JMU CSPA is a practitioner-based program. Centered around experiential components, CSPA prepares you to hit the ground running in professional roles.
Our foundational counseling courses enhance self-awareness, support authentic relationships, and teach you the skills to be an effective mentor, advisor, and supervisor.
The higher education and student affairs core courses are taught by individuals with a deep foundation in student development, student learning, and student success.
We admit annual cohorts of about 12 students. The program is diverse and is all about relationships leading to powerful connections.
Opportunities to build professional colleagues and connect with inspiring mentors are integrated throughout the program.
JMU CSPA is a dynamic community. Here are some recent accomplishments:
- 2024 graduate, Soph Park, was named the ACUHO-I graduate student of the year
- CSPA students presented a well-attended conference session at the 2024 SACSA (Southern Association for College Student Affairs) annual meeting in Charlotte, NC
- CSPA students presented 5 different educational sessions at the 2024 annual Virginia Student Services Conference including coordinating a graduate student symposium
- CSPA received the 2024 JMU Provosts award for learning improvement
- CSPA Program Director and Assistant Professor, Steve Grande, just co-authored the book entitled "Activism, Burnout, & Community in Higher Education: Narratives of College Activists" which has been officially published as part of the Routledge Research in Higher Education series.
- Two current students were recently selected from a competitive regional pool to receive substantial travel awards to attend SACSA
