HED - Higher Education Leadership

In this course students will explore student affairs as a critical element of higher education institutions. Students will be introduced to structures, career options, and standards within the field, and will engage with student affairs professionals and institutions to learn about diverse experiences and opportunities in the field.

This course engages students in practical exercises and scholarship to develop interpersonal skills and manage interactions across their work in higher education. Topics include crisis management, referral and collaboration, implementing interventions, and managing interpersonal challenges.

This course engages students in discussions of the development of and challenges faced by minority serving institutions (MSIs), and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) work in higher education. Throughout the term, we will consider MSI classification assignment and impact, how stakeholders contribute to or limit DEIJ work, exemplar programs and institutions, and related topics.

In this course students will explore student affairs as a critical element of higher education institutions. Students will be introduced to structures, career options, and standards within the field, and will engage with student affairs professionals and institutions to learn about diverse experiences and opportunities in the field.

This course explores the experiences and engagement of college students across the full breadth of the college experience--going beyond traditionally-aged college students at four-year institutions to discussing community college students, post-traditional students, racially diverse students, and more, along with the intersectionality of those identities and experiences. Students in this class are asked to consider how educational needs, growth and development, and experiences impact college students and their educational journey.

This course engages students in practical exercises and scholarship to develop interpersonal skills and manage interactions across their work in higher education. Topics include crisis management, referral and collaboration, implementing interventions, and managing interpersonal challenges.

This course introduces students to assessment and evaluation in higher education. Students will develop an understanding of the broad accountability landscape and standards, methods and practices specific to student affairs, and apply those understandings through project-based learning tied to real-world examples.

This course focuses on resource management within higher education programs and institutions, including financial management, human resource management, contract/grant management, and program management. Students will engage with literature on best practices, as well as directly with practitioners to develop understanding through engagement with real-world issues.

This course engages students in discussions of the development of and challenges faced by minority-serving institutions (MSIs), and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) work in higher education. Throughout the term, we will consider MSI classification assignment and impact, how stakeholders contribute to or limit DEIJ work, exemplar programs and institutions, and related topics.

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs), delving into their historical context, the unique challenges they face, and the transformative impact they can have on students and communities. Students will critically examine the significance of HSIs, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the role they play in promoting equitable access and student success.

This course explores the transformative power of HSIs that actively embrace their classification and strategically work toward supporting and empowering their diverse student bodies. The course content focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to harness the potential of HSIs through exploration of grants and funding opportunities, innovative approaches, and programs focused on student success.

This course focuses on the critical role that student support and engagement play in fostering student success at HSIs. Foci include understanding the unique challenges faced by students, and strategies and best practices to promote persistence and meaningful academic and cocurricular engagement.

This course centers on the critical role community colleges play in fostering regional economic growth and workforce development, as well as the community engagement inherent in the community college mission. Emphases include forging strong partnerships with local communities and businesses, contributing to a dynamic learning environment and to student sense of belonging.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the organizational frameworks and governance structures that underpin community colleges. It will explore the intricate systems that shape the functions, decision-making processes, and overall effectiveness of this vital sector of higher education.

This course focuses on the essential processes and practices that community colleges undertake to maintain quality, compliance, and continuous improvement. Students will engage with internal assessment, and learn to navigate various types of accreditation and internal and external accountability measures.

This class introduces students to concepts, methods, and applications of educational research including fundamental principles of research design, methodologies, and data analysis. This course will equip students with essential knowledge and skills to support educational research, contextualize data, and understand and apply findings.

This course provides an in-depth study of a special topic in higher education not fully covered in one of the other program courses. Topics offered may be chosen based on research interests of students and faculty, special faculty expertise, or areas of current debate and emerging interest in the field. This course may be taken for credit multiple times, provided that different topics are covered in each course.

This course is the capstone for the HESA program and an opportunity for students to solidify their practical and academic goals through an individualized project in partnership with a faculty mentor. Students may choose a thesis, portfolio, assessment project, or action research project, and tailor the topic to their career goals and scholarly interests.

This course introduces students to doctoral studies in higher education and examines the role of higher education in the United States. Students discuss the emergence and functions of modern higher education institutions (HEIs) from multiple perspectives and examine the evolution of higher education from its colonial roots to the current landscape populated by diverse and complex institutions. Pre-requisite(s): Admission to doctoral program; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course introduces students to doctoral studies and methods of conducting and evaluating research in their areas of interest. Students will critically analyze issues of social justice in research, and acquire knowledge and skills to explore researchable issues and questions. They also learn how to develop plans to conceptualize and implement research projects. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course explores the structures of governance models in higher education, the concept of shared governance, and related major policy documents, legal precedents, and emerging leadership models. Students discuss theories of leadership and governance in higher education settings and reflect on their own leadership dispositions and governance experiences. Pre-requisite(s): HED 600, HED 601 or permission of Program Chair or designate. C-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course reviews strategic enrollment management in higher education institutions. Topics covered include marketing the institution, strategies for attracting applicants, the application process, and predicting and managing enrollment trends. Students explore the roles of college and university admissions officers and advisors, customer relationship and student management systems and their impacts, and their integration with institutional research. The course focuses on ways to attract and retain students and integrate them into the institution’s community. Pre-requisite(s): HED 600 and RES 600; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course focuses on finance and budgeting as it relates to higher education institutions and their business operations. Students discuss key concepts and challenges, including areas such as sources of revenue, federal and state funding, allocation of resources, and the impact of ethics and public policy issues to higher education finance and budgeting. Additionally, the course addresses capital expenditure and the management and maintenance of the physical plant.

This course examines legal issues affecting higher education institutions in the United States. Students explore the sources and history of higher education law, legal policy, and rights and responsibilities of students, faculty, administrators, governing boards, and institutions. Issues covered include academic freedom and intellectual property; employment relationships; student access, academic, and disciplinary issues; and the complex interplay among history, culture, tradition, and the law. Pre-requisite(s): HED 600 and RES 600; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course focuses on the structure and functions of academic affairs in higher education institution. Students explore theoretical foundations, best practices, and issues in academic affairs, concentrating on leadership of faculty, management of the academic program portfolio, and methodologies for assessment of mission-driven, efficient, and accountable use of resources. Pre-requisite(s): HED 600 and HED 601; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course examines a range of development theories that offer insight into student learning and growth throughout the students’ postsecondary educational experiences. Students investigate how social and sociological differences and the rapidly changing landscape of higher education influence student development. Special focus is placed on the potential implications of these theories on a higher education institution, its policies, and its leadership. Pre-requisite(s): HED 600, RES 600; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

A strong higher education institution is a constantly evolving one, dedicated to continuous assessment of its effectiveness and data-informed actions designed to improve its outcomes. In this course, students delve into the concept of quality in higher education (including at the course and program levels, co-curricular assessment, and institutional effectiveness), study internal and external quality assurance practices and processes, and explore the concept of accreditation and the regulatory environment of higher education in the United States. Pre-requisite(s): HED 600, HED 601; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course builds connections between theories of educational justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Students will actively engage with cases around issues of educational justice in a wide variety of institutional contexts and addressing the roles of diverse stakeholders. As individuals and part of the classroom learning community, students will navigate questions of structural inequities and other related challenges in higher education. Pre-requisite(s): HED 600 and HED 601 or permission of the Program Chair. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course focuses on various models, perspectives, research, and techniques pertaining to learning to teach in higher education. Issues related to values, beliefs, pedagogical techniques, learning styles, as well as how to structure, deliver, and evaluate instruction will be covered. Students will develop essential concepts and strategies related to organizing and presenting concepts in a practical and effective style applicable to all domains of knowledge. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

In this course students will assemble knowledge and work from both prior doctoral coursework and prior experience into a contextual study with foci on one or more of five contexts (institutional, programmatic, conceptual, theoretical, literature). The contextual study serves as a foundation for the dissertation or other major work and sets the stage for future contributions to the field, including the identification of further opportunities for specialized inquiry. Pre-requisite(s): HED 600, HED 620, HED 622, HED 624, HED 626, HED 630, HED 632, HED 634 and RES 600; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

In this course students study methodologies, assumptions, and techniques for collection and analysis of organizational data. The course includes a review of current research and trends in data-driven decision-making. Throughout the course students analyze cases to develop a practitioner's knowledge of research, evaluation, and data use for organizational improvement. Pre-requisite(s): HED 601 or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course provides an introduction to quantitative methods for research in education and the social sciences. Topics explored include research design, statistical inference and significance testing, correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, regression, and non-parametric tests for categorical data. Pre-requisite(s): HED 601 or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course develops and enhances the knowledge of qualitative research methods. Students explore diverse and complex contexts of research and ways to conceptualize, conduct, and evaluate qualitative research with an emphasis on research designs and strategies for data collection and analysis. Students engage in critical discussions surrounding qualitative research validation criteria, research ethics, aesthetics, and other considerations. Pre-requisite(s): HED 601 or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

Doctoral Research in Higher Education I provides structure for the successful completion of the doctoral capstone through meeting specific research benchmarks to be achieved prior to advancement to the next course. In Doctoral Research I, students complete the literature review, which constitutes Chapter Two of the doctoral capstone. Pre-requisite(s):HED 650; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

Doctoral Research in Higher Education II provides structure for the successful completion of the doctoral capstone through meeting specific research benchmarks to be achieved prior to advancement to the next course. In Doctoral Research II, students complete the methodology and study design, which constitute Chapter Three of the doctoral capstone. Pre-requisite(s): HED 671; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 semester hours

Doctoral Research in Higher Education III provides structure for the successful completion of the doctoral capstone through meeting specific research benchmarks to be achieved prior to advancement to the next course. In Doctoral Research III, students complete the research stage of the project, which constitutes Chapter Four of the doctoral capstone. Pre-requisite(s): HED 672; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 semester hours

Doctoral Research in Higher Education IV provides structure for the successful completion of the doctoral capstone through meeting specific research benchmarks to be achieved prior to advancement to the next course. In Doctoral Research IV, students present their conclusions and make recommendations or institutional renewal and further research, which constitutes the final chapter of the Capstone. Pre-requisite(s): HED 673; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 semester hours

The colloquium presents an opportunity for doctoral students to engage in scholarly discussions related to their research. Students, faculty, external scholars, and other members of the research community participate as presenters, discussants, and audiences in a series of structured seminars. Presentations may include research papers, conference papers, institutional studies, and doctoral capstone proposals. Doctoral Colloquium I participants will typically present their institutional study in one of the colloquium sessions. Pre-requisite(s): HED 600; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 0.5 semester hour

The colloquium presents an opportunity for doctoral students to engage in scholarly discussions related to their research. Students, faculty, external scholars, and other members of the research community participate as presenters, discussants, and audiences in a series of structured seminars. Presentations may include research papers, conference papers, institutional studies, and doctoral capstone proposals. Doctoral Colloquium II participants will typically engage in providing feedback to those presenting their institutional studies and doctoral capstones, and may present their own research emerging from work on the doctoral capstone or professional practice. Pre-requisite(s): HED 681; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 0.5 semester hour

This course provides students with an opportunity to engage in research on a topic of interest in professional practice, policy, or theory in higher education under guidance of a faculty member. This course may serve as a foundation for future doctoral capstone research or a research project related to the student’s own professional practice, an opportunity to complete primary or secondary research activities, or an analysis of data using more complex research methods. This course may be taken for credit multiple times, provided that research completed in this course progresses in depth and/or complexity or that different research topics are covered each time. Pre-requisite(s): Permission of the Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 0.5-6 semester hours

The internship enables students to integrate theory with experiential learning while working in a field related to their program. Students engage in supervised and structured experiences and must complete a minimum of 45 hours of internship and related activities per semester credit hour earned. This course may be taken multiple times for up to a total of six semester credit hours. Pre-requisite(s): Permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 1-6 semester hours

This course enables students to integrate theory with experiential learning while working on a field-based assignment in higher education. Students apply principles and concepts learned in the classroom to real-world projects and build their professional networks. They gain hands-on experience at higher education institutions, research organizations, professional associations, or related agencies. Students must complete a minimum of 45 hours of fieldwork activities per semester credit hour earned. This course may be taken multiple times for up to total of six semester credit hours. Pre-requisite(s): Permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 1- 6 semester hours

This course provides an in-depth study of a special topic in higher education not fully covered in one of the other program courses. Topics offered may be chosen based on research interests of students and faculty, special faculty expertise, or areas of current debate and emerging interest in the field. This course may be taken for credit multiple times, provided that different topics are covered in each course. Pre-requisite(s): Permission of the Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 1- 6 semester hours

This course enables students to integrate theory with experiential learning while working on an individual or group consulting project in higher education. Students review the principles of organizational consulting, research a higher education institution, identify and analyze an organizational challenge, and present a formal report on a recommended set of actions designed to resolve this challenge. Students must complete a minimum of 45 hours of project-related activities per semester credit hour earned. This course may be taken multiple times for up to a total of six semester credit hours. Pre-requisite(s): OBD 633, and/or permission of the Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 1-6 semester hours

This course serves as the culmination of doctoral work, in which students synthesize and collate capstone work completed in prior courses, defend the capstone before the doctoral committee, implement the committee’s recommendations, and finalize the capstone work through the formal submission to the University. Pre-requisite(s): HED 674 and HED 682; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

Dissertation Extension Course for Higher Education Leadership. Pre-requisite(s): HED 699. Co-requisite(s): None. 0 semester hours