How to Apply

How to Apply

~~~NEW Update!~~~
12/19/2012

This memo from Dean David Monk, Dean of the College of Education, and Damon Sims, Vice President for Student Affairs, details the new design for the study of college student affairs at Penn State.

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Application Deadline Extended!
The CSA Application Deadline has been extended until January 7th!

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 Graduate School application (on the Graduate School application portal.) 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 uploaded the required materials and submitted the Graduate School Application, you will not be able to make changes to your application or the uploaded materials.

If you are interested in pursuing the HI ED degree (CSA Track) part-time, please indicate that in the "Special Notes" area of the application

1. Graduate degree application fee and the application fee form.  Select the Higher Education Major.  Then In the "Special Notes" section on the application type "HI ED Student Affairs."

2. 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.
   
   There are spaces for 4 references on the application.  Use spaces 1 and 2 for the CSA Track. Spaces 3 and 4 are for the other Higher Education Options. Please type "N/A" in space 3 and 4 and indicate your country before pressing submit if you are applying to the CSA track.
   
   Please make sure your references are aware of the January 3, 2013 application deadline. Please Note: The original date of December 15th has been extended to January 7, 2013 for CSA Track applicants.
   

GRE scores (scores should be less than 5 years old). Please note:  On the ETS website, look under "Institutions and Fellowship Sponsors Approved to Receive GRE Scores (PDF)." Use code 2660 Pennsylvania St U All Campuses.
Higher Education /Major code: 3502.



3. Statement of Purpose: In a short essay (3-4 pages), describe your experiences, what you value, and how this relates to your interest in student affairs.  Use your essay to state why you are interested in the Penn State Higher Education Program College Student Affairs Track (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.
   
   
4. Current resume outlining your education and experience to date.
   
   
5. 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.
   
   
6. Answer the program specific questions at the end of the application.
   
   
7. You do not need to complete or upload the Assistantship Application (This form is specific to Doctoral Applicants.) Applicants to the CSA Track are automatically considered for Assistantships based on your resume and academic qualifications.
8. (2) copies of Official Transcripts, electronic transcripts cannot be used. See information on what to send and where to mail transcripts under Additional Application Materials below.
   
   

Additional Application Materials

The following items should be sent directly to the Higher Education Program at the following address:

Penn State University
Higher Education Program (College Student Affairs Track)
Attn: Randy Fisher
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 form 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 website.

For a timeline of the application process, visit Admission Timeline and Selection Process.