HIGHER EDUCATION AND STUDENT AFFAIRS MASTER S DEGREE PROGRAM Department of Educational Leadership and Policies College of Education University of South Carolina Program Statement The Master s Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) combines a rigorous program of full-time study with in depth practical experience suited to dedicated individuals seeking professional careers in the administration of college student development services and activities. The University of South Carolina s Division of Student Affairs and other offices accord meaningful assistantship positions in which HESA students are given substantial authority while assisting in the management of university services and activities for students. Students have completed assistantships which have provided opportunities to gain experience in various offices, including residence life, student activities, multicultural student services, orientation, parent s programs, student discipline, University 101, community service, leadership programs, and the Visitor s Center. Several assistantships are also available at other local colleges. The assistantship, coupled with practicum and internship experiences, ensure a strong experiential background from which to launch a professional career. Thoughtful reflection on the real life experiences provided by assistantship, practicum, and internship experiences lend a relevance and immediacy to rigorous classroom studies. Program faculty bring their significant scholarly achievements and their experiences as practicing administrators to the classroom. Experience in college administration and active programs of scholarship blend together to bring excitement and depth to classroom dialogue. Often, students become involved with faculty members' research projects and find themselves engaged in important inquiry that has a lasting effect on their futures and the future of the student development profession. Upon completing the Higher Education and Student Affairs program, graduates accept positions at colleges and universities across the country, and are welcomed into a network of knowledgeable and experienced alumni that stretches from coast to coast and over the 40 year history of the program. The USC alumni network continues to support the career and professional development of all its members.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS REQUIREMENTS Successful completion of the following requirements is necessary for admission to pursue graduate study leading to the M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs. 1. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution. 2. Application to the Graduate School which includes: A. Completion of the Graduate School application form, available on the web at: www.gradschool.sc.edu B. Submission of scores on either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Applicants for whom English is a second language must also submit test scores on the TOEFL for admission consideration. Test scores must be from within the past 5 years. C. Submission of official transcripts from all previous institutions attended D. Submission of two (2) letters of recommendation E. Non-refundable application fee of $40.00 3. Applicants to the HESA program must also submit the following to the Graduate School: A. Current resume which highlights educational and employment history, higher education or student affairs experience, and contact information. B. Personal statement (2-3 pages, double spaced) which addresses the following areas: What experiences have led to your interest in pursuing a career in higher education and student affairs? What qualities, characteristics, and skills do you possess that make you a strong candidate for the HESA program? What do you hope to learn from the HESA program and how does this relate to your personal and career goals? The faculty of the Higher Education and Student Affairs program make recommendations for admission to the Graduate School based upon five criteria: academic record, GRE or MAT scores, related work and leadership experience, letters of reference, and the personal statement. The students who entered the Higher Education and Student Affairs program in the Fall of 2004 had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.4, an average GRE score (verbal + quantitative) of 1006, and an average analytical writing score of 4.7. Admissions Deadlines Students are strongly encouraged to have their applications to the Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs program completed by January 1 for fall, and October 1 for spring. The Graduate School recommends that students mail all application materials together (e.g., personal statement, resumé, letters of recommendation, and the application fee). All application materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadline. Incomplete files can not be considered. Students wishing to check on the status of their files should contact the Office of Student Affairs which is located in Room 113 of Wardlaw College, which houses the College of Education. The telephone number is 803-777-6732.
PROGRAM OF STUDY FOR THE M.ED. DEGREE IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND STUDENT AFFAIRS The Higher Education and Student Affairs program is specifically designed to be two years of full-time academic study, but the program also accepts students who plan to attend on a part-time basis. Forty-two (42) graduate credit hours are required. The curriculum includes 18 credit hours of required core courses. Students also select from one of two major program areas of concentration (higher education administration or student affairs administration) and must take 6 credit hours of required courses plus 12 additional credit hours in their area of concentration. Students must also complete 6 credit hours of elective courses. No more than 12 credit hours of practicum and internship courses may be used in the degree program. At the completion of the graduate program, students complete a written comprehensive exam. Required Core Courses (18 credit hours) EDHE 730 Evolution of Higher Education EDHE 732 The American College Student EDHE 737 Legal Aspects of Higher Education EDHE 837 Higher Education and Student Affairs Practicum I EDCE 600 Communication Skills in Counseling EDRM 700 Introduction to Research in Education Area of Concentration (18 credit hours) Higher Education Administration: Student Affairs Administration: EDHE 736 Financial Aspects of Higher EDHE 731 Student Affairs in Higher Education Education EDHE 830 Organization, Administration, and EDHE 833 Contemporary Trends/Issues Governance of Higher Education in Higher Education Plus 12 additional credit hours selected with prior approval of the academic advisor. Plus 12 additional credit hours selected with prior approval of the academic advisor Electives (6 credit hours) These courses may be chosen from either area of concentration or from courses offered by other departments or colleges with prior approval of the assigned academic advisor. For students electing to complete a thesis, 3 to 6 credit hours of thesis preparation will replace elective courses
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP RECRUITMENT PROGRAM (February 27-March 1, 2005) The Graduate Assistant Recruitment Program (GARP) is a collaborative effort among the University s Division of Student Affairs, the Higher Education and Student Affairs program, and the Student Personnel Association. GARP is designed to complement the Higher Education and Student Affairs program with graduate assistantships available from across the Division of Student Affairs, other areas of the university, as well as other local colleges. Please note that more than 90% of students who began the program in the fall of 2004 with a graduate assistantship participated in GARP. Benefits of the graduate assistantship include a stipend, tuition reduction, and professional experience and development. The Graduate Assistant Recruitment Program will be held on February 27-March 1, 2005. You can access more information at: http://www.sa.sc.edu/garp. STUDENT PERSONNEL ASSOCIATION The Student Personnel Association (SPA) is a student organization founded 35 years ago which promotes interest and involvement in Higher Education and Student Affairs through association with students, faculty, and staff. SPA provides academic, professional, and personal support activities. In addition, SPA offers professional and career development, social and interpersonal interaction, and leadership and recognition programs. You can access more information at: http://web.sa.sc.edu/spa/. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. John Wesley Lowery Department of Educational Leadership and Policies Wardlaw College, Suite 310 University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208 803-777-5240 e-mail: hesa@gwm.sc.edu Helpful Phone Numbers: College of Education 803-777-6732 http://www.ed.sc.edu Financial Aid and Scholarships 803-777-8134 http://www.sc.edu/financialaid/ Graduate School 803-777-4243 http://www.gradschool.sc.edu Higher Education and Student Affairs 803-777-5240 http://www.ed.sc.edu/edlp/hesa.asp Housing 803-777-4283 http://www.housing.sc.edu/ Registrar s Office 803-777-5555 http://registrar.sc.edu Helpful Internet Addresses: Division of Student Affairs Graduate Assistant Recruitment Program National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience & Students in Transition http://www.sa.sc.edu http://www.sa.sc.edu/garp http://www.sc.edu/fye Revised 10/13/04
THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION PRESENTS A COMMENDATION FOR EXCELLENCE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA FOR THE HIGH QUALITY OF ITS PROGRAM LEADING TO THE MASTER OF EDUCATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND STUDENT AFFAIRS Meeting the other current and potential HESA students during GARP helped me to make my decision to attend USC. I felt I was able to create friendships from the very beginning, which made my transition to South Carolina much easier. Jennifer McDowell B.A. Political Science The Ohio State University Coming to GARP was the best decision I made when selecting the right graduate school. There was a great balance between information about the program, the University, Columbia, and the graduate assistantships. I liked that we also had time to experience the culture of the city and the other students through the nightly planned activities. Peter Moes B.S. Architecture University of Michigan GARP is a wonderful opportunity to get a first hand feel of all of the opportunities USC has to offer. Our schedule was packed with socials with current HESA students and faculty, interviewing, and campus tours that enabled me to really feel a part of life at USC. I feel that GARP is a priceless experience. Jody Kunk B.A. English Literature Bowling Green State University The decision to come to USC was one of the best decisons I have ever made! I met great people who will always be life-long friends, I gained valuable knowledge through great assistantships, and benefited greatly from the knowledgeable faculty. I was able to get a great job due to my USC degree. Connie Weber, 2002 Director of Student Activities and Orientation York College, York, PA Schedule of Events Sunday, February 27, 2005 11:00 AM Check-in, Capstone Conference Center 11:30 AM Welcome, Capstone Conference Center 12:00 PM Luncheon and Alumni Speaker, Capstone Conference Center 1:15 PM Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) Session with Faculty, Capstone Conference Center 2:30 PM GARP Orientation and Campus Tour, Capstone Conference Center 4:00 PM Interview sign-up and Welcome Reception, Capstone Campus Room 7:00 PM Student Personnel Association Optional Evening Activity Monday, February 28, 2005 8:00 AM Welcome and Continental Breakfast, Capstone Conference Center 8:30 AM Opening of Placement Center for assistantship interviews, Top of Carolina (Capstone) 12:00 PM Luncheon and Student Panel, Capstone Campus Room 1:30 PM Reopening of Placement Center for assistantship interviews 5:00 PM Closing of Placement Center 7:00 PM Student Personnel Association Optional Evening Activity Tuesday, March 1, 2005 8:00 AM Welcome and Continental Breakfast, Capstone Conference Center 8:30 AM Opening of Placement Center for assistantship interviews 12:30 PM Luncheon with comments by the VP for Student Affairs, Capstone 5:30 PM Closing of Placement Center and the 2004 Graduate Assistant Recruitment Program 7:00 PM Student Personnel Association Optional Evening Activity (Schedule is subject to change) Accommodations The Student Personnel Association (SPA) will arrange, per availability, for participants applying to the HESA program to be housed with current HESA graduate students if so desired. You must submit your GARP application by February 11, 2005 to be considered for housing with a current graduate student. Please indicate your housing preference on the registration form. If you choose not to stay with a USC graduate student, several hotels are located within walking distance to the USC campus. For more information contact Amanda Koerth or Lane Jeselnik at (803) 777-2781 or e-mail us at GARP@sc.edu. For an application and further information visit our web site: http://www.sa.sc.edu/garp The University of South Carolina System provides equal opportunity and affirmative action in education and employment for all qualified persons regardless or race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. The University of South Carolina System has designated as the ADA and Section 504 coordinator, the executive Assistant to the President for Equal Opportunity Programs. HESA students at the 2004 American College Personnel Association Conference Graduate Assistant Recruitment Program February 27-March 1, 2005 Visit us at: http://www.sa.sc.edu/garp For more information contact Amanda Koerth or Lane Jeselnik at (803) 777-2781 garp@sc.edu Sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, the Department of Educational Leadership and Policies, and the Student Personnel Association (SPA)
The 2005 Graduate Assistant Recruitment Program Designed to compliment the graduate program in Higher Education and Student Affairs, the Graduate Assistant Recruitment Program (GARP) at the University of South Carolina is a collaborative effort among the University s Division of Student Affairs, the College of Education/Department of Educational Leadership and Policies, and the USC Student Personnel Association. In its eighteenth year, our unique program provides the opportunity for prospective USC graduate students to: Interview for assistantship positions in a placement-type setting Learn more about the graduate program in Higher Education and Student Affairs Interact with other graduate assistants and candidates from around the nation Meet the Higher Education and Student Affairs faculty Examine housing and financial aid opportunities Visit and tour the University of South Carolina campus GARP Information GARP will be held February 27-March 1, 2005. Saturday, February 26, 2005 is an optional day for prospective students to explore the campus, the city of Columbia, and examine housing options for the upcoming year. Prospective graduate students in the Higher Education and Student Affairs graduate program represent the majority of GARP candidates; however, prospective graduate students in other programs such as Media Arts, Public Relations, Journalism, Criminal Justice, English, Public Administration, Counseling, Social Work, and Public Health have also taken advantage of assistantships within the Division of Student Affairs. All applicants must have applied to both the Graduate School and their USC college of study to be eligible for an assistantship. Students applying to the School of Law or to the School of Business should contact their respective departments for information about graduate assistantships. What Types of Assistantships are Available? Assistantships are available in many departments and offices throughout the Division of Student Affairs including: Student Organizations/ Student Health Center Housing and Judicial Programs Parent s Programs/ International Programs for Students Student Development/ Multicultural Student Affairs/ Greek Life Orientation and Testing/ Russell House University Union Some students may consider assistantships outside the Division of Student Affairs. The University 101 Freshmen Seminar Program and neighboring institutions employ graduate assistants pursuing advanced degrees at USC. Approximately sixty graduate assistantships are offered in a variety of professional settings. Of these, roughly half are available to new students. Assistantship Benefits and Financial Aid All graduate assistants receive a regular stipend (paid twice per month) which varies by position and department. In addition, students awarded assistantships within University Housing may have an apartment included as part of their benefits. All graduate students designated as graduate assistants will be assessed the resident rate of tuition by the university. Most assistantships will also include a designated tuition supplement that will further reduce the out-of-pocket costs to the student. Twenty hour per week graduate assistantships pay approximately $7500 per school year. The GARP checklist (what is required to attend GARP) qapply for admission to the USC Graduate School qapply for admission to a USC Graduate Program qcompleted registration form for GARP (Available on Web site) including: qcheck or money order for $65.00 qone copy of your comprehensive resume qcareer objectives statement (limited to 500 words) The USC Graduate School and College of Education The Graduate School offers postbaccalaureate degree programs designed to give qualified men and women professional competence in specialized disciplines. It trains scholars, research specialists, teachers at all levels, and experts in various professions. Emphasis is placed on methodology as well as on mastery of defined areas of subject matter. Graduate work brings together a group of scholars actively engaged in research and thus provides a close association between students and mature investigators with a wide range of interests. While emphasizing specialization as basic to graduate work, The Graduate School encourages interdisciplinary study as a response to the great problems we face in our rapidly changing world. The USC College of Education has a clear commitment to professional education programs based on essential knowledge, established and current research findings, and sound professional practice. The college maintains that the preparation of educators is a dynamic and continuing process that evolves to accommodate the changing needs of society, new knowledge, and appropriate technology. Our National Reputation The College of Education s outstanding graduate programs and the Division of Student Affairs reputation for excellence in training college administrators have contributed to the University s national reputation. Graduate assistants at the University of South Carolina come from all across the nation to study and work. For almost forty years, the Higher Education and Student Affairs graduate program at the University of South Carolina has prepared over 1,000 graduates for professional careers in higher education. USC alumni are employed at hundreds of institutions throughout the United States. The following are a few examples of positions that have been held by our graduates: Associate Vice President for Development, Methodist College Associate Dean of Students, George Washington University Assistant Director for Academic Affairs, Tennessee Higher Education Commission Director of Special Events and Community Relations, Coastal Carolina University Director of Admissions, University of Georgia Director of Orientation and Off Campus Services, Boston University Vice President for Student Affairs, University of Miami Director of Student Activities and Orientation, York College