

This course introduces students to the field of higher education. Emphasis is on historical development, philosophical and sociological foundations, the structure and variety of students and institutions, governance and administration, professional standards, the role of specialists, ethical problems and relationships to other professions and educational sectors.
The purpose of this seminar is to serve as an opportunity to integrate the content and information presented in formal classroom settings with the practical field experience.
This course explores the characteristics of students attending various types of institutions and the theories of growth and development for traditional and older-aged students. This course also reviews research on attendance and withdrawal, institutional environment and student subcultures, and the immediate and long-term effects of a college experience.
This course examines current issues and research relating to participation and success of students and faculty from different backgrounds in U.S. higher education. Emphasis is on the interplay between diverse populations and institutional, societal, governmental, and personal influences on participation and retention of students and faculty.
This course is designed to give students an understanding of several major theoretical approaches to understanding leadership, and to examine how leadership functions within higher education. Students learn how to observe and analyze roles and behaviors in higher education and gain useful insights for their own development as professionals.
The purpose of this course is to develop good consumers of educational research and to introduce topics and skills of educational research and evaluation. The course is intended for those who conduct research on college campuses and emphasizes a practitioner-oriented approach to research for use on a college campus.
This course focuses on the history, design, variety, impact & challenges of contemporary study abroad programs. The links between internationalization & globalization in the development of study abroad programs in the United States will be analyzed. Discussion will include the origins of study abroad; the many varieties of academic formats, sponsorships & venues; the demographics of student participants; the academic, cultural & personal learning of students; & the academic & administrative challenges faced by sponsoring colleges & universities.
The following are examples of electives that you could take, by advisement:
1-credit HPSE-GE Courses alternately offered in trios every spring:
In addition to core requirements, students may have the option to create an Area of Study. The decision to pursue any area of study is optional and these designations will not appear on the transcript or diploma; however, they are endorsed by faculty and students may wish to include designation information on their resumes.
By combining a required course with a specific set of electives students may, but are not required to choose from one of six areas of study.
[Required courses are denoted by *.]
The purpose of the Administration area of study is to prepare individuals for entry- and middle-level administrative positions in post-secondary institutions. This concentration is appropriate for students seeking positions in admissions, financial aid, strategic planning, governmental relations, enrollment management, and institutional research.
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
HPSE-GE.2090 | *Foundations of Higher Education | (3 credits) |
HPSE-GE.2068 | The Impact of College on Students | (3 credits) |
HPSE-GE.2011 | How Colleges Work | (3 credits) |
HPSE-GE.2115 | Higher Education and the Law | (3 credits) |
The purpose of the International Education area of study is to support the development of academic and cultural competencies in global and international post-secondary studies. Students wishing to pursue careers in study abroad offices, international student services, and globalized curricula should consider this area of study.
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
HPSE-GE.2045 | *Internationalization and Study Abroad | (3 credits) |
HPSE-GE.2157 | Global Perspectives in Higher Education (study abroad) | (3 credits) |
HPSE-GE.2139 | Globalization and Higher Education Reforms (online) | (3 credits) |
ADMT-GE.2072 | International Perspectives on Education Reform | (3 credits) |
The Student Affairs area of study prepares individuals who wish to serve in leadership positions in working with college students, student affairs administration, and/or research about college students. This concentration emphasizes professional practice, college student development, and leadership in higher education.
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
HPSE-GE.2069 | *College Student Learning and Development | (3 credits) |
HPSE-GE.2068 | The Impact of College on Students | (3 credits) |
APSY-GE.2620 | Group Dynamics | (3 credits) |
HPSE-GE.2067 | Campus Communities and Student Subcultures | (3 credits) |
This area of study is appropriate for students seeking positions as leaders of training and development programs in higher education and workplace settings.
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
HPSE-GE.2122 | Learning in Business and Workplace Education | (3 credits) |
HPSE-GE.2010 | Supporting Learning in the Workplace | (3 credits) |
HPSE-GE.2081 | Designing and Managing Organizational Learning Programs | (3 credits) |
This area of study is designed to enable students to gain a deeper and broader analysis of topics related to access, retention, and the promotion of equity in systems of education ranging from K-20. Students passionate about this focus might explore careers that include: Multicultural Affairs, Pre-College Programs, Opportunity Programs, Residential Life, Teacher Education, Offices for Diversity and Inclusion, and Admissions.
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
HPSE-GE.2161 | *Diversity in Higher Education | (3 credits) |
HPSE-GE.2017 | Inequality in American Education: A K-16 Perspective (Advanced) | (3 credits) |
HPSE-GE.2061 | The High School to College Transition | (3 credits) |
EDLED-GE.2342 | Politics of Multicultural School Communities | (3 credits) |
Students wishing to take a wider or different selection of electives may opt to develop, with their adviser, an individually designed course of study.