Comments from alumni about the higher education track

M.A. graduates

“Very personalized, intimate program with the resources of a large university. Great networking opportunities for people already established as well as those looking to enter the higher education professions.”

“I am grateful for the opportunities presented by my graduate work. My degree work has been instrumental in my career development.”

Ph.D. graduates

“As a part-time student, I was very thankful for the support and encouragement given to me by my professors over a relatively long period of time. I taught at a university when I was enrolled in my Ph.D. program. The program helped me increase my understanding of the college student, the nature of academic institutions and faculty roles and responsibility. I developed leadership skills and the confidence to use them.”

“As a part-time student, it took several years for me to complete the program. I appreciated the continuing support provided by my adviser. He never forgot who I was as an individual.”

“Every class I took was applicable in some way to my position as an education director in a federal agency. I was able to explore issues that were of interest to me while fulfilling the objectives of the classes. My adviser was very accessible and responsive to my needs.”

“The EdPA-higher education program had three noteworthy strengths:

• Supportive faculty - especially my advisers
• Interesting coursework
• Wonderful student colleagues. Relationships begun during the program continue after graduation and provide insights and support in my work.”

“I had worked as an administrator for over 10 years before entering the program on a part-time basis. I thought I wanted to return to school to 'get my paper/degree' to enable me to advance my career. Soon after starting, the degree became less of a focus—the coursework (all highly relevant to what I was doing on a daily basis) and the faculty provided for me an intellectual awakening to the vast theory and practice in higher education. My colleagues in classes from diverse higher education settings provided valuable perspectives and contacts for my subsequent positions in different types of institutions. The program supported my development of an area of expertise which in combination with new insights and confidence ultimately led to career advancements far beyond that originally envisioned.”