Learning Outcomes

Objective Area: Leadership and Development Theories
Outcome 1: Masters candidates will articulate prominent leadership theories in Leadership Studies, analyze and critique these theories, and apply these theories in the course of addressing a variety of organizational issues and problems.

Objective Area: Critical Thinking and Analytical Approaches
Outcome 2: Students will select relevant information, organize and evaluate the information, and apply it to issues of leadership.

Objective Area: Organizational Systems and Group Dynamics
Outcome 3: Students will demonstrate an understanding of key theories of organizational behavior and change, and effectively apply them in an organizational setting.

Objective Area: Cultural Competency Global Understanding
Outcome 4: Students will critically examine culture other than their own, and apply the knowledge gained in their personal and professional lives.

Objective Area: Self-Awareness
Outcome 5: Graduates will have an ability to reflect upon their own skills and limitations as leaders, evidenced by performance working with groups.

Objective Area: Higher Education Practical Application
Outcome 6: Make explicit connections to higher education practice and apply various theoretical constructs in the context of workplace.
Outcome 7: Understand the unique characteristics of students and student culture in higher education.

Objective Area: Higher Education Policy and Historical Trends
Outcome 8: Understand historical trends in higher education and their implications for contemporary policy issues.

Our Students

Students in the M.A. in Higher Education Leadership include professionals working full-time or part-time in higher education, as well as those seeking to enter the profession. Though many of our current students hold Graduate Assistantships in Student Affairs, some work full-time at colleges and universities in the San Diego area.

Alumni Outcomes

Our alumni are prepared for leadership roles in a wide variety of campus offices. Here is a sample of positions our alumni hold.

Student Affairs

Jaclyn Miller '12, Coordinator, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Villanova University

Shahla Akbari '12, Academic Integrity Seminar Instructor at University of California, San Diego

Stephanie Lynch '12, Health Promotion Fellow at Center for Health and Wellness Promotion at University of San Diego

Heather Belk '11, Associated Students at University of California, San Diego

Sara Christovich '11, Assistant Director for Student Organizations at Rollins College

Kelli Dorey '10, Resident Relations Coordinator at University of California, San Diego

Mario Garibay '08, Student Conduct Officer in the Office of Student Conduct at University of California, Irvine

Sara Headden '09, Student Affairs Specialist at University of the Rockies

Khalia Ii '10, Academic Advisor at University of Southern California

Lauren Johnson '10, International Student Information Coordinator, University of Extended Education & College of Engineering and Computer Sciences at California State University, Fullerton

Nicolas Kajimoto '11, Student Services Advisor, Master of Arts in Teaching program at the University of Southern California

Daniella Knelman '10, Assistant Director, Center for Student Success at University of San Diego

Jasmine Lefever '11, Resident Director at University of California, Santa Barbara

Jacqueline Loya '11, Academic Advisor at University of California, Riverside

Christina Wellhouser '11, Assistant Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life at Clemson University

Administration

Irma Venegas '12, Director of KIPP Through College at KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy

Arturo Vazquez '12, Graduate Program Coordinator, Political Science Dept at University of California, San Diego and pursuing an Ed.D. in Community College/Postsecondary Education at San Diego State University

Major Derek Abbey '11, Deputy Director of the Marine Corps Train the Trainer School

Jim Bonner '10, Associate Director of Operations, Undergraduate Admissions at University of San Diego

Jacqueline Che '11, Administrator of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands' State Scholarship Program

Michelle Fischthal '10, Continuing Education Dean of Business and Information Technology at San Diego Community College District

Shannon Hutchison '09, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Point Loma Nazarene University

Christine Killoran '11, Admissions Counselor at University of San Diego

Torey Martin '09, Financial Aid Assistant at Harvard Law School

Jennifer Richardson '10, Advancement Services at University of San Diego

Laura Sabin '11, College Coordinator for Non-Resident Students at University of California, San Diego

Melinda Vega '09, Graduate Student Services Manager at University of San Diego