Courses Higher Education Leadership and Administration

This course provides learners with opportunities to acquire and use graduate-level skills, including the ability to critically examine and apply relevant educational theory to professional practice. Learners develop expertise in academic inquiry and scholarly writing as well as explore the importance of multicultural perspectives and diversity in professional contexts. Finally, learners articulate and examine their professional purpose and its alignment with their specialization and career aspirations.  Must be taken during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MEd in Teaching and Learning, MS in Education, MS in Education Innovation and Technology, and MS in Higher Education degree programs and the Adult Education and Higher Education Leadership and Administration graduate certificate programs. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

This course is an overview of graduate research methodology. Learners examine fundamental research methodologies and their respective quantitative and qualitative approaches to rigorous scholarly inquiry.

Learners in this course study the impact of higher education on individuals and society.  Learners also evaluate the history of higher education; examine the structure and scope of higher education institutions; and analyze the role of history, policy, and theory on current and future practices within the field. The course also includes a review of current higher education literature, issues, and trends. Learners continue to develop the Capella e-portfolio and career action plan.  Prerequisite(s): ED5010. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

Learners engage in a planning process for developing and conducting effective learning outcomes assessment in both academic and non-academic settings in higher education. Learners examine the background, context, and practice of assessment of student learning and evaluation of educational programs. They apply knowledge of assessment processes and strategies to design an equitable and inclusive assessment plan that can be implemented at the program, course, department, or institutional level to promote improvement and accountability.

Learners gain an understanding of the evolution of colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions. Learners investigate the cultural, societal, and economic influences that have shaped the development of higher education curricula, culture, practices, and governance. Learners also relate historical events and milestones to current issues and trends in higher education.

In this course, learners examine the politics of competition for resources, the expectations of consumers and providers, and the role of state and local government in higher education institutions. Learners explore change theory and ethical implications for public policy. Prerequisite(s): ED5012.

In this course, learners examine higher education revenue sources and review expenses and cost drivers associated with institution management. Primary topics include tuition and fee revenue, government appropriations, gifts and grants, and investment income. Learners also study the growing expense of faculty and staff compensation, technology upgrades, and long-term debt service obligations. Other topics include the complexities of financial aid, institutional budget planning, and program management. Prerequisite(s): ED5012.

In the capstone course, learners demonstrate proficiency in the program’s competencies by integrating learning from required courses to complete a final project. Must be taken during the learner’s final quarter. Prerequisite(s): ED5006; ED5016 or ED7547; ED5570 or ED7841; ED5572 or ED7840; ED5574; ED6504; completion of all concentration courses. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

Learners in this course examine the leadership philosophies, theories, and decision-making structures associated with higher education administration. Learners explore the nature and function of leadership; leadership roles; and institutional history, vision, culture, politics, and organizational structure. Cannot be fulfilled by prior learning assessment.

This course provides an overview of comprehensive community colleges, including the values, mission, programs, and functions that make them unique. The course also emphasizes historical, social, cultural, and philosophical elements that have driven the growth and expansion of the community college movement.

Learners in this course examine state and local governance structures and political dynamics that influence policy decisions and resource allocations at community colleges. The course includes a focus on the relationships and responsibilities of governing boards, administration, faculty, staff, and students in politics and the governance of community colleges, with particular emphasis on related ethical issues. Prerequisite(s): ED5572.

In this course, learners explore global, social, technological, political, economic, and educational trends that affect the comprehensive community college. The course emphasizes the impact those trends may have on community colleges in the future. Prerequisite(s): ED6504.

This course exposes learners to the organizational structures and functions within higher education institutions, including the operational roles that each division plays. Within this context, learners explore student services, academic affairs, financial affairs, institutional advancement, and enrollment management. Prerequisite(s): ED5570.

This course helps learners develop an understanding of the shared governance structures of colleges and universities. Learners analyze ways the legal system affects the operations of higher education institutions. Topics also include the roles leaders play in managing legal issues and legal implications of technology. Prerequisite(s): ED5570, ED5572.

In this course, learners explore the distinctions between leadership and management and identify the knowledge and skills needed to address higher education administrative challenges. Learners determine communication skills necessary at personal and organizational levels and strategies for articulating a shared vision. Topics also include current best practices in human resources leadership and management and their connections with ethical practices. Prerequisite(s): ED6504.