HEA 601: History, Philosophy, and Theory of Education (3 cr.)

Foundation course that explores the history of the American college, key theories and philosophies of higher education, and trends and patterns from 1600 to the present.

HEA 602: Education Law and Ethics (3 cr.)

Covers landmark and precedent setting legal decisions, important federal laws and regulations related to higher education, and ethical considerations for the higher education professional. 

HEA 603: Budget, Finance, and Resource Allocation (3 cr.)

Focuses on data driven decision-making practice and theory; budget planning; and intentional and informed resource allocation, with emphasis on cross-campus communication and transparency.

HEA 604: Research Methods and Practice (3 cr.)

Introduces quantitative and qualitative research methods in the higher education environment, with emphasis on data collection and analysis, use of data to improve practice and inform decisions, and practical application of research to higher education administration.

HEA 605: Planning, Analysis, and Institutional Research (3 cr.)

Covers the role and linkages of planning, analysis, and institutional research on campus, with attention to systems and processes for data collection, analysis, reporting, and dissemination to measure, improve, and demonstrate institutional outcomes, and to meet state, regional, and federal reporting requirements.

HEA 606: Managing Diverse Populations (3 cr.)

Provides an overview of diversity in higher education; the challenges to developing and maintaining a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff; and key issues such as immigration, cultural barriers to success, and racial/ethnic challenges on campus.

HEA 607: Program Evaluation and Assessment (3 cr.)

Reviews accreditation standards and policy in higher education; the mandate for assessment and evaluation of processes and outcomes; and the development and implementation of campus-wide assessment to improve teaching and learning outcomes, while demonstrating internal and external benchmarks and standards.

Capstone Course

HEA 675: Professional Internship or Thesis (3 cr.)

The student may select, in consultation with the advisor, a culminating professional internship or a final capstone thesis on a topic related to the student’s area of concentration. Either option occurs during the student’s final semester in the program.