To be considered for admission into the College Student Personnel Admission (CSPA) Graduate Program, you will need to apply through The Graduate School.

The priority application deadline is January 15, 2027. All application forms and supporting materials are due at this time. After Jan. 15th we will continue to review applications and admit students only on a space-available basis. Although the final application deadline is May 15^th, you are strongly encouraged to submit your materials, including references by January 15.

1. Complete the Graduate School Application (online)and pay the $60 application fee
2. Complete CSPA Program Application and Personal Statement (this is included in the Graduate application). These four questions will be asked to complete the Personal Statement:
   • How have you felt called to pursue the student affairs profession? What personal and professional experiences have influenced you?
   • What challenges have you overcome, discoveries have you made, and personal characteristics have you developed that will contribute to your success as a student affairs educator?
   • What specific skills or attributes are you looking to improve/enhance by being a member of our CSPA community?
   • What would you contribute to our learning community? And, if your undergraduate cumulative GPA is less than 3.0, please use this space to also address how you expect to be successful academically in graduate school.
3. Upload your resume
4. Provide three (3) names and email addresses for your Personal References. The Graduate School will contact your references to complete the information and return it to them. You will want to inform your references that you have submitted their names and remind them of the January 15 deadline.
5. OPTIONAL - Send scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) from Educational Testing Services to The Graduate School. GRE Code for JMU is: 5392
6. Upload unofficial transcripts to the application site. You will later send official transcripts to The Graduate School.

Interview dates are:

• Friday, February 5, 2027
• Monday, February 8, 2027 (remote interviews)
• Friday, February 12, 2027
• Additional dates may be added, if necessary

If you have any questions regarding the application process to the CSPA program, please email cspa@jmu.edu. We look forward to receiving your application.

Graduate School address:
The Graduate School 
James Madison University 
Holland Yates Hall, MSC 6702 
100 East Grace Street 
Harrisonburg VA 22807 
Phone: (540) 568-6131 
GRE Code: 5392

CSPA Program address:
Dr. Steve Grande 
Program Director, CSPA Program 
James Madison University
Burruss Hall, MSC 7401
70 Alumnae Drive
Harrisonburg VA 22807 
Phone: 540-568-3433 
Email: grandese@jmu.edu