Want to know more about being a Higher Education Student at KU?
Below are just some of the questions current students, faculty members, and professionals get asked about student's experencies whlle going through the Higher Edcuation Program at KU. Don't see the answer to a question you had? Feel free to contact us!
Do I have to have an assistantship to be in the Higher Ed. Program?
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Yes. While there are some exceptions to this rule, such as international students and students in the program who work full time, the general expectation is that you will practically apply classroom learning through an assistantship experience. If you have specific questions about the assistantship experience aspect of the program please contact a faculty member.
How much will I get paid? Is it enough to cover tuition?
It depends on a number of factors including, the assistanship, the number of hours you work per week and what type of living expenses you have. Different students in the program have come up with different ways of managing their finances while in the program, so it may be best to talk to a few of the students currently in the program if you have concerns about managing finances. Additionally, as a second year you will have the opportunity to apply for School of Education scholarships.
What kind of classes will I take in the program? Can I emphases in a particular area of Higher Ed?
While you can customize your experience, there is a general, highly recommended, schedule for completing the courses required in the program; this format generally includes taking two required classes with your cohort, and one elective of your choice that relates to your degree. Additionally, many students choose to take advantage of a summer internship opportunity to reduce their course load during their final semester, as they prepare to job search. While an emphasis will not be conferred on your degree, you can certainly choose to take electives that would suggest a particular emphasis. To see what your schedule may potentially look like, click here.
What kind of academic rigor can I expect from the program?
Graduate classes, as expected, are more academically demanding than classes in undergraduate classes, and should be treated as such. Class meetings are usually a combination of lecture and discussion about the reading, and its application in the current world of Higher Education. While expectations will vary from class to class you should generally expect to do about 80-100 pages of reading per class per week, and to write 3-4 10-20 page papers per class per semester, many classes will also include a group project.
How approachable are the faculty in the program?​
The Higher Education Administration program Faculty members at KU are highly knowledgeable and extremely approachable. Faculty in the program come from a variety of backgrounds in Higher Education, and each has had unique experiences that they are more than willing to share with you. Higher Education Administration faculty members highly encourage you to come to them with questions, concerns or even just to speak with them about your experiences in the program, and they are always more than happy to help any way they can. For more information about the faculty members of the Higher Education Administration program, please click here.