Master of Science in Higher Education
Curriculum
Drexel University's Master of Science in Higher Education (HE) is an experiential program with curriculum that offers intense career preparation for students interested in exploring the broad array of career outcomes that become possible with a graduate credential in higher education.
The program is specifically designed to parallel the rigorous components typically associated with MBA degree programs, providing students with an excellent foundation in higher education, leadership, and ethics. Courses are very interactive and assignments challenge students to use new problem-solving and decision-making skills within and outside of academia.
The curriculum is innovative, relevant, and responsive to today's dynamic higher education environments. Students select from one or more concentrations that have been designed to assist with job placement and accelerated career advancement.
Concentrations
The secondary concentration consists of nine credits. HE students may select three elective courses within one of the areas listed below, or take a combination of three courses from these areas. Students may also select three educational courses outside of these concentrations in consultation with their academic advisor:
Enrollment Management
As the gateway to higher learning, admissions and enrollment are integral elements of every institution and organization. This concentration introduces the history of enrollment management and its role within the university system. Courses examine the enrollment process, including federal and legislative issues and the importance of a diverse student body. Marketing principles and practices are explored, as well as the strategic relationship between financial aid and enrollment management. Students learn about financial aid guidelines and explore the integration of traditional student financial aid and the development of aid packages.
Institutional Research
Students acquire a thorough grounding in the most current database systems, statistical software, and research methods used in higher education with an emphasis on research tools and theoretical models related to assessing student outcomes. Courses introduce benchmarking and evaluating academic programs to respond to institutional reporting and accreditation.
Academic Development, Technology, and Instruction
For students who are interested in grant writing and college level instruction coursework provides a foundation in the issues affecting universities, including current research and pedagogy and effective instructional strategies. Students acquire the skills and knowledge required to manage projects from a variety of sources, including the process of developing a full grant proposal, goal setting, political realities, and budget, as well as compliance and reporting.
Student Development and Affairs
In preparation for a career in student affairs administration this concentration provides the professional competencies required by the position. Coursework offers an examination of the societal forces that shape and transform institutions of higher education. Students acquire a thorough understanding of the diverse issues required by future administrators to learn how to make these environments support and learning rich for all students, from part-time and commuter students to those of color, those with disabilities, as well as poor and otherwise disadvantaged students.
Community College Administration and Leadership
This concentration prepares students as professionals with the leadership competencies put forth by the American Association for Community Colleges (AACC). Coursework focuses on organizational strategy, resource management, communication, collaboration, community college advocacy and professionalism. Subject areas covered include inequality in education, multicultural education, new trends and strategies affecting educational equity, and education from the perspective of race, class, gender and disabilities in a current and historical context.
