College Student Development & Counseling (CAGS)

The certificate is for those who already hold a master's degree in higher education administration or other areas but want to gain an advanced knowledge in college student development and higher education administration. The program is individually tailored to the candidate’s specific curriculum needs from the courses offered as part of the M.S. degree. The program focuses on counseling, college student development, the history and philosophy of the student affairs profession, and the organization and administration of the field. The program has a long history of providing its students with practical experience in which they put the theories and skills that they learn in the classroom directly to use. With more than 120 colleges and universities within a 60-mile radius of Boston, we offer many opportunities for students to practice in various collegiate settings. These practicum experiences prepare students to work in entry-level and mid-level management in the field. Typical careers for which students are prepared for include:

• Academic advising
• Student activities
• Orientation
• Career counseling
• Judicial affairs
• Service learning
• Cooperative education
• Residential life

At the culmination of two years within the program, students are required to submit a portfolio that demonstrates their understanding of professional competencies through learning, practice, and reflection. The portfolio is intended to become a tool for candidates to use with potential employers. Students are asked to create two versions: print and online. The portfolio will be separated into different sections that will demonstrate the student’s level of mastery for each professional competency as it relates to the individual’s knowledge base and practice.

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