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2020-2021 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Master of Education in Higher Education - College Student Affairs Leadership Emphasis

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Education section in this catalog.

Website: gvsu.edu/coe/grad

Mission
Teaching, leading, and learning in a democratic society.

Philosophy
Believing that schools function as social and political entities as well as for the growth of individuals, the College of Education prepares teachers and leaders a) to enhance the academic and personal potential of their students, and b) to evaluate the social and ethical implications of educational policies and practices.

Values
The College of Education values expertise to guide our practice, equity to guide our interactions, liberal education to guide our perspectives, and social responsibility to guide our commitment to democratic education. We value these ideals in our preparation of candidates, our development of faculty, and our relationships with the larger community we serve.

The CSAL curriculum prepares students to become leaders and administrators in institutions of higher education in a variety of student affairs functional areas such as admissions, student orientation, residence life, student life, academic advising, recreation and wellness, financial aid, multicultural affairs, career services, international affairs, and judicial affairs.

Admission and Minimum Number of Hours in Program

The M.Ed. degree in higher education with an emphasis in college student affairs leadership requires a minimum of 42 credit hours. This is a cohort-based emphasis in which students enroll as full-time students beginning in the fall semester.

Program Location

The program is offered at DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, located in downtown Grand Rapids, MI, as well as on Allendale Campus.

Requirements for M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Leadership

Each candidate for the M.Ed. degree with CSAL emphasis must complete the following.

Social Foundations of Education (3 credits) Choose one:

Research and Evaluation (3 credits):

Emphasis Area Requirements (18 credits):

Elective Courses (6 or 9 credits) Advisor approval required:

  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)

Practicum (6 credits):

  • EDH 685 - Practicum/Graduate Field Experience in Higher Education I (3 credits)
  • EDH 686 - CSAL Practicum/Graduate Field Experience II (3 credits)

Students must apply in advance for each practicum course. Advisor approval is required. Application deadlines (practicum): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester. Capstone (prerequisite: EDF 660), choose one (3 or 6 credits):

Students should meet with their advisor midway through their program to decide on a Capstone and discuss plans for completion. Subject to department approval, Capstone courses may be taken in variable amounts from one to three credits (EDH 693) or one to six credits (EDH 695) and require continuous enrollment each semester until completed. Application deadlines (thesis/project): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.


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