Higher Education, M.S.
The Master of Science in Higher Education is an advanced academic degree that builds upon an appropriate undergraduate foundation. A total of 36 semester units are required to complete this program. The curriculum for this degree links theory to practice for those who desire to work in a higher education setting.
Program Learning Outcomes
Candidates who complete the Master of Science in Higher Education program will be able to:
Equip
- Promote the success of all students by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.
Transform
- Promote the success of all students by modeling a personal code of ethics and developing professional leadership capacity.
Empower
- Promote the success of all students by collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.
Program Eligibility for the Master of Science in Higher Education
- A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.000 is required to be admitted in the M.S. in Higher Education. Candidates with a cumulative grade point average less than 3.000 may apply for “Admission under Exception” which is reviewed by the program director and dean;
- Two or more letters of recommendation from appropriate persons who have knowledge of the applicant’s character and ability to work with young adults. (References from friends or relatives are not appropriate);
- A writing sample that indicates graduate-level ability; and
- An interview with the appropriate program director or Admissions chair.
Applicants who do not meet the above standards but can demonstrate that they have an exceptionally rich experiential background and/or have demonstrated dramatic change in academic performance may petition the School of Education to review their status.
Transfer of Credits
Up to six (6) units of approved post-baccalaureate coursework aligned with the course of study below, and unused for a previous Master’s degree, may be transferred from other institutions toward this degree. Candidates desiring to transfer coursework must petition this through their advisor during the first semester of enrollment.
The Master of Science degrees are considered advanced degrees beyond preliminary teacher credential coursework, signified by GED/GEL course numbers.
Required Concentration
College Counseling and Advising Concentration
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| GED 6041 | Culturally Inclusive Environments: Instruction and Advocacy | 3 |
| GED 6062 | Counseling Theory and Techniques | 3 |
| GED 6066 | Foundations of Counseling and Advising in Higher Education | 3 |
| GED 6069 | Research and Evaluation of College Student Success | 3 |
| GED 6070 | Applied Psychology of Learning | 3 |
| GED 6072 | Philosophy in Education | 3 |
| GED 6074 | Emergent Adult Development Theory | 3 |
| GED 6076 | Higher Education Leadership in Student Development | 3 |
| GED 6081 | Educational Measurement and Evaluation | 3 |
| GED 6171A | Research, Field Studies, and Practicum in College Counseling and Advising | 1 |
| GED 6171B | Research, Field Studies, and Practicum in College Counseling and Advising | 1 |
| GED 6171S | Seminar in College Counseling and Advising | 1 |
| Finishing Courses | ||
| GED 6098 | Master of Science Thesis Design | 3 |
| GED 6099 | Master of Science Thesis | 3 |
| Total Units | 36 | |
Student Affairs Concentration
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| GED 6041 | Culturally Inclusive Environments: Instruction and Advocacy | 3 |
| GED 6062 | Counseling Theory and Techniques | 3 |
| GED 6066 | Foundations of Counseling and Advising in Higher Education | 3 |
| GED 6069 | Research and Evaluation of College Student Success | 3 |
| GED 6070 | Applied Psychology of Learning | 3 |
| GED 6072 | Philosophy in Education | 3 |
| GED 6074 | Emergent Adult Development Theory | 3 |
| GED 6076 | Higher Education Leadership in Student Development | 3 |
| GED 6081 | Educational Measurement and Evaluation | 3 |
| GED 6181A | Research, Field Studies, and Practicum in Student Affairs | 1 |
| GED 6181B | Research, Field Studies, and Practicum in Student Affairs | 1 |
| GED 6181S | Seminar in Student Affairs | 1 |
| Finishing Courses | ||
| GED 6098 | Master of Science Thesis Design | 3 |
| GED 6099 | Master of Science Thesis | 3 |
| Total Units | 36 | |
Graduation Requirements
In order to earn and receive a Master of Science in Higher Education degree, a student must satisfy all of the following:
- A completed Application for Degree Candidacy (online or in the Records Office, Point Loma campus);
- Satisfactory completion of the prescribed course of study with a cumulative grade point average of 3.000 or higher;
- Completion of the approved graduate program consisting of a minimum of 36 units;
- A recommendation from the credential analyst and director of the regional center;
- All accounts paid in full; and
- All requirements for graduate degrees must be completed within an eight (8)-year period from the time of initial enrollment in the program.