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Research Abstracts

Program Profile

The Higher Education Program at George Mason University prepares individuals for positions of leadership in teaching, research, and administration at community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities around the globe.  At the master's and doctoral levels, the interdisciplinary curriculum focuses on leadership, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and assessment.  The program also offers coursework to prepare students for positions in academic affairs and student affairs.

Programs

Doctor of Arts in Community College Education:

The doctoral program prepares students for college teaching through coursework in higher education pedagogy and in a knowledge area to further their disciplinary expertise . While many take their knowledge area exclusively in one discipline, students are encouraged to think broadly and in terms of multiple disciplines. Working with an advisor, many choose appropriate courses from more than one of the 20 participating disciplines across the university. 

In addition to coursework that leads to expertise in selected disciplinary or interdisciplinary knowledge areas, the coursework in higher education pedagogy offers proficiency in four core areas related to undergraduate education:

  • Scholarship of teaching and learning
  • Effective integration of technology in the teaching and learning process
  • Active pedagogy appropriate to the discipline
  • Program and curriculum design, development, and assessment


D.A. Graduates: Graduates of the doctoral program teach at both the community college level and the four-year college level across the country. In addition, they hold administrative positions at a variety of colleges across the nation: provosts, vice presidents, vice provosts, deans, and department heads.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education, specialization in Higher Education:

This doctoral program prepares students for positions of leadership in administration and student services through coursework in higher education administration and leadership and through a secondary concentration that can further disciplinary expertise. A twenty-nine credit core provides students advanced knowledge in higher education and in research methods. This coursework provides proficiency in four core areas in postsecondary education:

  • Organizational administration
  • Ethical leadership
  • Research methods
  • Assessment and evaluation

Working with an advisor, students choose appropriate courses for their twelve elective credits and twelve secondary concentration credits from more across the university.  Secondary concentrations may include courses in education, but may choose from such disparate fields as instructional technology, knowledge management, public administration, conflict resolution, and public policy.

More information about the program structure, including program and portfolio guidelines, is available at http://gse.gmu.edu/programs/phd/program-structure/

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies concentration in Community College Teaching:

The 36 credit  MAIS degree with a concentration in Community College Teaching combines 12 credits of coursework in college teaching (including coursework required for the Certificate in Community College Education) with 24 credits of work in one of the following knowledge areas: communication, English, information systems, mathematics, Spanish, or Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). The master’s degree qualifies students to teach entry-level courses in these growing fields at the two-year college level. 

Course Work: For a list of course requirements, please visit the MAIS web site for Community College Teaching.


MAIS/CCT Graduates: This concentration qualifies students to teach as instructors of entry-level courses in these growing fields at the two-year college. In addition, the MAIS program offers an appropriate graduate degree for some faculty currently teaching in community colleges.

Master of Arts/Higher Education Administration
or Student Services
:  

The 36 credit  MAIS degree with a concentration in Higher Education,  prepares individuals for student affairs positions in colleges and universities or in associations and government agencies whose activities impact higher education.  Through the MAIS concentration in Higher Education, college employees have an opportunity for further professional education and development.

For a list of course requirements, please visit the MAIS web site for the Higher Education Concentration.

 

MAIS/Higher Education or Student Services Graduates: These graduates are prepared for positions as academic advisors, admissions professionals, continuing education coordinators, financial aid administrators, or for positions in career services, minority student services, and similar occupations.

Certificate in College Teaching:

The certificate is designed for graduate students who are planning a career in post-secondary education. The program offers courses that develop pedagogical skills, explore pedagogical assessment or scholarship, and enhance the use of technology in instruction, as well as a practicum for teaching experience.
 
Students must apply for admission to the certificate program and meet the admission standards and application requirements for all graduate students.
 
Students receiving this certificate complete 18 credits distributed as follows:


  • Three required courses (9 credits): CTCH 602, 603, and either 604 or 605; or equivalents with a specific disciplinary focus
  • Two elective course (6 credits), chosen in consultation with an advisor and with approval of the director
  • 3 credits of practicum: CTCH 685

 

Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration:

The Certificate in Higher Education Administration is designed for individuals who are planning or enhancing a career in a broad range of administrative positions in higher education institutions.  The certificate will provide core knowledge for administrative processes in the context of higher education institutions.

Students must apply for admission to the certificate program and meet the admission standards and application requirements for all graduate students as stated in the Graduate Admissions Policies section.

Students receiving this certificate must complete 18 credits distributed as follows:

  • Three courses (9 credits) of CTCH 621, 622, 624
  • One course (3 credits) of CTCH 603, 606, 626,  or 645; special topics courses, when relevant, may be used to fulfill elective credits with the prior approval of the coordinator
  • Two elective courses (6 credits), chosen in consultation with advisor

 

Course Work: For a list of course requirements, please see our curricula page.

 

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Last Update: April 4, 2011