The Master's program of study in Higher Education prepares professionals for careers in the administration of colleges and universities. There is a particularly strong emphasis on the field of student affairs. The program of study endeavors to equip each participant with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in a profession which requires personal integrity, belief in the dignity and worth of individuals, respect for individual differences and diversity, a commitment to service, and dedication to the development of individuals and the college community through education. Each student completes a core of foundation courses, a series of professional studies, at least 300 hours of supervised practice, and a final project. Student progress is assessed each semester through regular meetings with the faculty. Since there is constant emphasis on linking theory to practice, collaboration between students and faculty on research projects, papers, and presentation is stressed. The faculty work closely with the students on developing strong linkages with a range of professional associations, and are active on the boards of regional and national professional groups that set standards for professional preparation and practice in higher education. In addition, the faculty works closely with the Provost and the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and their staff on this campus to insure coordination of coursework and the current issues and needs of higher education and the student populations are being served.

This program of study provides courses, practica, and other experiences in the field of higher education to insure that students can approach their work as administrators, researchers, and policy analysts in colleges and universities in analytical and effective ways. The program of study requires that students complete a program that includes a minimum of 36-credit hours and that incorporates coursework in foundations, research student development, social justice issues, and college and university administration and management. Most students also engage in the study of pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment, since the program of study stresses the importance of teaching and learning at the post-secondary level. Most courses deal directly with student affairs or provide the opportunity to study student affairs issues within the scope of the curriculum. There is also a practicum requirement of at least 300 hours to insure hands-on experience. At the end of the coursework, an integrative seminar is designed to provide an opportunity to write a major paper that synthesizes the theory and practical experience of the Master's degree.

  • Foundations courses include study in the historical, philosophical, psychological, cultural, sociological, and research foundations of higher education, especially as they inform student affairs practice. Assessment, evaluation, and research, including program of study evaluation, are considered part of the foundations coursework. These studies encompass work from other disciplines and fields as well (e.g., management, law, human development), and emphasize the diverse character of higher education environments.
  • Professional studies, or advanced courses, include studies of law and higher education; student development theories and related research relevant to student learning and personal development; racial, cultural, and ethnic identity; learning styles; collegiate environment and how person-environment interaction affects students' development; student characteristics and the effects of college on students; techniques for understanding organizational structures and behaviors; organizational, management, and leadership theory; student affairs functions, professional issues, standards for practice, and professional ethics.
  • Supervised practice requires a minimum total of 300 hours, consisting of at least two distinct experiences. These activities take place in an academic or student affairs area at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, one of the Five Colleges, or at one of the area's many community colleges. The major purpose is to add both breadth and depth to the student's professional experience. Graduate assistantships can be used as one of the two distinct experiences. Supervision is provided by competent on-site professionals and is coordinated by an adjunct faculty member in the Department.
  • Higher Ed Administration
    • The Higher Education Administration track has a strong focus on leadership theory and leads to various administrative positions in higher education.
  • Student Affairs Administration
    • The Student Affairs Administration track has a strong focus on the holistic development of students and leads to administrative positions specifically within the division of student affairs in postsecondary education.
  • Service Learning and Engagement
    • The Service-Learning and Engagement track has a strong focus on learning through university-community partnerships and leads to administrative positions and coordination of community service-learning in postsecondary education.


DESIRED MASTER OF EDUCATION STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS

Recent college graduates and entry-level professionals who are seeking a career in higher education administration, or more established professionals who seek to improve their present positions in higher education, are invited to apply. Students should have demonstrated ample intellectual capacities, strong interpersonal skills, serious interest in the program of study and in pursuing a career in higher education, the potential to service a wide range of students with varying developmental levels and backgrounds, and the capacity to be open to self-assessment and growth. There is a strong emphasis on writing in this program of study, and students must be able to demonstrate strength in this area. Applicants should be able to provide evidence of involvement in undergraduate student life activities, or professional involvement since graduation. The program of study is particularly interested in recruiting cohorts that represent a mix of gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic backgrounds.


ASSOCIATED FACULTY

Coordinator: Joseph B. Berger
Email: jbberger@educ.umass.edu
 Higher Education Website: http://people.umass.edu/servlrng/index.html

Benita J. Barnes (Assistant Professor), Joseph B. Berger (Associate Professor), Gary D. Malaney (Adjunct Associate Professor), Shederick A. McClendon (Instructor), Mary Deane Sorcinelli (Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Teaching).