What do current and former students have to say about the Educational Leadership and Policy (ELP) program with an emphasis in student affairs at the University of Utah?

 

Sylvia from Utah

I'm only in my first semester, but the program has been great so far.  The professors are very knowledgeable and the topics we are discussing are very interesting.  What makes the program even better is that we get to stay with the same cohort for the two years in the program so I'm really getting to know my classmates and it makes the classes more enjoyable. 

Anna from Colorado

This program integrates theory, practice, and research.  Synthesizing these components is vital to my education as a graduate student. I am able to take what I learn in the classroom and apply it to my position as a Graduate Assistant in the Career Services office. It is always exciting to be surrounded by faculty members who are involved in research; this involvement allows us to be aware of current trends in the field.

Diana from Hawaii

I would recommend the ELP Master's Program to those who want to promote student success in education by using research to evaluate and propose changes within the school system.

Lay from Singapore

I highly recommend this program offered by the University of Utah because the instructors have a vast amount of practical experience in the area of student affairs. They practice what they teach, focusing on student learning and development, and are sensitive to issues relating to multiculturalism and diversity.

Anni from Utah

I would recommend this program to students who are really interested in working with students in higher education because the focus is directly to student affairs, but at the same time you still learn about the whole college/university community.

 

Anjali from Utah

The program offers a good mix of coursework, internships and practical experience. The ELP administrators are well connected with the national professional organizations as well as the Utah system of higher education. Classes are kept small and you can expect individual attention from professors. Each year the cohorts get increasingly more diverse which adds to the richness of the program. Salt Lake City had a lot to offer in terms of outdoor life and community experiences.

Recent Graduates

Aimee from Washington

Since graduating from the University of Utah ELP master's program, I have found the skills and knowledge I've obtained key to my success in the field of higher education. The strong focus on putting theory to practice has helped me develop a philosophy of higher education that I use daily in my career. Through internships and graduate assistantships, I was able to discover my "fit" in higher education and put my classroom knowledge to practice. I cherish my time in the ELP program and the friendships and professional relationships I was able to establish.
 

Lindsey from Wyoming

The opportunities I have gained through the ELP program at the University of Utah have been invaluable. The friendships, knowledge and professional associations I have made during the course of my study will stay with me throughout my career in student affairs. The ELP program develops holistic practitioners who are actively involved in matters of institutional social justice, assessment and student learning; actively infusing theory and experiential learning into every aspect of the program. The professional characteristics gained through participation in the ELP program at the University of Utah will influence the evolution and betterment of the student affairs profession.

Marshall from Utah

The University of Utah's ELP master's program has helped me to understand my own motivations for service along with practical theories and skills that I need to implement them. I feel that I am receiving an education that will help me in many aspects of my career and also my personal life. The faculty is very experienced in student affairs, academic affairs, state educational policy and international policy.

Natalia from Russia

I would sincerely recommend the ELP master's program with an emphasis in student affairs at the University of Utah, because the students have great opportunities to enrich themselves with new experiences, knowledge, skills and scholarly approach and, as a result, get ready for administrative endeavors in higher education and other educational policy arenas. Students get constant support for national and international conference participation. Academic advisers emphasize a highly individual approach to students.

Jeff from Utah

There is a lot of talk about the impact of college on students as well as student development. The program is very student centered and a majority of the classes address how higher education can help students and, specifically, how student affairs needs to advocate for students on campus. There is a lot of reading. We are encouraged to think deeper and we have had some great conversations in class.