Contact

Breana Nieves Vergara, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions, 150 Huntington Hall, 315-443-2505, bknieves@syr.edu

David Perez, Associate Professor, 511 Huntington Hall, 315-443-8784, diperez@syr.edu 

Faculty

Cathy Engstrom, Dawn Johnson, David Perez, Morey Mossovitz, Pam Peter and Shannon Schantz

Program Description

Higher Education focuses on issues of diversity and inclusion, as applied to both the theory and practice of student success, development and learning in higher education. Given the increasing diversity of college student backgrounds, critical reforms are needed in higher education in order to develop diverse curricular and non-curricular structures, practices, policies, and pedagogies that embrace and build upon students’ talents, experiences, and potential so they learn, develop, and succeed. Due to the complexity of the issues facing higher education around the world, students draw on resources in the School of Education and across the University to provide an interdisciplinary, foundational perspective supplemented by ongoing, integrated practical experiences. Students analyze higher education at a variety of levels, including individual students, student populations, institutions, and systems of higher education, and the policies and practices related to each that foster the success of all college students. 

A hallmark of this program and coursework is community and collaboration. Many courses require group work, projects, and discussions that involve students as active learners in class and in our program learning community. At the same time, the program is structured to promote partnerships among students, faculty, and administrators. Whenever possible, students and faculty will work together on research and administrative projects.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Identify, synthesize, and analyze the historical, philosophical, and legal foundations of higher education and student affairs
2. Understand and apply ethical standards and principles of practice sanctioned by professional associations in student affairs (e.g., ACPA, NASPA)
3. Identify and apply appropriate developmental theories and helping skills that support student learning and advising
4. Understand and analyze the characteristics and K-12 experiences that influence student access to college and the effects of campus programs, policies, and practices on student success
5. Understand and apply leadership, organizational, and administrative theories and practices that assist institutions in accomplishing their mission
6. Understand systems of inequity in higher education and the experiences of under-represented groups, and how to develop policies and practices that advocate and support diverse students
7. Understand basic principles of educational research designs, methods and procedures for analysis, and how to review and evaluate research

Program Requirements

The Higher Education master’s program requires a minimum of 36 credits, although we encourage students to complete 42 credits and a minimum of 2 years of study as recommended by the Council for the Advancement of Standards. Students can also complete this program in 3-4 years of part-time study, to allow you to work while you learn and gain advancement in your current career.

Course offerings cover student development and learning, student retention and success; race and gender in higher education; student affairs administration and practice; administrative theory and practice in higher education; learning communities; legal issues in higher education and history. Students are required to complete a capstone project as part of HED 611 Laboratory in Learning Communities.

All students will complete intensive practica (internship experiences) at Syracuse University or another local higher education institution. Full time students complete two practica, while part-time students who are working full time in a higher education setting may only be required to complete one practicum. During the practicum, students have a supervisor at the site, and attend practicum seminars facilitated by faculty. Partner institutions that typically host practicum students include SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Upstate Medical University, and Le Moyne College. Students may work in areas such as academic advising, admissions, multicultural affairs, career services, athletics, residential life, LGBTQ resource center, and other offices on campus. Students may also consider applying to the summer internship programs offered by the Association of College and University Housing Officers - International (ACUHO-I) or the National Orientation Directors Association (NODA).

Required Courses

Students can choose among courses offered in the School of Education to fulfill their elective requirements. 

Note

No more than 6 credits may be taken prior to matriculating into the higher education M.S. degree program. All master’s students must take a minimum of 9 credits per academic year.