1624

Programmatic Overview  

The Higher Education Administration and College Student Personnel Masters program at Kent State University (KSU) is an amazing program. I heard good things in regards to the program when I was looking at various graduate schools, but I never imagined the program could go so far above and beyond my expectations. When searching for the program that best fit my wants/needs, I found KSU’s program required theoretical and practical knowledge. I strongly felt that my master’s experience needed to be based on what I learned in the classroom and my ability to apply that in practical settings. As often expressed by the professors in the program, there are many graduates of KSU that are successful administrators throughout the country. It is comforting to know that I have connections all throughout the nation based on the degree from KSU. There are three main reasons that I decided to attend Kent State University: the professors, the freedom in course choices, and the theory and practical experiences.

Kent State University Professors  While attending the OCPA: Careers in Student Affairs conference my senior year at Ashland University, I fortunately met professors from the KSU program. The session I attended was hosted by various graduate schools, but I instantly felt more of a connection to the KSU program based on what the professors were saying. I went home after the conference and looked up information on the program and instantly fell in love with the philosophy of the program. The KSU program definitely understands what their students need to learn and experience in order to be successful administrators. I did not have to contact KSU to make sure that my application was delivered because I was contacted. The contact I received was quicker than I had ever imagined and I figured if they worked this hard for me before I was accepted into the program then I would be provided the help and guidance throughout my program to truly be successful. Two years in this program and my initial thoughts have been an actuality. The professors truly care for each student that comes through the program and they are willing to help you in any way in order to make sure that the student is successful. It was nice knowing that I always had a set of individuals that I could talk with about the happenings in my life and they would understand. The KSU professors are definitely a strong point of the program!  Freedom in Course Choices/Required Courses  Course selection and requirements was a large determent in what program I decided to attend. I was intrigued that KSU required a law course. I saw that some other programs had a law course as an elective, but KSU was the only one to truly say that knowledge of the law is important. From my practical experiences, I appreciate that law class that I had to take. There are many legal implications that must be taken into account when making decisions as an administrator, and now I have knowledge of these laws. With the law course in my background, I felt that taking the disability law course would teach me even more about laws that are pertinent to higher education administrators. I had the freedom of making this decision through the flexibility of what six courses I wanted to take outside of the required courses. I was also able to go on a study abroad trip and have it count as an elective due to the flexibility in my course selection. I am extremely grateful for this flexibility because I had courses and experiences that were very different then what I imagined learning. The program at KSU requires certain courses that are vital to the theory and practical knowledge of administrators while providing various courses that are chosen by the students. I have learned a lot from the KSU program and I would recommend this program to any potential graduate student.  Theory and Practical Experiences  KSU requires that students have there practicum experiences and take classes like leadership, college student development, and law that teach theories. Just from the vast amount of classes that present theories and the amount of practical experiences expected of students, KSU students are provided with the opportunity to use theory in their practical experience. The belief that learning occurs outside the classroom is evident in the requirements listed above. I appreciated the balance between the theory and practical experiences that were expectations of the program. I wanted a program that offered both, but I never imagined the amount of experience and knowledge I would gain through my courses and practical experiences. To go along with the courses and practicums, KSU collaborates with other colleges/universities to provide KSU students with graduate assistantships. My graduate assistantship has proven to be the area that I have learned the most. The capstone course of the program helps bring in everything that the students have been learning. The case studies course helps the students see how they can incorporate their knowledge of theory, law, and much more to approach difficult situations. I truly appreciate the balance among theory and practical experience that will help me be prepared for a career in higher education.  My Overall Experience

I had a lot of expectations of the KSU program that were far exceeded. I was provided with relevant material that will help me be a better professional. I cannot imagine being a successful professional without having knowledge on laws, multiculturalism, research methods, and environments that did not seem to be a part of other programs. I was disappointed in how some information was disseminated, but the information provided was still relevant and important. I have used the information from this program often through my experiences and I know that as I become a professional my knowledge will be used daily. I find myself learning more than I even knew existed within higher education, and a big part of this was from the flexibility in the courses that I took. My law courses, environment course, and my study abroad experience were a blend of required and chosen courses that have made me grow professionally and personally. I believe that any program that can help their student grow professionally and personally is a program that is well worth attending and financing. Overall, I respect the program and all that I have learned that will make me a more prepared professional for the complicated world of higher education administration.