The mission of the Higher Education program is to develop transformational leaders who meet professional standards, understand social justice practices and think critically about promoting post-secondary institutions that are optimal sites for teaching and learning.
Graduates of our program will have the tools to enact principles of effective higher education practice through theory, research and practice. Specifically, students will be able to advance their careers in entry to mid-level administrative positions in higher education. Additionally, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue and advanced degree in higher education.
PROGRAM GOALS:
The program goals are designed to respond to the dynamic nature of the higher education marketplace. Specifically, students in the higher education program will have the tools needed to:
- Create post-secondary institutions capable of educating students for the knowledge economy
- Create and sustain environments that promote social justice
- Apply the latest theories, research and best practices
Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Graduate Admissions by the semester deadlines listed below:
- May 1 for fall semester (cohorts begin in the fall semester); Early submission is recommended as graduate assistantships are competitive.
- October 1 for winter semester (limited enrollment)
Future students applying for admission to the higher education program must submit a program specific goal statement (not the standard Graduate Admissions goal statement). Please see guidelines below:
- Length, Spacing and Font
- Minimum length 1 page and maximum length 2 pages
- Single-spaced
- 12 point font and 1-inch margins
- Narrative:
- Why you want a master's degree in higher education
- Area of higher education in which you would like to specialize
- Qualifications and experiences that make you uniquely prepared for MAHEL
- Your vision of higher education equity
- Any problems or inconsistencies in your academic or professional record.
- Resume (no more than 2 additional pages) with the following:
- Post-secondary schools attended and degrees attained
- Relevant work experience (including volunteer work)
- Relevant organization memberships
- Career goals
The Master's in Higher Education Leadership requires 32 credit hours of study including a capstone internship experience. Students will select to specialize in one of two areas of university or college leadership, academic leadership or student affairs leadership. Classes will be scheduled on evenings and weekends.
PLANNED COURSE OF STUDY
Required Core: 16 credit hours
- Introduction to American Higher Education - 4 credits
- History of Higher Education - 4 credits
- Higher Education and Educational Equity - 4 credits
- Capstone Internship in Higher Education - 4 credits
Required Cognate: 12 credit hours
Academic Affairs Leadership
- Leading Effective Organizations - 4 credits
- Academic Development and Curriculum - 4 credits
- Current Issues in Higher Education - 4 credits
– OR –
Student Affairs Leadership
- Introduction to the Administration of Student Services in Higher Education - 4 credits
- Counseling and Advising the College Student - 4 credits
- College Student Development and the Campus Setting - 4 credits
Related Elective: 4 credits What is social justice higher education training?
Social Justice education draws upon an interdisciplinary body of scholarship that identifies issues related to educational equity. Students will acquire a fundamental understanding of the intersection between social identity and participation in social institutions, particularly higher education. Thus, the program explores the history and current status of social inequities as a means to equip students with information necessary to inform higher education policies and practices. Essentially, social justice education emphasizes the equitable distribution of resources, consideration of diversity and social responsibility.