Problems of bridging the gap between theory and practice in the professional preparation of student affairs practitioners are considered. After briefly discussing the character of professional work and the role of theory and research, attention is directed to problems inherent to the nature of applied educational fields and issues related to the imperfect correspondence between theory and practice. Strategies are recommended concerning professional preparation and successfully connecting theory and practice in the course of graduate education. While many of the examples are specific to student affairs, the assumptions and general processes outlined are presumed to be applicable to the task of applied professional preparation in general. The suggestions for professional preparation include: encourage the role of "personal theorist;" move from the concrete to the abstract, from practice to theory; and move from the abstract to the concrete, from theory to practice. It is suggested that the best place to present theory is with the concrete experience of students, and that inductive methods that move from particulars to general principles are more effective. Strategies to move from the abstract to the concrete might include using a particular theoretical model to critique current campus policies or practices. Included are 15 references. (SW)