CSSA offers the highest quality education without standardized test requirements! Our varied and flexible degree offerings are tailored to meet your personal and professional needs.
Important update: CSSA program transition and admission pause
The College Student Services Administration (CSSA) graduate program will move from the College of Liberal Arts to the College of Education (CoEd), effective July 1, 2026. This proposed move is currently under review by the Faculty Consultative Group of the Faculty Senate and subject to the established curricular review process.
This transition strengthens CSSA’s long-term sustainability and aligns it with the CoEd’s mission and expertise. The CoEd offers complementary resources, faculty, and opportunities for collaboration that will enhance the program’s mission and visibility.
Admissions pause
To support this transition, admissions to all CSSA programs—including the Master of Education (in-person), Master of Science (in-person), Master of Education (Ecampus/online), and Graduate Certificate (Ecampus)—will pause for the 2026–2027 academic year. Applications will reopen in 2027 for students to enroll in the redesigned program in 2027–2028 academic year.
The pause allows faculty to fully redesign the curriculum, provide opportunities for shared governance, request necessary Faculty Senate and Academic Affairs approval, and ensure the new program is distinctive, integrated, and well-supported. The redesigned program will continue to center student affairs competencies, leadership development, equity and inclusion, and practical experience.
Interested in updates?
We encourage prospective students to stay connected. For questions, contact Melissa Medina, coordinator of graduate student admissions at the College of Education.
CSSA offers three programs with different admission criteria and timelines. Please review this table to find the appropriate program for you!
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ONCAMPUS (MS or EDM) |
ECAMPUS (EDM) |
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE |
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Campus |
Corvallis, OR – in person |
ecampus – distance learning |
ecampus – distance learning |
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Admission Requirements |
Personal questionnaire Bachelor’s Degree (3.0 or higher for regular admission) 2 short admission essays Current CV/resume 2 letters of rec |
Personal questionnaire Bachelor’s Degree (3.0 or higher for regular admission) 2 short admission essays Current CV/resume 2 letters of rec |
Personal questionnaire Bachelor’s Degree (3.0 or higher for regular admission) 2 short admission essays Current CV/resume 2 letters of rec |
|
Application Deadline |
March 15 |
30 days before the start of your desired entry term |
30 days before the start of your desired entry term |
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Enrollment |
Fall |
Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer |
Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer |
For information on the CSSA Ecampus program, please visit this site: CSSA Ecampus Program
Description of admission materials
|
Item |
Overview |
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Personal questionnaire |
Demographic questionnaire administered by the Office of Graduate Education |
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2 short essays |
The application includes prompts for two required short essays (1) Discuss your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in our program (2) Discuss your social justice experience and commitments (full prompts will be provided on the application). Students can skip any optional essays provided by the Office of Graduate Education. |
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Bachelor’s Degree |
From an accredited university. Your degree can be in-progress when applying, but must be earned by the start of your graduate degree |
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Current CV/resume |
Document listing any of the following applicable criteria: educational history, employment history, service/community engagement, research/presentations |
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Letters of Rec |
Submitted by anyone who can speak to your readiness and intentions for graduate education. For instance, your letters of recommendation can be from former or current employers, service or community involvement collaborations, or current or former faculty. Note - you can submit your application before letters are uploaded. Please ensure your letter writer submits their support statement shortly after you submit |
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
A graduate teaching assistantship (GTA) is a professional position funded by a department or office at the University. All assistantships provide direct service to the University’s programs and offices, as well as functioning as an integral part of the curriculum and total learning experience in the CSSA program. OSU GTA positions arise on a rolling basis throughout the spring, summer and into the fall. Because we do not control the GTA positions, we cannot guarantee that all admitted students will receive assistantships. But we will do our best to help pair you with available openings on campus.
To learn more about OSU’s GTAs hiring contracts, policies, benefits, and more visit: Overview of OSU GTAs
For a list of Frequently asked questions about OSU’s GTAs, visit: FAQs about GTAs
OSU Assistantships provide:
- Monthly salary (stipend) based on FTE (full-time equivalent)
- Tuition remission
- Institutional contribution toward the graduate assistant-only health insurance premium.
Assistantship appointments range from 0.38 FTE to 0.49 FTE (FTE meaning full-time employment). An assistant on a 0.38 FTE appointment, for example, is expected to provide 182 hours of service during a 13-week academic term.
All graduate assistants are required:
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To perform the full duties of service as determined by their departments
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To be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours each term of their appointment during the academic year (9 credits during the summer)
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To be making satisfactory progress toward an advanced degree.
Admitted CSSA students will receive specific information regarding open graduate teaching assistantships shortly after admission is offered. Only admitted Corvallis campus students will be eligible to interview for CSSA assistantships.