Higher Education Curriculum
Learn more about the curriculum for the 36-credit M.Ed. in Higher Education at Merrimack College.
Core Courses
The core of our program emphasizes social justice and the multifaceted and critical role that postsecondary institutions play in a democratic, pluralistic, and complex society. Required courses for all students are as follows:
- HED 6100 – Higher Education in American Society
- HED 6140 – Diversity and Social Justice
- HED 6310 – College Student Development Theory
- HED 6850 – Capstone in Higher Education
Electives
Below is a sample of elective courses that students can select toward a concentration. Students will meet regularly with an academic advisor to determine the courses that match with individual personal and professional goals.
- HED 6130 – Supervision in Higher Education (2 credits)
- HED 6150 – Assessment in Student Affairs and Higher Education (2 credits)
- HED 6265 – First Generation College Student Experience
- HED 6320 – Leadership Theory and Practice
- HED 6340 – Advanced Social Justice in Higher Education
- HED 6350 – College Counseling and Advising
- HED 6370 – Civic Engagement and Higher Education
- CME 6540 – University-Community Relations
FELLOWSHIP AND/OR ELECTIVES (8 CREDITS)
Students in the Fellowship program work 25 hours a week (average) in their assigned fellowship setting. Fellows also meet regularly in a seminar with an experienced practitioner to reflect upon the experience and document skill and competency development. Fellows will receive 4 credits for their Fellowship and seminar (2 credits each semester), and will select one additional elective to complete their program.
Students who are not participating in the Fellowship program will select two (2) additional electives to complete their program.
Traditional students (part-time or full-time) who do not currently work in a higher education setting are required to participate in an Assistantship for 10-12 hours per week and accompanying seminar and will receive 2 credits per semester for this work. The Assistantship provides students with hands-on experience that directly relates to their academics and may serve as the platform for the capstone.
