The Huntsville Item, Huntsville, TX

Local News

Discussion

September 1, 2010

SHSU offers online master’s in higher ed administration

SHSU News Service

HUNTSVILLE — Sam Houston State University is taking a unique approach in helping students get a Master of Arts degree with a major in higher education administration, by being the first public college in Texas to offer the program online.

The Texas State University System Board of Regents and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recently gave final approval for the program, and courses specific to the online master’s program will be available this spring.

“We’ve had a lot of interest already,” said Sheila Joyner, assistant professor and coordinator for higher education programs in the College of Education.

The graduate program in higher education administration will prepare students for administrative positions in middle management and other educational leadership positions at colleges and universities and for further doctoral study.

It focuses on areas such as higher education resource development, planning, use of technology, leadership and student services.

“A majority of the students who will be interested are already working,” said Joyner. “They need the master’s degree for promotion so they can move up the chain.”

Joyner added an online program is essential for these students because their work schedules often make it impossible for them to attend a face-to-face program.

While the program offers a unique opportunity for SHSU students, it may also come as good news to other colleges and universities across the state, which may soon find themselves short-staffed.  

According to the American Association of Community Colleges, community colleges are in transition due to numerous retirements of administrators, and The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook handbook, 2010-11 Edition, predicts that there will be a limited pool of qualified applicants to fill these mid-level administrative positions.

To be considered for many of the jobs, such as director of admissions or director of student affairs, a master’s or doctoral degree in education administration is required.

The completion of the Master of Arts degree with a major in higher education administration will give students the qualifications they need to apply for these positions.

The program requires 30-graduate hours including a 150-hour practicum.

Those interested can apply online through Apply Texas, at https://www.applytexas.org/adappc/gen/c_start.WBX. The spring application deadline is Dec. 1.

For more information, contact the education leadership and counseling office at (936) 294-1147.

Text Only
Local News
  • 2-15 egg.jpg Nature winds up for spring

    February 15, 2012 2 Photos

  • Public transportation in Huntsville?

    Walk, ride or drive?
    The question of whether a city bus system could be beneficial to Huntsville is one of many transportation concerns that will be discussed by city and county leaders on Thursday.

    February 15, 2012

  • Readers nominate 11 for Citizen of the Year

    Readers of The Huntsville Item have nominated 11 of their neighbors as 2011 Citizen of the Year — including two of last year’s finalists.

    February 15, 2012

  • Entergy: Fuel refund will be bigger than expected

    February 14, 2012

  • Commissioners review architect’s plans for the jail

    February 14, 2012

  • In bloom Valentine's Day in bloom

    February 13, 2012 1 Photo

  • History class to travel west for fourth year

    Standing on top of a rock in the middle of Arches National Park, in Moab, Utah, Jeff Crane surveys the students standing in front of him, their eyes taking in the majestic vastness of the space.
    He points to his left. “Look 30 miles this way,” he instructs his students. “That’s where history happened.”

    February 12, 2012

  • Teacher looks at how people learn

    Flipping through PowerPoint slides in a routine class presentation, Stacy Ulbig surveys her students sitting scattered in the rows of an upstairs classroom. She knows that in a few moments, as college students are apt to do, their attention spans will run short and their thoughts will be directed elsewhere from her political science lecture.

    February 12, 2012

  • Library to open Feb. 25

    The Huntsville Public Library will host its grand opening celebration on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 2 to 5 p.m. All members of the community are invited to attend.

    February 12, 2012

  • Valentine’s Day brings love to SHSU

    As romantics around the world prepare for Valentine’s Day next week, the SHSU Counseling Center will delve into the ins and outs of relationships to helpstudents grow in their connections with both others and themselves through their second Love Week.

    February 12, 2012