Higher Education (M.A.)

Degree Concentrations

Academic Support Concentration

College Athletics Leadership Concentration

Individualized Concentration

Strategic Leadership Concentration

Student Affairs Concentration

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Higher Education program can:

1. Describe the purposes of higher education within individual and social contexts.
2. Explicate the unique administrative, organizational, governance issues, and structures present in higher education and be prepared to skillfully operate within multiple cultural environments.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and practical principles for effective leadership in Higher Education, including the articulation of a personal philosophy of leadership and the ability to foster leadership in others.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of significant issues and trends in higher education, including understanding methods of identifying and evaluating contemporary developments. 
5. Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of higher education finance and funding structures as well as the ability to understand, construct, and manage institutional as well as departmental budgets.
6. Understand the contours of higher education within its theological, philosophical, and historical contexts and demonstrative the ability to discern significant implications of these foundations.
7. Understand the principles and practices of program assessment, including the ability to incorporate assessment findings into program review and improvement.
8. Demonstrate research proficiency sufficient for the purposes of program assessment, innovation within higher education, and advancement of knowledge in the field.
9. Display capabilities for research, writing, and presentation in the investigation of specific topics, including the ability to use writing to advance matters of consequence within internal and external constituencies.
10. Exhibit the ability to make effective, strategic, and innovative decisions to assure excellence in educational programs and mission-driven initiatives.
11. Comprehend legal and ethical issues in higher education in order to comply with regulations and impact ongoing legal questions. 
12. Demonstrate the ability to utilize technology systems and their applications in administering higher education functions.

Degree Requirements (36 credits)

Program Core Requirements (27 credits)

Choose two of the following: (6 credits)

Academic Support Concentration (9 credits)

The academic support services concentration prepares students to understand and cultivate effective learning environments and to develop programs that meet the academic needs of a variety of student populations. In addition, students will gain a clear understanding of how effective curricular and co-curricular programs are developed and assessed. This concentration is designed for those aspiring to serve or advance in a variety of professional capacities, including academic advising, career development, and student retention in colleges and universities.

College Athletics Leadership Concentration (9 credits)

The college athletics leadership concentration prepares professionals to administer successful athletic programs and to serve the unique needs of student athletes. Students are well prepared for all facets of athletic administration, including events management, sports marketing and sponsorship, and compliance and regulation. This concentration is designed for those aspiring to serve or advance in such professional roles as college coach, athletic director, sports information, facilities management, and recreational sports.

Individualized Concentration (9 credits)

The individualized concentration enables students to create their own area of concentration that best suits their educational and professional needs. Students pull together coursework from across content areas in order to advance their expertise in a focused area.

Choose three of the following:

Strategic Leadership Concentration (9 credits)

The strategic leadership concentration is designed for those aiming to advance their career and opportunities in higher education by becoming more effective at leading people and organizations. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of effective leadership, including the ethical and character-based elements of leadership, and also assess and advance their own abilities as leaders.

Student Affairs Concentration (9 credits)

The student affairs concentration is designed for those serving or aspiring to serve college students by developing co-curricular programs and influencing the educational environment to enhance student learning and development. Students will gain a full understanding of how college students grow and how to orient programs and services to advance holistic development. This concentration is designed for those serving or aspiring to serve in such professional capacities as leadership development, orientation, intercultural programs, admissions, residence life, student conduct, community service, and similar areas in higher education institutions.