DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND POLICY

M.ED. PROGRAM – EMPHASIS IN STUDENT AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION

As Revised January 2007
University of Utah
1705 East Campus Center Drive, Rm. 339
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9254
(801) 581-6714

1. Introduction to the Department

The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy, a division of the College of Education, emphasizes the application of theory and research to the practice of educational leadership in both the Pre K-12 and higher education environments, as well as preparation for scholarly endeavors in higher education. As a result of the department’s strong national reputation (consistently ranked among the top fifteen Educational Leadership Departments in the country) and faculty members’ leadership in national organizations such as the University Council for Educational Administration, the American Educational Research Association, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, and the Association for the Study of Higher Education, students are kept abreast of the latest theory, research, and programmatic advancements within the field.

The department provides research and training opportunities through liaisons with local and state education agencies and associations, including the State Board of Regents, and the public and private higher education institutions in the state of Utah. Additionally, the department is home to Educational Administration Quarterly, the top peer-reviewed journal in the field.

2. Introduction to the Program and Faculty

The M.Ed. with an emphasis in Student Affairs provides a broad base on which students may build and advance their careers within higher education. Courses in the program address issues for Student Affairs administrators such as retention, assessment, and college student development. All courses in the program are offered between 4:30PM and 9:45 PM.

The M.Ed. with student affairs emphasis can be completed as a full-time student in two academic years – i.e.four academic semesters (9 credits/academic semester). The program can also be completed as a part-time student in two calendars years – i.e. six calendar year semesters (6 credits/semester). Students enrolling part-time will begin coursework in the summer of the application year. Full-time students will commence coursework in the fall of the academic year.

Participating faculty in the Higher Education M.Ed. program include a combination of regular tenured/tenure-track ELP faculty, clinical faculty, and adjunct faculty. Specifically, Clinical Professor Mary Skorheim serves as the program’s advisor and supervisor of internship experiences. Tenure-track faculty include Associate Professor Octavio Villalpando, Assistant Professor Amy Bergerson, and Assistant Professor Lynette Danley. ELP adjunct faculty includes Student Affairs Vice President Barbara Snyder, Associate Vice President for Budget and Planning Paul Brinkman, Assistant Vice President for Assessment Kari Ellingson, and other leading scholars and practitioners.

3. Student Affairs Administration Course Requirements

Before entering the program, students must have good computer word processing and writing skills. Students without these skills are expected to obtain them before they begin their formal course work. All work for the master’s degree must be completed within four consecutive calendar years. Candidates are required to maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in course work. No graded work below a C- is acceptable towards the requirements for the degree.

Courses for the M.Ed. with Student Affairs emphasis are divided into four areas: Student Affairs, Context of Higher Education, Student Affairs Assessment, and Professional Development in Student Affairs.

Student Affairs Administration

Introduction to Student Affairs Administration – ELP 6550 (3)

Leadership in Student Affairs – ELP 6520 (3)

College Student Development Theory – ELP 6620 (3)

Special Topics Seminar I – ELP 6960 (3)

Special Topics Seminar II – ELP 6960 (3)

Students Affairs Assessment

Introduction to Student Affairs Assessment – ELP 6610 (3)

Assessing College Impact & Retention – ELP 6560 (3)

Contexts of Higher Education

Multiculturalism & Diversity in Higher Education – ELP 6580 (3)

Group or Individual Intervention in Higher Education– ELP 6510 (3)

Program Development in Higher Education EPL 6960 (3)

Professional Skill Development

Professional Seminar on Career Development & Placement – ELP 6701 (3)

Internship and Internship Seminar – ELP 6711 (3)

4. Internship

Master’s students in the Student Affairs emphasis will complete an internship related to their area of career focus. Internships are available on the University campus and in other local higher education institutions. Previous experience and current job placement will be considered.

5. Comprehensive Examination –Integrative Paper and Presentation

A comprehensive examination requirement is the Integrative Paper and Presentation which are completed the spring semester of the second year of the master’s program. All course work up to that point, including incompletes, must be finished prior to taking the examination. Successful completion of the requirement is required before approval will be granted for graduation and degree completion. The Integrative Paper and/or Presentation may be repeated only once.  Additional information is available on the ELP website.

6. Assistantships

Assistantships are available for students enrolled in the program full-time. Currently assistantships may be available in the areas such as: A. Ray Olpin University Union, Career Services, Center for Ethic Student Affairs, MEChA, Greek Life/ Student Involvement, International Center, Housing & Residential Education, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center, Office of Student Recruitment and High School Services, Orientation and Leadership Development, Psychology Advising Center, and Women’s Resource Center. Assistantships may include tuition waiver (in and out-of-state) and a stipend. Students interested in applying for fellowships should note the top three departments on the program application.  Applicants will be contacted by the respective departments following admission to the program.