Master of Education in Higher Education

About the Programs

The DeSales University Graduate Programs in Higher Education prepares individuals for entry- and mid-level careers across the myriad of sectors, functional and operational areas of large and small and various types of college/university and related or adjacent environments.

Programs (On-line synchronous and asynchronous):

MEd Higher Education (36-credits) with concentration options in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs Administration, and Management

MEd Higher Education (30-credit Accelerated) with concentration options in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs Administration, and Management

Higher Education Graduate Certificate (15-credits)

Post-Masters Certificate in Higher Education Administration (12-credits)

Post-Masters Certificate in Student Affairs Administration (12-credits)

Concentrations:

Higher Education Administration

This program prepares individuals to work in departments, functional, or operational areas that are student services and/or administratively focused, including enrollment management, financial aid, registrar, alumni relations, athletics administration, government and community relations, and institutional research and policy analysis.

Student Affairs Administration

Prepares individuals to work in student development-centered support services and campus life areas of higher education including academic resource and advising services, accessibility services, career services, new student programming/orientation, health and wellness, residence life and student housing, student engagement and leadership, Greek life, and multicultural/diversity services. The concentration focus of the concentration is on student growth and development.

Management (In partnership with the DeSales University MBA Programs)

Prepares individuals to work in administrative, operational, and managerial-focused areas of higher education including advancement and development, auxiliary and business services, administration and finance, equity and inclusion, and human resources.

Mission Statement

The mission of the DeSales University Higher Education Graduate Program is to prepare individuals working or seeking to work in professional positions in the vast array of sectors and functional areas of higher education at private and public colleges and universities, as well as community colleges and other post-secondary education institutions, and related or adjacent environments. This rigorous, innovative, and highly experiential professional practice-focused program emphasizes the Salesian values of wisdom, humility, gentleness, hospitality, and gratitude.

Learning Outcomes

The ability to articulate and apply moral principles as well as the ethical principles and standards of the higher education profession to their personal and professional lives, in their decision-making, and in the execution of professional duties and responsibilities.
Knowledge of higher education law and the relevance of general legal statutes to higher education.
A depth and breadth of knowledge of college student development and application of this knowledge in the performance of roles and in the delivery of programs and services.
An understanding of the history and philosophy of higher education and an ability to critically analyze contemporary global and social issues for their impact and influence on the current and future status of higher education.
An openness to exploring issues of diversity and equity from both a personal and professional perspective and a commitment to improving access and making environments of higher education fair, just, and inclusive.
Knowledge of theories, principles, and skills of effective leadership and administration as applied across all entities of higher education.
Understanding of organizational development and change theories and the implication for the organizational structures and dynamics of higher education.
Knowledge of the economics and finance of higher education and preparation in financial decision-making and in the development of budgets.
Depth of understanding and skill in conducting assessment, evaluation, and research of relevance to professional practice in higher education.
A capacity for integrating theory and knowledge of higher education in professional practice with supervision.

Admissions Requirements

Applications for full-time and part-time study are evaluated on a rolling admissions basis, with start-terms of spring, summer, and fall. Requirements for admission to the two MEd Higher Education Programs and the Higher Education Graduate Certificate Program are:

a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges) or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
acceptable level of academic quality in undergraduate work. Normally, this is defined as having achieved an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
knowledge of the field and relevant experience (including experience as undergraduate students as RA’s, tour-guides, tutors, ambassadors, orientation leaders, student leaders, athletics, student employees, etc.) is recommended. Candidates with limited knowledge or relevant experience in the field of higher education may be required to submit a letter of recommendation. The accelerated MEd requires a minimum of two years of full-time professional higher education work experience.
An nterview with the Higher Education Program Directo is required of all applicants.

Otherwise qualified individuals who do not meet the 3.0 criteria may appeal for provisional admission upon submission of a letter of recommendation.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants for both Post-Masters (Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs Administration) must have successfully completed a masters degree in a related field of study.

Applicants will be notified at the earliest possible date about their admission status.

Application Checklist Items

(Required for the MEd Higher Education Programs, the Higher Education Graduate Certificate Program, and both Post-Masters Certificate programs.)

All Official Transcripts
Resume
Interview with the Higher Education Program Director

International Applicants

Transcript Evaluation is required through a NACES member Candidates who completed a degree outside of the US are considered upon review of an official transcript evaluation from a member of NACES. An international applicant with a degree awarded as the result of studies less than four years must show proof that such degree is equivalent with a comparable four-year long US study.
Certificate of Finances demonstrating an ability to fund the degree

English Competency Exam is required: TOEFL, IELTS or CAE International applicants (regardless of citizenship) for whom English is a second language must submit English proficiency test scores as part of their application. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to further assess English-speaking and comprehension skills through a personal interview.

TOEFL iBT	90 total score; with a minimum of 25 speaking, 23 writing, and 21 reading and listening
IELTS	6.5 total score; with a minimum of 7.5 in speaking, 6 in writing, 6.5 in reading and listening
CAE	B2 or higher

Internal Transfer

Students enrolled in a graduate program offered by the University may transfer to the MEd Higher Education program with the appropriate in writing approval of both the original graduate program advisor/ director and the Higher Education program director. An additional application fee is not required and ordinarily admissions credentials need not be resubmitted, but the requestor must submit a formal letter of request for transfer, provide a resume and a new statement of goals, and be interviewed by the Higher Education program director. Depending upon the advisor/director’s approval, applicable credits earned in the original program may be applied toward the MEd Higher Education program.

Transfer of Credit from Other Institutions Policy

Up to nine credits of graduate work (generally at a 500 level or greater), with grades of a “B” or better, and completed within eight years of the request for transfer may be transferred from graduate programs within the University or from other graduate programs of accredited institutions of higher education to partially fulfill requirements of any program. The course content must parallel DeSales course offerings or be relevant to the degree sought. Applicants must provide an official transcript, course description and any other documentation requested by the University.

All transfers must be approved by the director of the MEd Higher Education program. Transfer of credits earned before admission must be requested in writing at the time of application for admission.

Students wishing to transfer courses taken at another institution during the completion of a program must receive prior approval from the Higher Education program director. Courses offered by DeSales University as part of a program cannot be taken elsewhere for transfer if a student has the opportunity to take them at DeSales University during the current or future semesters during a reasonable time frame for completion of the program. Approval of transfer will not be granted unless for extenuating circumstances and only if denial of request for transfer will deny student progress toward program completion. Courses in the Higher Education program have outcomes aligned with program outcomes and transferred courses rarely align exactly. Therefore, desire for a more rapid completion of a program will not constitute an extenuating circumstance or grounds for approval of transfer.

Academic Schedule

The Academic year of the MHE program consists of three sessions:

Fall (12 weeks) end August - end November

Spring (12 weeks) mid January - mid April

Summer A (6 weeks) early May - mid June

Summer B (6 weeks) mid June - early August

Courses are delivered online synchronously and asynchronously via Zoom. Schedule of courses will be announced with the session schedule and will be available on the Web Advisor before registration.

The Academic Calendar may be found at www.desales.edu/academics/academic-calendars.

Student Status

A full-time student is one who carries at least six credits. Normally, students following the full-time plan of study will enroll in nine credits in the fall and spring semesters

A part-time student is one who carries at least three credits.

A student will be deemed inactive after twelve months of non-enrollment. The student must reapply to be reinstated to continue in the program.

Student Categories

Applicants may be admitted to the Higher Education Program in one of the following categories:

Regular Student Category

An applicant in this category is pursuing an MEd or the Higher Education Graduate Certificate and meets all admission requirements.

Special Student Category

Qualified students may enroll in courses of the Higher Education Program on a per-course basis up to a maximum of nine credits without formal admission to an MEd program or certificate. The successful completion of the course does not imply acceptance into a degree program or certificate. However, courses taken under this status may be applied towards a degree program or certificate requirements provided all other criteria are met.

Provisional Student Category

A post-baccalaureate student who does not fully meet the GPA requirement but who has attained a minimum of a 2.5 GPA may be admitted for enrollment into an MEd or the Higher Education Graduate Certificate program. The student’s progress and academic standing will be monitored along the way.

Post-masters Category

Students in this category have earned graduate degrees in related fields.

Academic Standing GPA Requirements

All admitted students must maintain a 3.0 GPA for each semester of enrollment. If a cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 for one semester the student will be deemed “on probation” and must meet with the Higher Education program director to formulate a remediation plan. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the program. A student may be placed on probation only once. If the cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 for a second semester, the graduate student will be withdrawn from the program.

Minimum Grade: Students must attain a C or higher in all courses required for the master’s degree. In order to be granted a master’s degree, a student must attain a B- or higher in all core master’s degree courses.

Program Progression: All students must meet with Higher Education program director once each year to review program progress. Students are expected to continuously enroll in the courses according to the course plan. Students who have not taken a course within a span of 12 months will be considered withdrawn from the program and must reapply in order to gain approval for reinstatement.

Incomplete Policy: An incomplete is given only after an acute and significant unforeseen event prevents a student from completing the course. An incomplete is given at the discretion of the instructor and with the approval of the Higher Education program director.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend all scheduled class hours. For online sessions, students must meet participation requirements equal to class attendance. See course syllabus for specific attendance/participation requirements. An unexcused absence of more than two hours (total) from a one-credit course or two class meetings from a three-credit course shall result in a grade of “F”. For online class sessions, completion of all required viewing, discussion, and assignments constitutes an attended class. An incomplete will only be approved by the Higher Education program director if an unforeseen and acute circumstance occurs that hinders course completion. A student request for an incomplete with a rationale must be made in writing to the professor of the course and the Higher Education program director prior to the Monday of final exam week. The professor and Higher Education program director in consultation will approve the incomplete for a specified period of time not to exceed six months.

Registration

Registration normally begins eight weeks before the first class meeting. The University reserves the right to limit enrollment, or cancel a course if registration is insufficient. Registration is done through Web Advisor at www.desales.edu/webadvisor. New students must work with the Higher Education program director/advisor for registration information.

Student Orientation

All students registered for courses in programs either before or after acceptance are encouraged to participate in a two-hour non-credit Student Orientation conducted prior to each session of the academic semester. There is no fee for this orientation. More information on the Student Orientation including scheduled dates for each session can be obtained from the program office. Students will also receive a Higher Education program handbook that will serve as a guide to the program and the program requirements and expectations. Students will need to sign that they have received and reviewed the handbook within the first two weeks of enrollment in the program.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are available at www.desales.edu.

Tuition Refunds

Both on-campus and online course days constitute course sessions in the calculation of refunds.

Withdrawal during the add/drop period: 100% of tuition refunded.

Withdrawal after the 1st class after the close of the add drop period: 65% of tuition refunded.

Withdrawal after the 2nd class after the close of the add drop period: 50% of tuition refunded

Withdrawal after the 3rd class after the close of the add drop period: 25% of tuition refunded

Withdrawal after the 4th class after the close of the add drop period: No refund.

Graduation Requirements, MHE Program

The following graduation requirements apply to both MEd programs:

Completion of the 36-credit or 30-credit plan of study.
An overall 3.0 GPA for all coursework taken at DeSales towards completion of the degree.
Resolution of all incomplete grades.
Official transcripts and other required documentation for all courses approved for transfer credit.
Fulfillment of all financial obligations to the University.

Certificate Completion

The following is required for the completion and awarding of Certificates (Higher Education Graduate Certificate, Post-masters Certificate in Student Affairs Administration and Post-masters Certificate in Higher Education Administration):

Computer Literacy and Technical Requirements

The University expects all incoming students to be familiar with and able to use basic word processing, Brightspace D2L navigation, digital file management, e-mail and Internet. Applicants lacking this background should acquire it through appropriate learning experiences before registration in the first course in the program. Only DeSales email addresses will be used for communication among students, professors, and administrators.

All students are required to:

have access to Internet above dial-up speeds and
use a headset with microphone (no open speakers with external mic)
have attended a Brightspace D2L training session through DEIT or attest that Brightspace D2L competence has already been acquired

Additional technical requirements include:

Microsoft Office 2010 or higher

Additional plug-in download may be required. Student is responsible for determining what specific technology is required for course before registration.

Other Program Requirements

Mentorship

Students admitted into both MEd Higher Education programs and the Higher Education Graduate Certificate program are required to select a professional mentor. As a requirement for the Law, Ethics, Standards course, students will be expected to provide the mentor’s name, title/position, department/unit/functional area, and institution, along with a statement of goals for the mentorship experience.

Professional Ethics Agreement

Higher Education is a professional practice field, to that end students are expected to abide by the ethical codes and standards of the higher education profession set forth by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA); American Association of University Administrators (AAUA); the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS); and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). The Law, Ethics, Standards course (MHE500) serves as an orientation to the profession of higher education. As such, students will be introduced to and expected to demonstrate comprehension of the aforementioned ethical codes and standards and will be expected to sign an agreement of their willingness to abide by these codes and standards prior to completion of the course.

Internship (36-credit MEd Higher Education)

Internship (Internship in Higher Education I and II) is a curricular requirement of the 36-credit MEd in Higher Education and typically occurs in the fall and spring of year two of the program. Internship is a course linking an experience in the field to the graduate program curriculum in which topics salient to the experience are covered and a DeSales University Higher Education program instructor and an on-site supervisor provide supervision. Students select an internship site (public, private, two-year college or university or other approved post-secondary environment - department or functional area, e.g., admissions, career development center, alumni relations office) for a 12 to 15 hours a week experience for the full 12-week semester. Further details regarding internships is provided in the Higher Education program student handbook.

Programs

Masters

Post-Master’s Certificate

Graduate Certificate

Higher Education Graduate Certificate