The 9 hour certificate in Higher Education Administration is a generalist certificate that affords students an opportunity to be introduced to the academic scholarship on higher education, the study of colleges and universities. It is intended for several primary audiences: 1) PhD students who intend to work in higher education as faculty members or in other positions such as academic advisors; 2) Administrators who find that some formal exposure to academic literature topics related to colleges and universities would help them in their administrative positions; and, 3) Current administrators who may wish to update their knowledge of the theory and research on higher education.
With careful planning and in consultation with an advisor, prospective students could use certain courses toward the master’s, EdD (or PhD) in higher education.
The certificate will offer two options:
Option #1 for individuals with bachelors degrees: ELPS 780 Introduction to Higher Education is the anchoring course. The student would take 2 additional courses selected from among master's courses. These could be counted towards a master's degree.
Option #2 is for individuals with significant administrative experience or who have a doctoral degree. The anchoring course is ELPS 851 History of Higher Education in the United States. Student will take two electives selected from among master's or doctoral courses. With careful planning, these courses could count towards either the EdD or PhD.
Admission requirements:
Applicants for the Graduate Certificate in higher education administration must submit the following materials (Please check the departmental website or program advisor for additional information and application deadlines):
- A completed Graduate application.
- 1 official transcript from each post-secondary collegiate institution attended.
- Completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements.
- Statement of purpose with relevance of degree to career aspirations.
- A vita or resume.
- Names of two references (review specific requirements on the application)
- Proof of English proficiency, for non-native English speakers. Visit https://gradapply.ku.edu/english-requirements for further details.
See the application for specific admissions requirements.
Option #1 for individuals with bachelors degrees: ELPS 780 Introduction to Higher Education is the anchoring course. The student would take 2 additional courses selected from among master's courses. These could be counted towards a master's degree.
Option #2 is for individuals with significant administrative experience or who have a doctoral degree. The anchoring course is History of Higher Education in the United States. Student will take two electives selected from among master's or doctoral courses. With careful planning, these courses could count towards either the EdD or PhD.
9 credit hours are required.
Core Course (3 hours): Students select either ELPS 780 or ELPS 882.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ELPS 780 | Introduction to Higher Education Administration (Students with a bachelor's degree take this course.) | 3 |
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| ELPS 882 | Higher Education in the United States (Students with a doctoral degree or significant administrative experience take this course.) | 3 |
Electives (6 hours): Choose two additional courses from these electives. Students can choose other electives in consultation with coordinator.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ELPS 782 | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 883 | The College Student | 3 |
| ELPS 884 | College Student Access, Persistence, and Success | 3 |
| ELPS 885 | Assessment and Program Evaluation in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 973 | Research on College Students | 3 |
| ELPS 980 | Finance of Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 986 | Organization and Governance of Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 985 | Program Evaluation in Higher Education | 3 |
| ELPS 987 | Diversity Leadership in Higher Education | 3 |
