How to Apply
How to Apply
The process of applying for admission to graduate school at Penn State requires the following application materials, some of which are submitted as attachments to the Graduate School application (items 1-6). Official transcripts and the Application for a Visa Document should be sent directly to the College Student Affairs program as described below.
Graduate School Application
The following materials should be uploaded electronically along with the official Graduate School Application. Please note that once you have submitted your Graduate School Application and have uploaded your materials, you will not be able to make changes to your application or the uploaded materials.
If you are interested in doing the CSA Program part-time, please note that on your application.
Before beginning the application process, review the Learning Outcomes of the College Student Affairs Program to assess the fit between your goals and the expectations of this program.
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Graduate degree application fee and the application fee form.
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Two (2) letters of recommendation (no special forms required). One letter should be from a faculty member familiar with your academic ability and one should be from someone familiar with your potential for success in the student affairs field. You will be asked to submit the names of references along with their email address on the Graduate School Application. Your reference will receive an email directing them to the site to upload a reference letter. Please make sure your references are aware of the December 15 application deadline.
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GRE scores (scores should be less than 5 years old). Please note: When submitting your scores on the ETS website, you will need to look under Personnel Services to find our code.
Admissions Essay: In a short essay (3-4 pages), please describe your experiences, what you value, and how this relates to your interest in student affairs. Also, please use your essay to state why you are interested in the Penn State College Student Affairs program (see program statement). Specifically, we would like you to share how the program aligns with your personal goals and how being a student in this program would foster your development as a student affairs professional.
Current resume outlining your education and experience to date.
TOEFL test scores (if applicable). All international applicants whose first language is not English or who have not received baccalaureate or master's degrees from an institution in which the language of instruction is English must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination.
Additional Application Materials
The following items should be sent directly to the College Student Affairs program at the following address:
Penn State University
College Student Affairs Program
Attn: Susan Bass
400 Rackley Building
University Park, PA 16802
Two (2) official transcripts from each institution you have attended. A link to a "Transcript Request Form" is provided to assist you with obtaining official transcripts. This for is not a required part of the application packet; rather, it is provided to assist you with requesting transcripts from your institution. Official transcripts should be submitted in a sealed envelope directly to the College Student Affairs program prior to the December deadline.
Transcript Request Form—Type On and Print
For more information about the Graduate School’s application process and requirements visit the school’s website.
For a timeline of the application process, visit Admission Timeline and Selection Process.
