Assessment Practice in Higher Education and Student Affairs (EDLR-5103)

Implementation of assessment and evaluation designs to address problems in higher education institutions. Focus on data collection and analysis, and communicating findings for improving policy and practice.

 College Student Development: Theory and Practice (EDLR-5117)

This course examines a range of theories related to student learning, growth, and development during the college years. While the course explores the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of student development theory related to student affairs practice, it focuses on theories from constructivist, critical, and poststructural paradigms.

Practicum in Higher Education (EDLR-5092)

HESA's first required on-site practicum experience. This class meets six times during the semester. Each student spends 98 hours on-site in an office or organization of their choice over the course of the semester.

Resource Management and Organizational Theory in Higher Education and Student Affairs (EDLR 5107)

This course focuses on organizational and leadership theory and research within the higher education context, emphasizing the role of social, political, and organizational factors that shape administrative leadership within current and future trends of higher education. The purpose of this course is to explore theories that will increase one’s understanding of higher education institutions, how leaders and administrators work within those institutions, and organizational practices and issues within higher education.

Practicum in Higher Education (EDLR-5092.017)

HESA second required on-site practicum experience. This class meets six times during the semester. Each student spends 140 hours in an office or organization of their choice over the course of the semester.

Structured Dialogue in Student Affairs (EDLR 5105) (only for students admitted in Fall 2023 and later)

Explores basic approaches to intragroup and intergroup dynamics and implications for personal and educational development of students and student affairs professionals.

Inclusion and Equity in Higher Education and Student Affairs (EDLR 5126.001) (only for students admitted in Fall 2022 and earlier)

The purpose of this course is to expose students to critically explore issues of inclusion and equity in higher education and student affairs inclusive of the role of social and historical contexts, the roles individuals (agents) who work in colleges and universities (i.e., faculty and administrators) play in achieving or thwarting inclusion and equity, and our personal and collective responsibility in creating inclusive and equitable college environments.

Seminar in Higher Education (EDLR-5118)

This seminar course is designed to promote the integration of the core curriculum and the practice-based experiences of the master’s degree program in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA).

Legal Issues and Decision Making in Higher Education and Student Affairs (EDLR-5119)

This foundational course examines key components related to the intersections of legal aspects, ethics, and decision-making within the work of higher education/student affairs professionals. This course examines several federal higher education laws and guidelines and how higher education/student affairs professionals use decision making to implement those mandates in their practice.

Elective

The following courses are possible selections available to HESA students. Other elective options exist across a variety of academic departments. All courses require permission of the instructor:

International Dimensions of Higher Education and Student Affairs (EDLR-5094)
The course begins with accreditation and governance issues for universities in the US and overseas.  The course concludes with an in-depth analysis of the student experience while abroad– both global experiences for US students and also the experience of international students coming to the US. [To Be Determined - Based on HESA International Experience Funding]

Influences on Adult Learning (EDLR-5201)
Addresses Interaction of person and environment, Culture, Role of environment, Situational barriers, Motivation, Self-regulation, Personality, Gender, Life transitions, and Self-directed learning.

Workplace Learning (EDLR-5202)
Trends in workplace learning and workforce development. Conceptual models of performance improvement and transfer of training. Focus on individual, work team, and organizational variables related to learning, performance, and transfer of training.

Adult and Experiential Learning (EDLR-5203)
How experience enhances learning. Addresses Reflection, Problem solving, Analogical mapping, Deliberate practice, Development of expertise, and Design of staff/professional development.

Organizational Learning (EDLR-5204)
Group and collective learning in organizational settings, with an emphasis on adaptive and generative learning processes.

Professional Development (EDLR-5205)
How adults learn best and principles of human resource development to implement effective, job imbedded professional development programs.

Students may also choose approved electives from other departments at the University.

Principles of Career Development in Counseling (EPSY-5306)
Career development and career psychology with adolescents and adults.

For a complete listing of course descriptions, please see the UConn Graduate Catalog.

Part-Time Students

We welcome students who are working full-time in higher education or related roles to enroll in our program on a part-time basis. Part-time students can complete the master’s degree in six semesters, engaging with peers in a similar course of study. Students are able to explore areas of personal interest through electives.

The part-time plan of study is a new feature of our program that we are currently developing. Below is a sample six-semester plan. Each student’s individual plan of study will be considered on a case-by-case basis with the faculty advisor.

Foundations of Higher Education and Student Affairs (EDLR-5122)

This course provides an overview of the U.S. higher education system through the examination of its history, the field of higher education/student affairs, institutional and organizational structures, public policies, and contemporary issues facing higher education systems, institutions and professionals.

Inclusion and Equity in Higher Education and Student Affairs (EDLR 5126.020)

The purpose of this course is to expose students to critically explore issues of inclusion and equity in higher education and student affairs inclusive of the role of social and historical contexts, the roles individuals (agents) who work in colleges and universities (i.e., faculty and administrators) play in achieving or thwarting inclusion and equity, and our personal and collective responsibility in creating inclusive and equitable college environments.

Fostering the Scholar-Practitioner Identity in Student Affairs (EDLR 5092.020)

This course serves as a space for first year HESA students to become familiar with the principles and expectations of the HESA program, graduate coursework, and the practice of higher education and student affairs educators. Students will build relationships with the other members of their cohort in order to foster a community of reflective practitioners that supports and challenges their learning. They will also explore opportunities to integrate scholarship with their professional practice, and to establish plans related to the knowledge, awareness and skills they hope to gain before completing the HESA program.

Practicum in Higher Education (EDLR 5092.001) or Elective

HESA's first on-site practicum experience. This class meets six times during the semester. Each student spends 98 hours on-site in an office or organization of their choice over the course of the semester. Practica courses are not required for students who are enrolled part-time in the program and working full-time in a higher education or higher education-related organization. Part-time students may substitute an elective course. 

College Student Development: Theory and Practice (EDLR 5117)

This course examines a range of theories related to student learning, growth, and development during the college years. While the course explores the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of student development theory related to student affairs practice, it focuses on theories from constructivist, critical, and poststructural paradigms.

Foundations of Assessment in Higher Education and Student Affairs (EDLR 5102)

An introduction to research and evaluation methods in higher education institutions, and to the practice of assessment in Student Affairs. Focus on conceptualization and design, literature reviews, and ethical considerations in assessment.

Structured Dialogue in Student Affairs (EDLR 5105)

Explores basic approaches to intragroup and intergroup dynamics and implications for personal and educational development of students and student affairs professionals.

Assessment Practice in Higher Education and Student Affairs (EDLR 5103)

Implementation of assessment and evaluation designs to address problems in higher education institutions. Focus on data collection and analysis, and communicating findings for improving policy and practice.

Legal Issues and Decision Making in Higher Education and Student Affairs (EDLR 5119)

This foundational course examines key components related to the intersections of legal aspects, ethics, and decision-making within the work of higher education/student affairs professionals.

This course examines several federal higher education laws and guidelines and how higher education/student affairs professionals use decision making to implement those mandates in their practice.

Practicum in Higher Education (EDLR 5092.017) or Elective

This class meets six times during the semester. Each student spends 98 hours on-site in an office or organization of their choice over the course of the semester.

Practica courses are not required for students who are enrolled part-time in the program and working full-time in a higher education or higher education-related organization. Part-time students may substitute an elective course. 

Resource Management and Organizational Theory in Higher Education and Student Affairs (EDLR 5107)

This course focuses on organizational and leadership theory and research within the higher education context, emphasizing the role of social, political, and organizational factors that shape administrative leadership within current and future trends of higher education. The purpose of this course is to explore theories that will increase one’s understanding of higher education institutions, how leaders and administrators work within those institutions, and organizational practices and issues within higher education.

Seminar in Higher Education (EDLR 5118)

This seminar course is designed to promote the integration of the core curriculum and the practice-based experiences of the master’s degree program in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA).

Elective 

The following courses are possible selections available to HESA students. Other elective options exist across a variety of academic departments. All courses require permission of the instructor:

International Dimensions of Higher Education and Student Affairs (EDLR-5094)
The course begins with accreditation and governance issues for universities in the US and overseas.  The course concludes with an in-depth analysis of the student experience while abroad– both global experiences for US students and also the experience of international students coming to the US. [To Be Determined - Based on HESA International Experience Funding]

Influences on Adult Learning (EDLR-5201)
Addresses Interaction of person and environment, Culture, Role of environment, Situational barriers, Motivation, Self-regulation, Personality, Gender, Life transitions, and Self-directed learning.

Workplace Learning (EDLR-5202)
Trends in workplace learning and workforce development. Conceptual models of performance improvement and transfer of training. Focus on individual, work team, and organizational variables related to learning, performance, and transfer of training.

Adult and Experiential Learning (EDLR-5203)
How experience enhances learning. Addresses Reflection, Problem solving, Analogical mapping, Deliberate practice, Development of expertise, and Design of staff/professional development.

Organizational Learning (EDLR-5204)
Group and collective learning in organizational settings, with an emphasis on adaptive and generative learning processes.

Professional Development (EDLR-5205)
How adults learn best and principles of human resource development to implement effective, job imbedded professional development programs.

Students may also choose approved electives from other departments at the University.

Principles of Career Development in Counseling (EPSY-5306)
Career development and career psychology with adolescents and adults.

For a complete listing of course descriptions, please see the UConn Graduate Catalog.