Higher Education (M.A.)

Degree Concentrations

Academic Support Concentration

College Athletics Leadership Concentration

Individualized Concentration

Strategic Leadership Concentration

Student Affairs Concentration

Program Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes:

1. To equip leaders to transform various higher education contexts, including colleges/universities, professional associations, and higher education agencies;
2. To prepare practitioners to make effective, strategic, and innovative decisions to assure excellence in educational programs and mission-driven initiatives;
3. To develop scholars who advance the field of higher education and its contribution to society;
4. To nurture leaders with a professional identity rooted in their Christian faith.

Degree Requirements (36 credits)

Program Core Requirements (27 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.

Choose two of the following: (6 credits)

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.

Choose three of the following: (9 credits)

Choose two of the following: (6 credits)

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:

Choose two of the following: (6 credits)

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.

Choose two of the following: (6 credits)

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.

Choose two of the following: (6 credits)