The course is designed to provide opportunities for the study of special topics in higher education and student affairs administration.

Review of the major tenets and theories prominent in the adult learning literature and examination of historical, social, political, economic, and cultural factors influencing contemporary adult learning.

Development of environments, institutions, and individuals relevant to American higher education since the 17th century. Covers foundational history as relevant to contemporary administration, students, faculty, curricula, and policies at institutional, state, and federal levels.

Objectives and philosophy of student affairs, organizations and administration of student affairs divisions, and current trends and issues.

Study of theories of college student development and learning and application of theories to enhance administrative practices in American higher education. Also examines the impact of the college environment on students.

Analysis of competing ideas of higher education with the purpose of helping students construct consistent sets of beliefs about values in higher education as a guide to understanding administrative and academic decisions.

Introduction to historical and current events shaping two-year college missions, programs, clienteles, and services. Preparation to assume student services and instructional positions within two-year colleges.

A comprehensive introduction to the field of academic advising with special emphasis on the topic Appreciative Advising.

Survey of principles and practices of financing higher education institutions, including revenue generation and asset allocation. The course reviews methods of budgeting and business processes utilized by colleges and universities.

Especially for faculty members and administrators in post-secondary institutions. Emphasis on techniques of legal research, constitutional provisions, statutory laws, court decisions, and regulations as they affect administration of higher education.

Designed for prospective teachers in institutions of higher education. Considers the practice of teaching from philosophical, empirical, conceptual, and practical vantage points to prepare instructors for a changing and diverse student population.

Survey of major topics related to social justice, diversity and inclusion in post-secondary institutions.

The legal, educational and public policy issues that affect access to higher education in America.

Examination of contemporary ethical issues and problems confronted by higher education administrators.

Overview of how environments affect student learning in higher education institutions, including institutional types, environmental structures, and campus culture.

Overview of strategic planning processes of higher education institutions.

Review of enrollment management strategies in higher education, including recruitment and retention. Recruitment strategies such as admissions marketing strategies, communications plans, branding, and forecasting are addressed, as well as effective institutional retention strategies.

Culminating seminar focused upon the principles and competencies of higher education leadership.

An analysis of the theories, processes, and issues underlying the design and implementation of programs for learners in a post-secondary or professional context.

Review of the history, concepts, current techniques, and issues in staff development and training examination and application of skills required by the training practitioner and learning specialist.

Independent Study Contract required.

Application of organization and administrative theory to post-secondary institutions of education, with emphasis on policy implementation.

Internship experience in higher education and student affairs offices. Students are placed in college, university, or agency administration offices under joint supervision of administrative personnel of these offices and faculty members. Prospectus must be submitted at least one month before start of the internship.

Selected topical problems in higher education for advanced graduate students interested in the administration of higher education or college teaching. Possible topics include, evaluation, accountability, management, the learning society, the financial crisis, coordination vs. autonomy. May be used on a program of study up to three times.

Overview of the major trends and issues confronting American higher education.

Designed to provide opportunity for supervised teaching experience in 2-year and 4-year institutions of higher education. Student will intern as teacher with day-to-day supervision by an experienced instructor. Weekly seminar on campus.

Leadership theory and practice as applied to programs, units, and institutions in higher education. Addresses leadership strategies, options, characteristics, traits, and styles.

Supervised experiences in different aspects of higher education and student affairs administration through work in various administrative offices at USC and other colleges.

Additional opportunities for supervised experiences in higher education and student affairs administration.

Concepts, models, and practice of institutional assessment. Student participation in an actual assessment project.

Introduces students to the study of higher education in other countries, including policy and governance, finance, student life, the professoriate and related issues in comparative perspective. Includes a study abroad component with additional fees.

Restricted to doctoral students. Independent Study Contract required.