Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Student Affairs professionals or College Student Personnel (CSP) graduate programs may include classes in psychology, business, law, communication, inter- and intra-personal counseling, higher education, and group dynamics. These help to form a foundation for creating relationships with students, faculty, staff, and parents. College Student Personnel programs tend to be found in departments of leadership, counseling, psychology and education. Traditionally these programs have an emphasis in administration, student development theory, or counseling. There are also many other ways to learn more about and prepare for a position in student affairs. This can include completing certificates, reading prominent journals, volunteering or attending conferences for student affairs organizations (such as CACUSS or other professional organizations as listed below), and networking with student affairs professionals in the areas that you may want to work in. For Canadians looking to enter student affairs, some useful certificates to attain can include SafeTalk training, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Mental Health First Aid training, and Standard First Aid training. Additionally, it is important for student affairs professionals to have theoretical and practical knowledge and experiences in providing support and resources to students outside the classroom. Identity development theories and psychological terms associated with education and student affairs Developmental psychology and Student development theories used in college student personnel programs include: Chickering's Seven Vectors Astin's Theory of Involvement Komives, Owen, Longerbeam, Mainella and Osteen's Leadership Identity Development Gilligan's Theory of Moral Development Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development Erikson's Theory of Human Development Tinto's Model of Student Retention Student identity development of distinct minoritized groups The student population in higher education is composed of many unique individual groups. Students from distinct minoritized groups may have different, yet established paths of student identity development. There are many theories of student identity development which describe identity development within distinct groups. Some examples of Student development theories student development theories within distinct groups include: Racial Identity and Development Ethnic identity development Sexual Identity and Development Gender Identity and Development Faith and Spirituality Identity and Development Disability Identity and Development Social Class Identity and Development Digital Identity and Development (see also Online identity) National Identity and Development Feminist Identity and Development Veteran Identity and Development Athletic Identity and Development In equitable institutions it is important for Student Affairs professionals to understand the needs of the distinct groups that they service as well as their own social identity including