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D.A. Knowledge Area

Substantial work in a knowledge area is essential to the leadership in curriculum expected of students earning the Higher Education Program. Given the dynamic nature of the community college and the growth of programs in nontraditional fields, the choice of a knowledge area and relevant course work should be guided by the students developing interests and a vision of the student's role as a community college educator. While many Higher Education Program candidates take their 24 knowledge area credits exclusively in one discipline or department, candidates are encouraged to think broadly and in terms of multiple disciplines and to work with their advisors to choose appropriate courses from more than one discipline or department.

Education Core

The 18-credit core of education courses emphasizes a broad base in teaching as well as course work in the history and philosophy of the community college and higher education and in instructional technology. These courses concentrate on scholarship and practice in the fields of teaching and learning, instructional technology, and program and curriculum design and assessment. All courses stress the importance of leadership, ethics, and diversity in higher education.

Internship

In addition, students participate in two internships (6 credits) to learn skills applicable to college-based teaching and higher education administration or policy. Internships provide an important educational experience that complements the classroom-based course work.

Dissertation

Doctoral students are expected to contribute to their discipline or profession through independent scholarship. The dissertation provides students with first-hand experience in making such a contribution. The purpose of the proposal and dissertation is to share an original contribution to theory or educational practice.
(12 credits)

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies/Master of Arts in Community College Education

This innovative program incudes knowledge areas such as English, mathematics, psychology, communication,  information technology, and English as a Second Language. (Other areas are being developed.)

Students take 12 credits in the education core and 21 credits in the knowledge area.  The remaining three credits are in MAIS 797, (1credit) and MAIS 798, (2 credits).  Teaching internship/project.

MAIS Concentration in Higher Education

The Higher Education Program has prepared academic leaders in College Teaching since 1987, with over 155 graduates. With the MAIS in Higher Education, university and two-year college employees now have an opportunity for further professional education and development. The courses designed for this concentration prepare individuals for administrative/leadership positions in colleges and universities and in associations and government agencies whose activities impact higher education. Within the Higher Education Concentration, students choose to emphasize administration or student affairs.

Potential applicants may be interested in this Concentration if they plan to move from their current career to a career in higher education. They may already hold a master’s degree in a discipline but choose to work in administration or student activities. College and university administrative assistants and para-professionals who want to advance or better understand the dynamics of their positions may also be interested in this new concentration. Current GMU graduate students may select these new courses as electives in their own programs of study.

Graduates of these specializations will be 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. The Higher Education Concentration will not qualify a person for a counselor position in the college counseling center nor for administrative positions that require the doctorate. However, in many community and technical colleges throughout the country, a master’s degree will often open up administrative higher level opportunities.

Program of Study:
Candidates for the MAIS degree in Higher Education must successfully complete 36 credits of graduate course work, including the following:
• Four required core courses (12 credits);
• One course in research methodology(3 credits);
• One course in Organization & Administration in Higher Education(3 credits) or in Student Services in Higher Education (3 credits);
• One practicum with work on two different sites, in either Administration or Student Affairs (3 to 4 credits);
• Electives to be determined (9 credits);
• MAIS 797 Project/Thesis Proposal (1 credit); and
• Capstone internship project (2 - 5 credits of MAIS 798) or thesis (5 credits of MAIS 799).

Doctoral students who are interested in Education Leadership as their knowledge area may take courses in the Higher Education Concentration towards completion of their program of study.

Higher Education Concentration Courses:

The following courses will be offered in a sequence that facilitates completing the MAIS degree or the DA/Education Leadership in a timely manner:
• Higher Education in the U.S. (required) or The Community College (required for students who intend to work at the two year college level)
• The Contemporary College Student
• Higher Education Law
• Diversity in Higher Education
• Organization and Administration in Higher Education
• Student Services in Higher Education
• Introduction to Counseling in Higher Education
• Counseling Theory and Practice in Higher Education
• Finance and Fiscal Management in Higher Education
• Institutional Effectiveness and Program Assessment
• Special Topics in Higher Education.

Students are required to take one research methodology course from a variety of courses offered at GMU. Electives may be chosen from the Public Affairs and International Affairs, Communication, Philosophy, Sociology departments, and other programs within the University.

Certificate in Community College Education

The Certificate in College Teaching is designed for graduate students who are planning a career in undergraduate education. The certificate offers courses that enhance pedagogical skills, explore pedagogical scholarship and the use of technology in instruction.  Students participate in one (teaching) internship.