Master of Science in Higher Education Administration
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Program Overview
Higher education administrators must be prepared to lead faculty and staff as well as manage overall operations of a college or university. The Master of Science in Higher Education Administration will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for this level of leadership in higher education.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn sound higher education theory, leadership, and strategic management for administrative programs and student services, as well as ways to manage and implement change in dynamic environments. You’ll also learn ways to establish meaningful community relationships and respond to diverse community interests, all while keeping an eye on current trends and relevant financial and legal aspects of higher education.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Course Details
Core Requirements
- 10 courses; 45 quarter units
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Overview of the basic aspects of higher education including issues, policies, operations, financial management, strategic planning, enrollment, student services, and regional accreditation. A brief examination of the history and functions of colleges and universities in the United States and the world as well as an introduction to educational philosophy, curriculum and instruction provide the candidate a foundation of understanding of the role of the academe in today’s society.
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This course examines theory and practice regarding resistance to and acceptance of change initiatives, including the impact on organizational culture. Learn to initiate and implement change in organizations through problem-solving experiences and exercises.
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This course familiarizes students with assessment, policy-making, and accountability in higher education. Practical and theoretical approaches are explored. Power influences will be identified and examine, both inside and outside institutions including university hierarchy, state, and federal entities. Student learning and assessment’s impact on the present and future of higher education will be explored, including the roles of state and regional accreditors.
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This course is an examination of the literature on theories related to interaction with the cultures found within a higher education community and the community in which the institution sits. Strategies for effective communication with various entities within the organization such as students, faculty, staff, and administration are gained, as well as engaging with the external community—local, state, and regional.
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This course examines the legal aspects of higher education, sources of law and authority presented; impact on, interaction with, and implications of the administration of higher education are discussed. The course provides an overview of the legal issues that arise in public and private college and universities and the policy implications of those issues. Pertinent federal and California statutes and case law will inform students of the legal rights and responsibilities of higher education students, faculty, and the administration.
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This course provides a survey of how higher educational institutions are funded: private, non-profit/private, and public. Trends in higher education finance will be examined. Students will engage in case studies of institutions in financial crises and examine solutions to these crises.
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This course will examine the processes of institution-wide planning that examines internal and external variables. An analysis of all relevant data provides a crucial element in these processes. Data include those pertaining to student learning and learning assessment.
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Overview of Student Services and Enrollment Management in Higher Education institutions. Practical advice and theoretical frameworks to inform planning and problem solving are explored. Professional practice is summarized in the areas of students, human resources, interpersonal dynamics, skills and competencies, and services offered.
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This is an introductory educational research course designed to provide knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for students to develop a thesis proposal for the MS Higher Education Administration program. The course requires that students utilize a high level of library skills and computer technology to locate relevant research and literature. The course is scheduled for two months and is an online course with synchronous communication – Class Live Pro — sessions. Grading is by S or U only.
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Prerequisite: EDA 649
This course is a supervised experience culminating in the completion of a thesis. Focuses on a higher education administration research topic. Employs more advanced research methodologies than EDA 637 (Action Research) and is recommended for those considering future doctoral work. The student prepares a research proposal, obtains Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, conducts the study and prepares the written thesis. This class is scheduled for 2 months, meets once a week and at the end of that time a grade of “IP” will be posted then the maximum length of time is 10 additional months. Grading is by H, S, or U only.
Degree and Course Requirements
To receive a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration, students must complete at least 45 quarter units of graduate work. A total of 4.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at another institution, as it applies to this degree and if the units were not used in earning another advanced degree and provided the coursework was completed within the past 7 years. Course equivalence cannot be granted for life experience. Please refer to the graduate information section of the University catalog for admission and evaluation.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Analyze sound educational philosophy, theory and practice to managing change, policy and governance, strategic planning and analysis, student services, and enrollment management in higher education.
- Appraise change strategies, including understanding complex human phenomena such as resistance and anxiety.
- Evaluate current higher education policy in the context of its possible impact on the future of colleges and universities.
- Examine the impact community relations have on institutions of higher learning.
- Interpret major legal issues that impact higher education today and will impact higher education in the future.
- Examine resource management in higher education settings.
- Analyze strategic planning and evaluation strategies and data in the context of student, programmatic assessment, and operational needs.
- Examine the impact Student Services and Enrollment Management have on institutions of higher learning.
- Critically analyze a topic related to higher education administration through the lens of a researcher.
Admissions
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
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Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.