These individuals come to CSHPE with a variety of life and educational experiences, professional backgrounds, and career goals to join a vibrant learning community committed to excellence in higher education scholarship and equity in higher education practice. Learning in courses and in associated experiences such as research assistantships, internships, and professional development opportunities build on students’ diverse talents.  We seek to enhance students’ capacity for analytical and critical thinking about higher education issues, for innovation in higher education research and practice, and reflective leadership in the production and application of knowledge that contributes to the public good.  Such knowledge recognizes the centrality of diversity, inclusion and justice in teaching, research, administration, service, and advocacy.

CSHPE master’s and doctoral students prepare for futures in a variety of higher education positions and settings through in-depth study of the postsecondary environment.  In courses faculty and students examine cultural and societal influences on colleges and universities and those who work and learn within them. They study organizational structures and systems that enable, but that can also constrain equitable, effective, and innovative educational practices.  They thoughtfully assess the student experience by focusing on how students learn and thrive on college and university campuses, in academic programs, and in their lives outside the classroom.

CSHPE students learn and work together, sharing perspectives that build their appreciation and understanding of the various frames of reference that can inform administration, research, and educational practice.  Full-time faculty appointed in CSHPE teach and advise students and are joined in these efforts by a complement of dedicated, PhD-educated higher education administrators and leaders who bring deep knowledge of educational practice to the courses they teach.  The curriculum is flexible, permitting master’s and doctoral students to individualize their academic programs with guidance from faculty, and in the case of master’s students, from a professional academic advisor as well.

Master’s students complement their course experiences with practice-based internships that enhance their professional development and allow them to explore and experience different career paths. They can also prepare for later graduate study through the Master’s Research Opportunities Program that places them in supervised research projects with CSHPE and other faculty across campus where they can earn academic credit toward their degree.

Beginning in their first semester, doctoral students work closely with faculty supervisors on research teams and with peers who share their passions and scholarly interests. They are also guided by a faculty academic advisor who supports them in their educational journey. These academic advisors help them build and customize their curriculum with courses offered through CSHPE and the university at large; identify learning and professional development opportunities on campus and beyond; connect them to faculty, peers, and professionals who can provide valuable knowledge and assistance; and familiarize them with the educational requirements and milestones of the doctoral program.

Upon completion of their degrees, CSHPE graduates enter a diverse array of positions. Master’s graduates often pursue positions in academic advising, admissions, not-for profit advocacy organizations that support access to higher education, student affairs, institutional research, and wide variety of administrative positions in two- and four-year colleges and universities and related organizations. Doctoral students prepare for faculty roles and administrative leadership positions in higher education institutions, policy organizations, and research and consulting firms.

CSHPE graduates remain connected to the Center through an extensive alumni/professional network of more than 1600 graduates working in higher education and beyond in the U.S and across the world. These graduates pay it forward by offering support to CSHPE students as they gather information about professional positions and career trajectories, and by connecting them to supportive colleagues in their institutions and networks. In this way, the CSHPE experience extends beyond graduation to enrich the learning each new cohort of graduate students who become part of the CSHPE community.

If you seek to contribute in a meaningful way to higher education, educational equity, and the public good, please join us in the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education. We share your commitment to making a difference in higher education and we are eager to support you in pursuit of this goal.