=\"1\" id=\"88\" prog=\"M.Ed. 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