vlowkey Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 Hello all! I graduated last May with a BS in Psychology. I have been working for a year at a state university as a Program Assistant in the First Year advising office. Before graduating, I had several leadership positions in Student Government and other student activities organizations, as well as leadership roles and employment with admissions and orientation. Now that I have been able to work to start generating some income (to put toward loans...), I am looking to apply to grad school for Higher Ed Admin/Student Affairs. Ideally I would like to work more toward administration within student affairs, hopefully working to improve departments and programs that serve students. I would like to work in DC area after getting my Master's degree (also considering MD/VA, maybe NC). I'm pretty open to going anywhere, but prefer east coast. However, if the funding package is right and the program is a good fit, I'll go anywhere. I am really interested in applying to UPenn, Michigan, Northwestern, Columbia, and UVa (but they don't provide funding... ). I am also VERY interested in HGSE but from what I can tell, there is also no funding... if there are any HGSE students who can advise on how they afford the education, please let me know! If there's any advice on some other schools to check out - I would like to know as well!
cpwonders Posted September 17, 2013 Posted September 17, 2013 Hi vlowkey, I am applying to the schools that you have listed as well! I included USC's Post-secondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) program and UW's new program in Educational Leadership in my list. I went to the UW for my undergrad education in psychology - I took a few education classes and really enjoyed the course material as well as the faculty. UW has been improving (or so I think) in the realm of student affairs - I know that a lot of programs have been implemented since I got there and have received good reviews from students. It's also great if you're looking for a diverse group of students/faculty. I am not so sure about the PASA program at USC, but I've heard a lot of good stories and received good feedback from alumni. I am still trying to debate whether or not I want to pursue the PASA program or their program in educational counseling. Good luck with your applications! I've just started opening up a few and already feel slightly burdened!
so_it_goes Posted September 17, 2013 Posted September 17, 2013 As you have probably seen mentioned on other conversations on this forum, UConn would definitely be one school to consider. The University of Maryland also has a great program, though I'm not sure how funding works for master's students. Generally, I would also suggest that you look through the curriculum of the program to make sure that they offer coursework that aligns with your specialization interest. Specifically, I believe Northwestern has an education policy tilt to their master's program which may not be the best option if you are thinking you would like to be in student affairs. Also, just my personal thought - if you are already working at an institution that offers a similar master's degree, I would suggest seeing if completing the degree part-time is feasible. Arguably, if you are planning on being a lifetime administrator, the work experience will be equally, if not more, important than having a master's degree.
vlowkey Posted September 17, 2013 Author Posted September 17, 2013 Thank you two for the advice! cpwonders - Thanks for the tip on UW - I'll research more about their program! I have looked into USC but there's no solid answer on their funding. Their website estimates $70k+ to attend their program for 2 years which deterred me from looking more into the program. Do you know anything about their funding or actual cost? so_it_goes - My current position is a one year appointment (probably renewable) but there's not much room to learn more unless I move offices. Many of positions that would give me different experience than undergrad "prefer" a Master's degree - most of the positions are filled by those who do. I plan to apply and see what happens, but having that graduate degree seems to help more -at least at the 2 schools I have experience at. Unforunately the closest degree they have is a counseling degree with only 2 classes dedicated toward college students, nothing toward Higher Ed administration or Student Affairs. Personally I don't think it would be a good route, but maybe others could expand on how it might help to stay where I am and pursue that degree?
Bonnnnnnie Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 Hi, I have been admitted by the educational counseling program of USC. Could you be more specific about this program?
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