Higher Education Administration and Leadership, M.A.

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Program Description. The Department of Educational Leadership offers a graduate program leading to a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration and Leadership. The program prepares individuals interested in careers in higher education settings and agencies. The mission of the Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL) program is to develop ethical leaders whose practice relies on critical thinking and is informed by research and theory to work in colleges, universities, and other educational agencies as a means of advancing social justice and diversity.

HEAL attracts individuals interested in careers in colleges, universities, and other related educational settings. During a 30-unit, four-semester, program of study, HEAL students delve into a curriculum that examines policies, practices, theories, and current issues related to the post-secondary education pipeline. Students acquire valuable analytical skills while developing their philosophies in social justice and leadership. The HEAL curriculum and the relationships with faculty lead to learning experiences that offer students the essential knowledge and skills required for exemplary practice in a variety of roles in higher education and student affairs.

Admission Requirements. In addition to the admission requirements listed in the Graduate Education Program section of this catalog, admission to the HEAL program require a minimum 2.75 GPA, a statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation.

Program Requirements.

Course Requirements (27 units)

Higher Education Administration and Leadership Core:

HEAL 220 - Introduction to Higher Education Units: 3 *
HEAL 221 - Student Affairs in Higher Education Units: 3
HEAL 222 - Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Higher Education Units: 3
HEAL 223 - Students in US Higher Education Units: 3
HEAL 224 - Foundations of Inquiry and Applied Research in Higher Education Units: 3
HEAL 225 - Higher Education Leadership and Supervision Units: 3
HEAL 226 - Assessment in Higher Education Units: 3
HEAL 227 - Law, Policy, and Ethics in Higher Education Units: 3
HEAL 228 - Current Issues in Higher Education Units: 3

Culminating Experience** (3 units)

HEAL 298 - Project Units: 3
OR
HEAL 299 - Thesis Units: 3

Total: 30 Units

* Students meet the Graduate Writing Requirement by passing the writing component of HEAL 220 . Note: no more than 6 units of coursework taken for CR/NC may be applied toward degree requirements.

** Satisfactory completion of a thesis or project, defined as follows:

A thesis is the written product of a systematic study of a significant problem. It identifies the problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation. Normally, an oral defense of the thesis is required.
A project is a significant undertaking appropriate to the fine and applied arts or to professional fields. It evidences originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale. It is described and summarized in a written abstract that includes the project’s significance, objectives, methodology and a conclusion or recommendation. An oral defense of the project may be required.