Higher Education Master of Arts Degree Concentrations
Students interested the Higher Education Master of Arts Program have three concentrations from which to choose.
Leadership and Organizational Change (LOCP)
The Leadership & Organizational Change 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. The built-in flexibility of LOCP 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.
Diversity and Higher Learning
The Diversity and Higher Learning concentration is designed for students with a special interest in diversity, access and equity, or teaching and learning (adult education). Structured around courses that provide both theoretical and practical skills, this concentration is intended for future scholars and practitioners interested in enhancing diversity, access, and equity in organizations; faculty and staff development in P-20 educational institutions; trainers in for-profit companies and not-for-profit agencies; and, administrators and faculty in two-year and four-year higher education institutions. It is important to note that this concentration places a great deal of emphasis on developing critical understanding of the impact that race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and other social identities have on collective and individual learning in organizations. Students who currently work in or intend to pursue careers in multicultural affairs, curriculum development, university instruction, university administration, consulting, or training will find this concentration to be a good fit.
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 CSD 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.
