KAPLAN UNIVERSITY MASTER'S PROGRAM

GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

PROGRAM STATEMENT

The Master of Science in Higher Education program is designed to prepare students to pursue higher education professions or to enhance their current higher education career. Students gain the knowledge and skills necessary for a solid basis for professional practice. The program is designed to help students pursue positions in a wide range of postsecondary educational settings, including universities, four-year colleges, community colleges, and credit and noncredit technical schools.

PROGRAM MISSION

The mission of the School of Higher Education Studies at Kaplan University is to educate those who may become effective decision makers and practitioners in higher education institutions. This is accomplished through a core of graduate-level courses that provide the knowledge and skills to function in various postsecondary settings, and specialization courses that develop professional expertise, effective communication and ethical decision-making skills, and excellent research and writing skills.

PROGRAM UNIQUENESS

The Student Affairs program is offered in a completely online format, but emphasizes practical application and real-world experience. In the core and specialization courses, students are asked to investigate current issues in higher education by visiting college campuses "virtually" and in person. Each course culminates in a comprehensive project that enables the student to integrate theory and practice, and that can be incorporated into a professional portfolio. Students are expected to engage in scholarly writing and research throughout the program. All full- and part-time faculty teaching in the student affairs specialization are experienced practitioners in student affairs and hold doctorates in college student development, college personnel administration, or a closely related field.

APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

• Unofficial transcripts documenting receipt of a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA from a college or university accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  By the end of the first term, students must provide the University with an official copy of the transcript.
• Current curriculum vita or resume
• Statement of career goals
• 1000-word writing sample showing ability to write in a scholarly fashion

CURRICULUM INFORMATION

Program Curriculum:

Core courses:

• Higher Education Foundations
• Organization & Governance
• Laws & Regulations in Higher Education
• Multiculturalism & Diversity
• Finance
• Research Methods

Specialization courses:

• Student Services Foundations & Philosophy
• Current Issues in Student Affairs
• Student Services Administration in Ground and Virtual Environments
• Student Affairs Practicum I & II

Thesis-option students complete at least two terms of thesis courses; non-thesis option students complete an elective in leadership, institutional effectiveness, curriculum, assessment, or adult learning.

Is a thesis required?

Students may choose a thesis option, requiring completion of a total of 65 quarter credit hours.

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Students in student affairs programs  (2008)

PROGRAM FACULTY (Name, title, typical number of coursed taught annully, interests)

Dr. Sara Connolly, Ph.D. Program coordinator for the Student Affairs program

Last modified March 12, 2009
Information submitted by: Deborah Morris

Directory Main Page  ● Alphabetical Listing ● Geographical Listing ● Contact Directory Editors ● Other Career Information ● Directory Sponsor Website

© 2009 ACPA Professional Preparation Commission. Disclaimer.