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COLLEGE STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

The master’s program in College Student Development and Administration (SDA) at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a graduate program that focuses on educating and training professionals to work in post-secondary institutions. The SDA program utilizes a student development emphasis as the theoretical basis of the program. The objective of developing an appropriate theoretical background, complemented with practical work experience, is designed to facilitate entry into a variety of college student development and administration positions and to provide current and relevant information through the use of full-time practicing professionals who instruct the program. Some of the many areas in which students may choose to specialize their preparations or to seek positions upon graduation include: Resident Life/Housing, Admissions/Registration, Financial Aid, Academic Skills, Counseling/Testing, Placement/Career Advising, Student Development, Student Life, Student Activities/Programs/Centers, or similar support services.

ADMISSION

Admission to graduate study does not constitute admission to the College Student Development and Administration program. Procedures for admission to the program are as follows:

1. Completion of the SDA Program Application and Personal Data Sheet.

2. Submission of three letters of recommendation from recent supervisors and/or undergraduate advisers

Submission of placement papers (if available.)

3. Submission of a personal writing sample on a current issue in higher education.

4. An interview either on campus or by telephone with the Admissions Committee.

Graduate students in the SDA program have the following options from which to choose to complete their course of study: thesis, seminar paper, or comprehensive examination.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

(35—38 CREDITS)

			Credits
SDA	702	Student Development Theory I	4
SDA	703	Advising and Helping Relationships	2
SDA	705	Higher Education and the Student Personnel Function	3
SDA	708	Multicultural Groups, Special Populations and Environmental Interactions	3
SDA	710	Administration in Higher Education	2
SDA	715	Student Development Theory II	3
SDA	730	Legal Issues in Student Affairs	2
SDA	740	Organization Theory and Behavior	3
SDA	761	Research and Evaluation*	3-4*
SDA	775	Student Affairs Administrative Practicum.	2**
SDA	776	Student Affairs Programming Practicum.	2**
SDA	781	College Student Development and Administration Internship	3**
SDA	790	Capstone Seminar	2
SDA	799	Research: Master’s Thesis	4
		or
		Electives (agreed upon by student and adviser)	3-4

		Total required credits	35—38

* Three credits for those students who choose the thesis or comprehensive examination option; four credits for those students who choose the seminar paper.

**Students with prior/current experience in higher education may have one required experience waived (775, 776, or 781) contingent upon submitting required documentation and receiving program director’s approval.