Upcoming sessions to offer information about new graduate program in higher education

As the Jan. 5 priority application deadline approaches for Elon’s new Master of Arts in Higher Education (MHE) program, faculty and staff are offering prospective students on-campus and online information sessions to learn more about what makes the program unique.

The program will host an on-campus information session on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 10:30 a.m., and a virtual information session on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m.

Recruitment for the much-anticipated Elon MHE program has been in full swing since the start of the fall semester, with the program slated to enroll a cohort of 12 students next fall. One of university’s newest graduate programs, it is designed to prepare visionary leaders to excel in a variety of college and university settings.

“For years, leaders in the field of higher education have suggested that Elon provide a master’s program to prepare the next generation of higher education leaders in engaged and experiential learning,” said Smith Jackson, assistant to the president and associate professor. “We have done just that with a program that links classroom learning with enriching out-of-class experiences.”

Students will be full time in this two-year, 36-hour program that incorporates a paid, mentored apprenticeship, a funded study abroad experience, internships and research experiences, among other opportunities. The curriculum will cover a breadth of higher education knowledge, from admissions to student learning and development, to leadership and institutional decision making – all with an emphasis on career readiness.

“The program will prepare its graduates to advance student learning, and to develop and improve institutions of higher education as visionary leaders,” Jackson said.

The Elon MHE program is open to applicants from any academic major. Those who meet initial admissions requirements will be invited to interview for a variety of apprenticeships during Preview Weekend, February 25-26. Candidates must interview for, be offered and accept an approved apprenticeship before final admission to the MHE program is granted. Each student conditionally admitted to the program will be given full scholarship consideration.

Since its launch, there has been an incredible amount of interest in Elon’s MHE program, noted Tarah Holland, assistant director of graduate admissions.

“While study abroad, paid apprenticeships and other factors are certainly appealing to prospective students, Elon’s reputation as a national leader in experiential learning and its commitment to a student-centered environment are also valuable,” Holland said. “We encourage anyone interested in the Elon MHE to attend one of our upcoming events or to visit campus for a one-on-one meeting to discuss how this dynamic program can offer them a wealth of knowledge and expertise.”

With competition among private and public universities nationwide, the inclusion of high-educational impact practices in the MHE curriculum makes Elon’s program stand out, according to Ann Bullock, dean of the school of education and professor of education.

“Candidates will be immersed engaged learning in their coursework taught by faculty and university administrators who are experts in the field, along with professional and life experiences, including a course-embedded global experience,” Bullock said. “These program hallmarks are coupled with the candidates’ apprenticeships, which allow them to integrate into the fabric of the university through deeply mentored relationships and significant university projects. Graduates will be well-prepared leaders, ready to impact students in institutions of higher education.”

For more information about the Elon MHE program, a complete list of apprenticeships and to register for upcoming events, visit elon.edu/mhe or contact Tarah Holland at (336) 278-7683 or tholland@elon.edu.