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In the fall Georgia’s Columbus State University will offer its first master’s degree in education, a new program designed for college administrators. What, exactly, it’s designed to help college administrators to do is a little vague.
According to a piece at NBC-affiliated station WLTZ:
The new Master’s of Education with a concentration in higher education is designed to provide individuals with an interdisciplinary approach to serve as administrators and leaders in a variety of higher education settings.
Darryl Holloman, the university’s assistant vice president for student affairs and a professor in the college, was a driving force behind the establishment of this new program. “This new track was designed in response to student requests,” Holloman said. “College and university enrollment is growing in Georgia, and this program will prepare the next generation of leaders to deal with demands of an ever-changing student population.”
This academic program, which includes courses like “Obtaining and Using Resources Wisely” (you’ve got that figured out, Columbus State?) seems like another unnecessary one.
It’s unlikely that ever-changing student population is really requesting (or even aware of) administrators with a master’s degree in higher education. But according to the program’s website, the degree could be a good way to “Make Your Move to a Leadership Position.” At least that the hope; there’s absolutely no record of success for this sort of thing. The course of study is also designed to be very convenient: “Completely Online - Finish in 15 months!”
The program appears to cost about $15,000.
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bjh on July 09, 2011 6:16 PM:
When Holloman says the program was set up "in response to student requests," I don't think he means the undergrads at Columbus State or anywhere else; he means prospective grad students in the program, which is to say people looking to notch a "credential" that will get them a job or a pay raise. It's obviously a nonsensical program, but really just another part of the giant ed-college racket.
Equal Opportunity Cynic on July 10, 2011 3:15 AM:
Master's degrees in higher ed. are quite standard. I'm pursuing one right now from a highly rated program. Who knows if Columbus State's degree will provide value for its students, but it's certainly not like a Master's of Basket Weaving or whatever you're trying to imply, Daniel. I'm surprised that you wouldn't be aware that a ton of student affairs professionals, development staff, and all kinds of other roles in college administration have a degree along these lines.