Courtesy Empire State University
Empire State University will offer a master of arts in higher education beginning in the fall 2024 term. The online 30-credit degree program is designed to enhance students’ and professionals’ contributions to higher education and prepare them for a broad range of administrative roles and research related to their work.
The program is designed to be flexible and accommodating for full-time and part-time students. Courses focus on contemporary perspectives on careers, policies, administration, history, organization, social justice and educational equality, and data-based decision making and teaching in post-secondary education.
The program provides a graduate-level assessment of prior learning and transfer credits for enrolled students at no additional fee, which can be combined for up to 12 credits toward the degree.
The fully online M.A. in higher education features course offerings such as:
* Economics and Finance of Higher Education
* Administration and Leadership in Higher Education
* Fostering Student Success in Higher Education
* Rethinking Experience and Learning in Adulthood
* History and Philosophy of Higher Education
SUNY Empire’s higher education master’s program comes from a rising interest in higher education and student success. Many of SUNY Empire’s students are working professionals in higher education, faculty in community colleges seeking advancement, and others looking for ways to elevate student success.
Associate Professor in the School for Graduate Studies Tai Arnold, Ph.D., said, “This program is for people working in or seeking roles in higher education and student affairs. This master’s degree clearly addresses the relevant requirements for those jobs and gives students flexibility to study areas specific to their goals. We want to make sure our students are prepared to support diverse student populations. The program’s graduate level prior learning assessment recognizes student learning from experience and learning opportunities, potentially reducing both the time and cost of earning the master’s degree program at Empire State University.”
Professor Coordinator Meg Benke, Ph.D., said, “We are thrilled to offer this new program. We have a particular focus on student success and the goal is to equip professionals and faculty with the tools and strategies to promote success in higher education. We hope students work together in a cohort to improve their own knowledge and the success of the cohort moving forward. We all share challenges and ways that we want to work together to improve higher education as a whole and we hope students might consider a future doctoral study after completing this program.”
In addition, Empire State University will host the ninth annual Learning with Innovative Technology (LIT) Conference July 19, 2024. The free, virtual, one-day event is designed for educators, including K-12 teachers and higher education faculty.
LIT Conference focuses on the use of technology in education, allowing educators to engage with cutting edge vendors and earn Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours. Sessions will be led by leaders from organizations and universities across the country including the Learning Technology Center of Illinois, Pace University, Girls Who Code, and The Social Institute. Each of the four sessions covers a variety of topics including integrating positive change in education through software developments and improvements, embracing artificial intelligence in education, and how to use games, programs, and other technology to bolster interactive learning.
“Integrating emerging technologies in education is crucial,” Christine Paige, Executive Director of Empire Online in the Office of Digital Learning, Innovation, and Strategy, said. “It enhances student engagement, provides personalized learning experiences, and offers access to a vast array of resources. These technologies facilitate better collaboration and communication, develop digital literacy, and provide flexible learning opportunities, making education more inclusive and accessible. Through technology we are preparing our students for future careers and are ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills for a technology-driven world.”
For more information about these programs and how to apply, please visit www.sunyempire.edu.