Coursework
Course Requirements
The College Counseling and Student Development Program consists of a total of 42 semester units of coursework. Of this total, at least 34 must be taken at APU. Up to eight semester units of appropriate graduate work may be transferred into the program with department approval.
The coursework is divided into three major components: foundational studies, professional studies, and integration.
Foundational studies are those which explore the historical, philosophical, and theoretical bases of higher education and student affairs as well as assisting students in the assessment of their personal leadership skills. Professional studies are those which assist students in developing competencies in program design and evaluation, administration, counseling, and research. The integration of the theoretical and practical is provided through supervised experiences and the Capstone Project.
| Total | 42 units | |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Studies | 12 units | |
| CSA 551 | Introduction to College Student Affairs | 3 |
| CSA 567 | The Role of Diversity in Student Affairs Practice | 3 |
| CSA 575 | Quantitative Analysis in College Student Affairs | 3 |
| CSA 581 | Foundations of Higher Education | 3 |
| Professional Studies | 30 units | |
| CSA 543 | Legal and Ethical Issues in College Student Affairs | 3 |
| CSA 552 | The Process of Adult Development | 3 |
| CSA 553 | Administration in College Student Affairs | 3 |
| CSA 562 | Today's College Students | 3 |
| CSA 563 | Counseling: The Helping Relationship | 3 |
| CSA 571 | Student Learning in the Co-Curriculum | 3 |
| CSA 573 | Career Counseling and Development | 3 |
| CSA 583 | Counseling Issues and Practice | 3 |
| CSA 592 | Program Evaluation in College Student Affairs | 3 |
| CSA 595 | Capstone Project in College Student Affairs | 3-6 |
| Integration and Supervised Practice | ||
| - Capstone Project and Colloquium | ||
| - 600 hours of supervised field placement in two practice areas | ||
Fieldwork
All students are required to complete a minimum of 600 hours of supervised fieldwork in student affairs practice in a college or university. This fieldwork must be completed in at least two distinct areas with at least 150 hours of supervised fieldwork in each.
Graduate Assistantships
Azusa Pacific University provides a number of graduate assistantships for students enrolled in the College Counseling and Student Development Program. A student who receives a graduate assistantship is required to enroll in three units of graduate coursework in the program each term. Graduate assistants are expected to work 600 hours over the academic year, for which they receive a stipend and a 50 percent tuition scholarship. Other assistantships are available at off-campus locations through fieldwork placements (see above).
Capstone Project
During the final semester, students are required to complete a professional portfolio which contains evidence of competence in 12 aspects of student affairs practice. The presentation of the portfolio should be before a committee of at least one faculty and two student affairs professionals who will evaluate and reflect with the student regarding the effectiveness of the project. Successful completion of this project is required for graduation.
