Programmatic Themes & Associated Student Learning Goals

The Masters of Arts in Higher Education curriculum is organized around nine learning outcomes that are presented within three broad themes. The first theme incorporates Elon’s commitment to engaged learning, student development and an inclusive community. The second theme describes the foundational knowledge for a higher education generalist. The third theme emphasizes the importance of acquiring the skills and dispositions needed for effective professional practice.

Theme One: Engaged Learning and Student Development

Students will be able to:

1. Apply principles for effective undergraduate education with an emphasis on student agency, student engagement and high impact practices

2. Evaluate and apply theory and research in student learning and development

3.  Construct and defend a philosophy on the importance of social justice, diversity and inclusion, and cross-cultural engagement

Theme Two: Foundations of Higher Education Administration

Students will be able to:

4.  Analyze the values, philosophy, and history of higher education

5.  Interpret and apply law, policy, and governance of higher education

6.  Evaluate the management of human and organizational resources

7.  Interpret and apply higher education administration policy and practice

Theme Three: Professional Practice

Students will be able to

8.  Use assessment, evaluation, and research to solve authentic problems

9.  Students will demonstrate a commitment to the following areas of professional practice dispositions:

a. ethical and professional conduct

b. learning and application of theory to practice

c. diversity and inclusion

d. personal, professional, and leadership growth

Student achievement of these learning outcomes will be assessed in course-embedded assessments and/or feedback from apprenticeship/internship supervisors.