PROGRAM STATEMENT
The Master's Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) combines a depth of practical experience with a rigorous program of full-time study suited to dedicated individuals seeking professional careers in the administration of college student development services and activities.

The University's Division of Student Affairs and other University offices accord meaningful assistantship positions wherein graduate students in the program are given substantial authority while assisting in the management of university services and activities for students. Students have completed assistantships which have provided opportunities to gain experience in various offices, including residence life, student activities, multicultural student services, orientation, parent’s programs, student discipline, University 101, and the Visitor’s Center. Several assistantships are also available at area colleges. The assistantship, coupled with practicum and internship experiences, ensure a strong experiential background from which to launch a professional career.

Thoughtful reflection on the real life experiences provided by assistantship, practicum, and internship experiences lend a relevance and immediacy to rigorous classroom studies. Program faculty bring their significant scholarly achievements and their backgrounds as practicing administrators to the classroom. Experience in college administration and active programs of scholarship blend together to bring excitement and depth to classroom dialogue. Often, students become involved with faculty members' research projects and find themselves engaged in important inquiry that has a lasting effect on their futures and the future of the student development profession.

Upon completing the Higher Education and Student Affairs program, graduates accept positions at colleges and universities across the country, and are welcomed into a network of knowledgeable and experienced alumni that stretches from coast to coast and over the 40 year history of the program. The USC alumni network continues to support the career and professional development of all its members.

PROGRAM MISSION
Not provided.

PROGRAM UNIQUENESS
An opportunity to participate in instructor training and gain teaching experience in the University's internationally renowned University 101 program in the National Resource Center for the First Year Experience and Students in Transition is afforded to interested students in their second and final year of the Higher Education and Student Affairs program. This one-of-a-kind opportunity allows students to gain practical experience working with a University 101 instructor; undergo formal instructor training by University 101 personnel; become affiliated with this highly regarded program; gain useful experience that enhances their career opportunities after graduation; and apply the student development and learning theory acquired in their studies.

NATIONAL STANDARDS
Meets ACPA Professional Preparation Commission Standards: YES
Meets CAS Standards:
Other/Comments:

APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Master's Application • GPA Requirement: none specified • GRE or MAT • 2 letters of recommendation • Personal Statement • Resume • Graduate School applications • Deadline -- Jan. 1 for priority consideration

Doctorate Application • GPA Requirement: none specified • GRE or MAT • 2 letters of recommendation • Interview • Work Experience: 5 years • Writing Sample • Graduate School and Departmental applications • Deadline -- Dec. 1

CURRICULUM INFORMATION

Program Required Hours: M.Ed. - 42 Credit hours Ph.D. - 81 Credit hours post-bachelors

 

Master's Curriculum Required Courses (18 hours) Higher Education in America The American College Student Legal Aspects of Higher Education Practicum Practicum I Introduction to Educational Research Communication Skills in Counseling Area of Concentration (18 hours): Higher Education Administration: Organization, Administration, and Governance of Higher Education Financial Aspects of Higher Education 12 additional hours, OR Student Affairs Administration: Student Personnel Services in Higher Education Contemporary Trends and Issues 12 additional hours Elective Courses (6 hours) Is a thesis required? No.

Doctorate Curriculum Higher Education in America Ideas of American Higher Education Financial Aspects of Higher Education Legal Aspects of Higher Education Organization, Administration, and Governance of Higher Education Field Problems in Education (2 seminars) Advanced Educational Policy Elective Courses (9 hours) Disciplinary Cognate (21 hours) Educational Foundations (9 hours) Educational Research (21 hours) - includes12 dissertation hours

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Students in student affairs or higher education administration programs  (2003-2004):

	Total Number	# of Males	# of Females	# of Whites	# of Persons of Color
Master's	77	23	54	64	13
Doctoral	(incl. above)	(incl. above)	(incl. above)	(incl. above)	(incl. above)
	% of part-time students	% of full-time students	% of students enrolled in the program who also hold some form of financial assistance (graduate assistantship, fellowship, tuition waiver, scholarship)
Master's	13	87	85
Doctoral	(incl. above)	(incl. above)	(incl. above)

PROGRAM FACULTY - Faculty members with areas of specialization and percentage of time devoted to the program.

Katherine Reynolds Chaddock, Ph.D., higher education history, politics and policies in educational organizations, adult student learning and programs, 100%
Viki Sox Fecas, Ed.D., matriculation of transfer students, the American college student, 10%
John Wesley Lowery, Ph.D., student affairs and higher education, legal and legislative issues, judicial affairs, 100%
Gene Luna, Ph.D., academic partnering, organizational development, privatization of services, 10%
Michelle A. Maher, Ph.D., graduate student development, cohort processes and outcomes, workplace learning, and gender differences in graduate education, 100%
Chris Plyler, Ph.D., collective bargaining in higher education, multi-campus systems, 10%
Dennis Pruitt, Ed.D., analysis of trends and issues facing the higher education institution, student affairs administration, enrollment management, 10%
Michael F. Welsh, Ed.D., retention of minority students, experiences of transfer students, historical and philosophical aspects of higher education, international higher education, ethics in higher education, case study method of instruction, 100%
Richard Wertz, Ph.D., finance, business affairs, auxiliary services, 100%

Last modified 06/03/2005
Information submitted by: John Wesley Lowery

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