Becoming the Vice President of Academic Affairs

Becoming the Vice President of Academic Affairs

Summarize the scholarship

The Higher Education Program (HEP) is designed for students interested in careers in administration in a college or university or in policy and planning at a higher education association or agency. During an intellectually and personally invigorating academic year, students examine the policies, practices, and issues of contemporary American higher education and enhance their analytical and managerial skills. Rather than preparing students for one particular job, the curriculum offers them the skills and knowledge essential for their professional advancement through many positions during their careers in higher education.

This is a challenging, academically oriented program that relies on current research and scholarship to provide students with a sound foundation for research and practice. Active and widely recognized scholars lead this program and work closely with students in informal settings. The study of higher education includes both scholarship and research on actors, institutions, policy systems, and demographic, historical, political, social, and economic contexts. This program covers all these areas of inquiry offering a broad understanding of the field. Our goal is to prepare and develop future university faculty, institutional researchers, and practitioners at higher education institutions so that they can be knowledgeable scholars and expert professionals. We are looking for those candidates with an outstanding undergraduate background, strong interest in the study of higher education and clear personal goals. Work experience in higher education and a solid foundation in the social sciences are desirable but not necessary. Sound academic writing skills are expected.

Students also learn from their extraordinarily smart, talented, and enthusiastic peers. Coming to Harvard from a broad array of previous positions, students have diverse academic, professional, and life experiences that enliven their conversations in and outside of the classroom. Some have worked in higher education previously, in entry, mid-management or faculty positions; some are interested in making a career transition into higher education; and a select few come directly from undergraduate studies where they were highly accomplished students and student leaders. The master's degree in Higher Education is a one-year, full-time program. A very small number of part-time students are admitted and complete the degree in two years.

The cohort-based program creates exceptionally close ties that extend well beyond the students' graduation. After HGSE, HEP graduates assume roles of increasing leadership and influence in student affairs, academic affairs, enrollment management, institutional research, finance and planning, institutional advancement, and policy analysis. They remain connected to each other and to the Higher Education Program as they work to improve and sustain the work of colleges and universities.

Program Structure

    •  Students are required to take a minimum of 18-19 courses depending on       substantive and methodological focus    •  Students can complete the program in four to six years depending on research interests and ability to enroll full-time    •  The program is research-oriented with opportunities to work in partnership with faculty    •  Research areas should align with faculty expertise and interests    •  Classes are offered in the late afternoon and evening ...