Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy - Higher Education Concentration, M.A.
Master of Arts
Program Overview
The Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–Higher Education Concentration, Master of Arts program is designed to prepare you for leadership roles in higher education institutions and policy organizations. Through a rigorous curriculum, you will explore various aspects of higher education, including its societal impact, financial management, research methodologies, organizational structures, diversity, and public policy implications. By engaging deeply with these topics, you will develop the critical thinking skills and practical knowledge needed to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in higher education today. Join us and become part of a dynamic community dedicated to shaping the future of higher education.
Key Features
- Robust and Customizable: You can design a specialized area of study to align with your career goals. Or choose from one of our preset focus areas: Policy and Finance, Diversity and Student Experiences, Leadership and Organization, and Academic Professions.
- Practical Experience: Located near Washington, D.C., you have access to seminars and presentations by higher ed leaders and policymakers, as well as internship opportunities at federal government agencies, think tanks and advocacy organizations.
- Assistantship Opportunities: Admitted students are invited to the Preview Program each spring to interview for nine- and twelve-month assistantships across Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and other administrative offices.
- Active Engagement: Our faculty and students regularly participate in conferences and national organizations such as ACPA, AEFP, AERA, AIR, ASHE, and NASPA, providing opportunities for networking and professional development.
#11
Best Higher Education Administration program by U.S. News & World Report
Learning Goals
Learning Goals
- Develop a deep understanding of higher education policies, finance, and societal implications.
- Acquire advanced research skills, including quantitative and qualitative methods, to inform evidence-based decision-making.
- Cultivate leadership and organizational abilities to address complex challenges in higher education.
- Gain practical experience through internships and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world settings.
Careers
Career Options
Graduates of this program pursue various career paths, including:
- Mid- and senior-level college administrators
- Higher education policymakers and analysts
- University faculty members
- Professionals in higher education organizations and advocacy groups
How to Apply
How to Apply
Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website.
“If you plan on making an impact on someone’s life then the College of Education is meant for you. They have a range of different majors to choose from and they are willing to do anything to help you achieve your goals.
Requirements
Program Requirements
Coursework includes higher education core courses and electives, as well as research methods courses. Working with an advisor, you will develop an individualized program of study.
- EDHI 650: Professional Seminar in Higher and Adult Education
- EDHI 652: Higher Education and Society
- EDHI 666: The Academic Profession
- EDHI 754: Higher Education Finance
Requirements include EDHI 672, one quantitative, and one qualitative methods course approved by an advisor.
- EDHI 672 Modes of Inquiry in Education Research (3 credits)
- Quantitative research methods course options include (choose one):
- EDHI 778Y State-Level Higher Education Research
- EDHI 788C Institutional Research and Planning
- PUAF 610 Quantitative Aspects of Public Policy
- PUAF 611 Quantitative Analysis of Policy Issues
- PUAF 798R Quantitative Research Methods and Public Policy
- ANTH 630 Quantification and Statistics in Applied Anthropology
- SOCY 601 Statistics for Sociological Research I
- SOCY 602 Statistics for Sociological Research II
- SURV 615 Statistical Methods I
- SURV 616 Statistical Methods II
- COMM 702 Intermediate Quantitative Data Analysis in Communications Research
- EDPS 703 Quantitative Applications for Education Policy Analysis
- GVPT 622 Quantitative Methods for Political Science
- GVPT 722 Advanced Quantitative Methods for Political Science
- Qualitative research methods course options include (choose one):
- EDHI 700 Qualitative Research Methods in Education
- EDHI 788C Institutional Research Planning
- COMM 714 Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Communication Research
- COMM 715 Advanced Qualitative Methods
- EDPS 730 Seminar on Case Study Methods
- EDPS 735 Phenomenological Inquiry I
- EDPS 736 Phenomenological Inquiry II
- EDCP 773 Designing Qualitative Research in Counseling & Student Affairs Contexts
- FMSC780 Qualitative Methods in Family and Health Research
- EDCI 791 Qualitative Research I: Design and Fieldwork
- EDCI 792 Qualitative Research II: Analysis and Interpretation of Data
Choose at least 3 courses from the following list or alternative graduate courses approved by advisor:
- EDHI 653 Organization and Administration in Higher Education
- EDHI 660 Retention Theories and the Impact of College
- EDHI 662 Research on Ethnic Minorities and Demographic Trends
- EDHI 664 The College Experience
- EDHI 665 College Access and Choice
- EDHI 667 Women in Higher Education
- EDHI 676 Ranking Systems in Higher Education
- EDHI 752 State Systems in Higher Education
- EDHI 755 Federal Policies in Post-Secondary Education
- EDCP 770 Service Learning and College Student Development
- EDHI 788 State-Level Higher Education Research
- EDHI 853 Leadership in Higher Education
Register for EDHI 489 with your advisor.
Register for EDHI 679 with your adviser while working on your seminar paper.
Contact
Contact
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Jeongeun Kim
Concentration Coordinator
jkim0217@umd.ed
Kahlea Khabir
Graduate Assistant & Staff Admissions Coordinator
khabir@umd.edu
For admissions related questions, please contact:
Dr. Awilda Rodriguez
Admissions Coordinator
awilda@umd.edu
Or
Kahlea Khabir
Graduate Assistant & Staff Admissions Coordinator
khabir@umd.edu
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