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Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
The Master of Science degree in Higher Education Administration is designed for individuals seeking (or holding) entry level administrative positions at colleges and universities. The program is designed to provide students with integrated professional and educational opportunities that help them to link theory with practice. The program helps students to understand the role of student and academic affairs professionals within the broader context of colleges and universities. Typically, graduates of the program obtain jobs in residence life, student activities, new student orientation, admissions, or academic advising at colleges and universities around the country. The Higher Education Student Association (HESA) organizes professional development and social activities for all masters students. Visit their website at http://groups.ku.edu/~hesaku/.
To ensure consideration for the following year applications and supporting documents must be received by March 6, 2009, however, priority will be given to those received by February 2, 2009.
The M.S. in Higher Education Administration consists of a set of integrated courses and experiences that provide an opportunity for participants to extend their knowledge of the histories, clienteles, and administrative functions of colleges and universities, and to gain relevant experience in higher education administration. The program consists of 36 hours of course work. Courses are scheduled in 16-week formats during the fall and spring semesters, usually scheduled after 4:30 p.m. The summer session classes vary in time and format. The course work provides a substantive knowledge base in higher education and student affairs administration. Students must hold an internship or a full-time job in a related area while completing coursework. For the culminating activity, most students take a comprehensive examination. Completing a master's project is optional (students choosing this option must take an additional research class in place of an elective). A sample sequence of courses is listed below:
First Year -- Fall
First Year -- Spring
First Year -- Summer
Second Year -- Fall
Second Year -- Spring
Administrative internships are available through a cooperative program with the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success. Admission to the academic program is required prior to the awarding of any related graduate internship. A separate application form and interview is required for internship placements. Students will receive in-state tuition when they hold an on-campus internship.
To apply for an internship contact the Vice Provost for Student Success (133 Strong Hall) to receive a copy of the internship openings for the upcoming year (785) 864-4381. The listing of available internships is published each year in January. Applications for 2009 have a priority deadline of February 2nd and a final deadline of March 6th. The number of internships and the type will vary from year to year. The application process includes an application, resume, and list of at least three references. Unless otherwise specified, it is anticipated that the second year position will be different than the first year.
Internships are typically available in the following offices: Office of Admissions, New Student Orientation, University Placement Center, Office of the University Registrar, Student Housing, Student Union Activities, Freshman/Sophomore Advising Center, Office of Financial Aid, etc. Typically students work between 20 and 30 hours a week in these positions and receive a stipend (note: housing positions also receive room and board). In addition, students will receive in-state tuition when they hold an on-campus internship. These positions may be nine, ten, or twelve month appointments.
A few internships have become available at other local Higher Education institutions through the Student Affairs Internship program. The following are a list of institutions within the Lawrence, Topeka, and Kansas City area that might provide good internship sites: Baker University, University of Missouri at Kansas City, Rockhurst University, Avila College, Ottawa University, St. Mary's College, Washburn University, Haskell University, William Jewell College, Park University, Johnson County Community College, Kansas City Community College, Metropolitan Community College, Penn Valley Community College. Students who select positions outside of the KU campus will not qualify for in-state tuition.
As a requirement for the internships, master's students will meet regularly during the first year in the program to participate in a series of seminars designed to complement the internship experience and formal coursework. The seminar series is facilitated by Dr. Diann Burright, the Associate Director of the Freshman-Sophomore Advising Center and Jayme Uden, Assistant Director of the Department of Student Housing.
The Higher Education Internship Center (www.vpss.ku.edu/interns/) site contains important information concerning the steps in the internship process, frequently asked questions, internship position descriptions, and internship application, and important links & contacts.
The Masters of Science in Higher Education Administration is primarily designed for individuals who are just beginning their administrative careers in higher education. Minimum admission criteria include demonstrated promise of success in postgraduate studies and potential as a collegiate administrator. Previous college transcripts, three letters of recommendations (at least one from someone who knows your academic work), a personal statement, a resume and a completed application are required. TOEFL is required of all international applicants who do not have a degree for a U.S. University. See the Graduate Studies Catalog for complete details. Students with below a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average may be admitted provisionally. The GRE is not required for admittance to the master's degree program.
To ensure consideration for the following year applications and supporting documents must be received by March 6, 2009, however, priority will be given to those received by February 2, 2009. Academic decisions will be made by the first week of April. Please see our admissions page for application and admissions information.
Six hours of graduate credit may be transferred from another accredited university with the approval of a student's academic advisor.
