The higher education master's degree program is designed for people pursuing careers in colleges and universities. The program prepares students to work in postsecondary institutions through exposure to the social, cultural, and organizational contexts of higher education, theories of leadership and student development, and current issues. Students develop the skills to practice informed decision-making in their roles as higher education professionals and the program embraces a social justice perspective to professional practice. The program also provides a solid foundation for students wishing to pursue doctoral work.
Examines the social, cultural and organizational contexts of higher education and develops skills into informed decision making, and professional practice from a social justice perspective. Focuses in organization, leadership, equity, and assessment.
In addition to courses one would expect to see in higher education and student affairs programs, students take a required course on the representations and use of popular culture and media related to higher education and student affairs. Elective courses also include classes such as Sexuality and Gender in Higher Education and Student Affairs, Addressing Challenges in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and Intergroup Dialogue in Higher Education and Student Affairs.
The Higher Education track focuses on organization, leadership, and assessment. The Student Affairs track examines campus cultures, support services, and student development theories. Both tracks prepare students to work in postsecondary institutions through exposure to the social, cultural, and organizational contexts of higher education.
The course pathway schedule is recommended for timely program completion.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an M.A. in Higher Education should be able to:
1) Competently describe, understand and analyze concepts, research and theories related to the study of higher education.
2) Proficiently describe, understand and analyze research and theories exposing inequities in educational access, opportunities and practices in institutions of higher education.
3) Adeptly evaluate and create solutions to professional problems in institutions of higher education.
4) Capably evaluate and apply quantitative and qualitative research to practical problems in higher education.
5) Demonstrate strong and effective communication skills through well-organized written and oral forms.
Master of Arts in Higher Education: A social justice perspective
The social justice perspective in this program manifests implicitly and explicitly throughout your courses. Our aim is that students graduate from the program with the foundation to be:
1) Aware of inequities in higher education;
2) Critical of the role of power and privilege in higher education;
3) Advocates and allies for those who experience oppression in higher education; and,
4) Agents for change to address inequities in higher education.
