Master of Science in Higher Education Administration

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.