Higher Education Master's Degree Concentrations
Students interested the Higher Education Master's Program have four concentrations from which to choose.
Leadership and Organizational Change for Professionals (LOCP)
The Leadership & Organizational Change for Professionals concentration prepares experienced professionals to assume great responsibility, pursue long-term career goals or change their emphasis in higher education.
This concentration has been especially designed for individuals working in or seeking to understand postsecondary education in a changing multicultural and global society. Experienced professionals who are interested in enhancing their careers will discover that this program challenges them to discover and strengthen an array of skills essential for success: analytical, communication, multicultural competence and leadership skills.
This problem-based, student-centered program with its built-in flexibility enables participants to develop a customized component according to their intellectual interests, and links professional knowledge and research with the world of practice in postsecondary education, nonprofit or non-governmental organizations, foundations, think tanks, research institutes and the private sector.
LOCP is designed for experienced professionals with five or more years experience in supervisory roles in higher education, or ten or more years of work experience in any field (prior to, during, or after earning a bachelor's degree). Candidates with professional experience working in multicultural settings will receive strong consideration.
Organization and Governance
The Organization and Governance concentration offers opportunities to learn about the current condition of higher education, administration, curriculum, history, finance and public policy. This concentration is intended for individuals interested in general college or university administration, management and leadership.
Students learn about the current condition of higher education, administration, curriculum, program development and public policy. Internships at DU and other local colleges and universities provide students with an opportunity to apply theory and research to practice.
Diversity and Higher Learning
The Diversity and Higher Learning concentration also offers opportunities to learn about the current condition of higher education, administration, curriculum, history, finance and public policy, but specifically as related to diversity and learning. The concentration is intended for individuals interested in teaching, learning, diversity and equity in a wide range of postsecondary settings.
Students participate in courses on curriculum and pedagogy in higher education, college student and adult learner development, diversity in organizations, and program assessment. Opportunities for internships and practica are available at DU, other postsecondary institutions, for-profit and not-for profit organizations. This concentration is designed for students who are seeking career opportunities and advancement in higher education, adult and multicultural programs and training and development in business, government and not-for profit organizations.
College Student Development
The College Student Development concentration enables students to gain knowledge about higher education and student development, develop counseling abilities for both traditional and nontraditional students, develop advising skills for diverse student populations, and experience practica and internships in student-related areas.
The concentration is intended for individuals interested in positions in college student affairs and campus life. Career opportunities include entry-and mid-level professional positions in residence life, student activities, Greek life or career counseling.
The College Student Development concentration has two sub-specializations:
The College Admission Counseling and Academic Advising sub-specialization is intended for those interested in admissions and academic advising. This course of study teaches students to understand the special needs of students through knowledge about student development, counseling, and admission activities.
This sub specialization is intended for individuals interested in postsecondary admissions and academic advising. Students gain knowledge about student development, counseling, and admission activities. While similar to the student development concentration, this curriculum involves additional seminars and different practicum experiences. Graduate seek positions as career counselors, learning specialists, or admission on recruitment professionals.
The Sports Administration sub-specialization is intended for those interested in collegiate sports administration. This course of study enables students to understand colleges and universities as institutions of higher learning and learn to integrate wellness and athletics into these settings. Students develop the communication and business skills necessary to operate sports programs, and to know the legal and ethical norms appropriate for sports administration.