Resources & Information For Current Students

ASLP 600: Introduction to Doctoral Studies
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall Semester
First semester students are introduced to doctoral level thinking, reading, writing, and researching. Subtopics include the dissertation structure, reading for a literature review, effective paragraph construction, APA, library searches, and thesis statement development. Self-reflection, unlearning and re-learning drive the course.
Sample Syllabi: Fall 2020 (Welsh)

ASLP 691/791/891 Special Topics I, II, III (electives that may be taken more than once, depending on need and availability)
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer Semesters
Special Topic seminars may enhance the students’ professional knowledge, enrich the students’ dissertations, or both. Topics vary depending on faculty expertise and student interest. Since ASLP course numbers are used by other programs, seek advisement before registering.
Recent Prior Seminars: Leadership In Higher Education Fall 2020 (Robinson) | Critical Race Theory in Educational Research Summer 2020 (Welsh) | Gender & Sexuality in Higher Education Spring 2020 (Robinson)

ASLP 793: Master’s Pre-candidacy
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: All (or most) coursework must have been completed
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall and Spring Semesters
Taken only under certain circumstances, the course allows for continuous full-time enrollment. Possible circumstances include the need for a full-time course load in order to complete the portfolio in accordance with program guidelines.

ASLP 993: Doctoral Pre-candidacy
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: All coursework must have been completed
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall and Spring Semesters
Taken only under certain circumstances, the course allows for continuous enrollment after coursework completion, before entering dissertation status (RDHE 997). Possible circumstances include the need for a semester or more to take (or-retake) the comprehensive portfolio/exam in accordance with program guidelines.

EDSR 719: Quantitative Data Analysis 1 (Stats 1)
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall Semester
A study of descriptive techniques for the analysis of educational data. Students will be introduced to the use of computer application packages such as SPSS in performing such analyses.
Sample Syllabi:

EDSR 819: Quantitative Data Analysis 2 (Stats 2)
Three hours: 3 credits
Prerequisites: EDSR 719
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Spring Semester
Focusing on the use of inferential techniques for testing educational hypotheses, students will become competent in conducting statistical analyses in their own research, and more critical consumers of published research by the end of the course.
Sample Syllabi:

EDSR 622: Quantitative Research Methods
Three hours: 3 credits
Prerequisites: EDSR 719 and 819
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall and Spring Semesters
Students will become familiar with the major types of quantitative research designs in education. Special emphasis is placed on the alignment between research questions, research design and statistical analyses. Evaluation is based on the development of a quantitative research proposal.
Sample Syllabi:

EDSR 624: Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall and Spring Semesters
This course introduces students to the field of qualitative research and prepares them in the skills, techniques, and knowledge necessary to undertake independent research using a variety of qualitative approaches (e.g., grounded theory, case study, phenomenology).
Sample Syllabi: Fall 2020 (Sekayi)

EDSR 818 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Education
Three hours: 3 credits
Prerequisites: EDSR 624
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall Semester
Focusing on advanced qualitative methodology, philosophy, and epistemology, the course deepens the student’s understanding of various methodological approaches (e.g., phenomenology, narrative inquiry, arts-based research), data collection (interviewing, text analysis, observation), data analysis, and trustworthiness in a dissertation proposal context.
Sample Syllabi: Fall 2020 (Robinson)

RDHE 699: Supervised Practicum in Student Affairs I
Three hours: 3 credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters
The two internship courses (RDHE 699 and RDHE 799) provide Masters students with separate opportunities to integrate theory and practice, and to reflect on their own professional development. 150 hours per internship are required. Faculty permission required prior to registering.

RDHE 700: Modes of Inquiry
Three hours: 3 credits
Prerequisites: ASLP 600
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Spring Semester
The course examines the paradigms, theoretical frameworks, and types of evidence at play in the knowledge creation process in social research. Epistemological assumptions are examined. Skills taught include argument construction and faulty argument identification using logical fallacies other analytical tools.
Sample Syllabi:

RDHE 702: Historical Foundations of Higher Education
Three hours: 3 credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Spring Semester
An overview of the development of American higher education from the colonial period to the present, this course explores the origin of contemporary practices and challenges. The contributions of African-Americans and other minority groups to higher education are highlighted.
Sample Syllabi: Spring 2020 (Welsh; PhD students only)

RDHE 703: Diversity and Multiculturalism in Higher Education
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Spring Semester
Designed to improve the student’s understanding of best practices concerning diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice in various contexts, this course utilizes interdisciplinary readings and experiential activities for applying course concepts. Global awareness, and multicultural and intercultural competence are expected outcomes.
Sample Syllabi: Spring 2020 (Robinson)

RDHE 707: Finance and Budgeting in Higher Education
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Summer Semesters
This course introduces students to higher education budgets, financial analysis, and funding. The focus is on local, state and national issues as they impact on the operation of higher education institutions, policy development and their financial status.
Sample Syllabi: Summer 2020 (Parsons)

RDHE 722: Organizational Theory in Higher Education
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall Semester (every other year)
This course examines organizational theory, structures, systems, and behavior in various higher education institutions. Patterns of governance and administration will also be addressed. Case studies are used for the application of theory to practice.
Sample Syllabi: Fall 2019 (Robinson)

RDHE 725: The American College Student
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall Semester
The course covers topics related to the contemporary college student, including demographic and background characteristics; values, attitudes and perspectives; and the relationship between student profiles and relevant services. Access, persistence and success are also included.
Sample Syllabi: Fall 2020 (Byrne)

RDHE 727: Legal Issues in Higher Education
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall Semester
This course exposes students to the vast range of administrative problems in higher education that have legal implications. This course will assist faculty, administrators, and student affairs professionals in recognizing the legal parameters around which decisions are made.
Sample Syllabi: Fall 2020 (Hicks) | Fall 2018 (Robinson)

RDHE 731: Governance and Coordination in Higher Education
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Spring Semester
Enhancing the student’s understanding of organizational structure across institutional types, the course explores the principles of leadership expressed through supervisory boards, the presidency, faculty and staff. Accrediting bodies at the regional and national levels are also discussed.
Sample Syllabi:

RDHE 733: Assessment and Evaluation Methods in Student Affairs
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall Semester
Students develop a practical understanding of assessment and evaluation techniques in student affairs by applying them to real-life situations. A range of techniques is explored and evaluated according to purpose, including qualitative, quantitative, and mix methods data collection.
Sample Syllabi: Fall 2020 (Kee)

RDHE 735: Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall Semesters
This course enhances the student’s understanding of the role of student affairs administration and the functional areas of student affairs. Contemporary challenges in managing student affairs programs and services, including the use of research and assessment, are discussed.
Sample Syllabi: Fall 2020 (Byrne)

RDHE 745: Student Development Theory
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Spring Semester
This course provides a comprehensive review and critique of key student development and environmental theories. Psychosocial theories, cognitive theories, and social identity theories are discussed; case studies are used to help students apply theory to practice.
Sample Syllabi: Spring 2020 (Coker)

RDHE 754: Higher Education Politics and Policy Analysis
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall Semester (every other year)
Students explore the power relationships in higher education by focusing on the interaction between systems, politics, and policy. Existing policies are analyzed using organizational, political, and systems theories to understand policy acceptance or rejection. Access and equity are important themes.
Sample Syllabi: Fall 2020 (Kee)

RDHE 755: Issues and Problems at Urban and Special Mission Institutions
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall Semester
This course focuses on the nature, character, challenges of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), notably HBCUs, HSIs, and Tribal Colleges, and their importance in ensuring the success of racial/ethnic minorities within the higher education arena.
Sample Syllabi: Fall 2020 (Welsh)

RDHE 765: Counseling and Student Affairs
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Spring Semester
The course introduces students to general helping approaches used by student affairs professionals. The focus is on theoretical foundations, helping skills, relevant mental health issues of college students, legal and ethical issues, and current problems and future trends.
Sample Syllabi: Spring 2020 (Battle)

RDHE 799: Supervised Practicum in Student Affairs II
Three hours: 3 credits
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters
The two internship courses (RDHE 699 and RDHE 799) provide Masters students with separate opportunities to integrate theory and practice, and to reflect on their own professional development. 150 hours per internship are required. Faculty permission required prior to registering.

RDHE 885: Internship for Doctoral Students
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: none
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters
An enriching supervised work experience at a four-year institution, the doctoral internship is informed by the doctoral student’s career interests and/or dissertation research agenda. Faculty permission required prior to registering.

RDHE 889: Doctoral Practicum in Research and Professional Development
Three Hours: 3 Credits (may be repeated for additional credit)
Prerequisites: none
Co-requisites: None
Undertaken at any point, the course is an experience-based learning opportunity intended to expand the student’s research, theoretical and/or professional interests to an audience beyond the dissertation committee. Potential projects include: conference presentations, article publications, grant writing, and dissertation proposal development.

RDHE 997: Dissertation Supervision
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Advancement to Candidacy
Co-requisites: None
Term(s) offered: repeated Fall and Spring Semesters until the dissertation is submitted to SGS
Students who have not defended their dissertation or submitted it to the School of Graduate Studies for final review should enroll in this course. It is a mechanism for maintaining continuous enrollment while receiving faculty supervision.