Student Affairs and Higher Education – Pending CRC Approval (MS) FAQ
Applying to the Program
Who should write my recommendation letters?
Advisors, supervisors, and/or mentors you have worked closely with and who currently work in student affairs are generally best. In most cases, you want to avoid peer recommendations or letters from students unless they are additional to the three you submit. Also, you want to ensure one of your references can speak to your academic ability—a faculty member is highly encouraged and preferred.
What else should I know?
We typically do not provide individual feedback on the admissions process. What we can say is that we do not evaluate based on weaknesses, but on how an applicant may or may not fit with the cohort that year. Each year of applicants is unique. So, what might constitute a fit in one year might be a better fit in another. For example, one year we had a large number of applicants interested primarily in housing. During that candidate selection, individuals with interests in other areas received more priority, as we wanted to ensure we had a balanced cohort based on interests.
General Questions About the SAHE Program
What makes UT’s Student Affairs and Higher Education program unique?
We have one of the longest running SAHE programs in the country (approximately 70 years). We pride ourselves on the intimacy of our program with small classes and accessible faculty. The faculty members at UT are interested in helping students find their niche in higher education and student affairs. They give students the attention they need to achieve their full potential.
What kinds of jobs do SAHE graduates obtain after graduation?
Graduates obtain a variety of jobs in student affairs including, residence life and housing, leadership development, academic advising, admissions, international student services, orientation, and student activities.
Can I attend classes part time?
Yes. While most students in the SAHE program attend full-time, some take fewer classes each semester and extend the time it takes them to complete the degree. These students are typically UT employees.
Is there any flexibility in the program? Can I take classes from outside of the program?
The SAHE curriculum has a set of required courses that all students must take. Students are welcome to take additional classes from outside of the program; however, these classes will not substitute for required SAHE classes.
There are a number of ways to personalize the SAHE program. Both SAHEA (Student Affairs and Higher Education Association) and UT provide a number of opportunities for professional development through speakers and seminars that address a variety of topics. Practicum also offer ways to gain experience in specific areas of interest. In addition to practicum required by the program, students are encouraged to volunteer on campus to gain additional experience. Departments value practicum and volunteer students, so finding these opportunities will not be difficult. Students can also focus their research (both for classes and for the thesis or project) on topics of interest.
May a student transfer credits from another program or institution?
There are limited options for transferring into the program. We value the cohort model, one where students enroll and take courses together. The cohort model allows students to have extensive engagement with program faculty. Given this, students who transfer into the program do not fully experience this aspect of the program. If permitted to transfer into the SAHE program, a limited number of courses might be approved for transfer after an extensive review and faculty approval. The graduate school allows only a limited number of credit hours to transfer from another institution. Finally, we only admit students once a year with a fall semester enrollment.
How long is the program?
For students who attend classes full time, the program will take 21 months. Students begin in August and graduate two years later in May.
When are classes offered?
Class times vary. Some classes are offered during the day and others during the evening to accommodate the needs of the functional units on campus.
What is the typical schedule of a full-time SAHE student?
The schedules for SAHE students vary widely depending on their graduate assistantships, practicums, and course load. Full-time students take three classes each semester for four semesters. Most students have a graduate assistantship, which averages 20 hours of work a week. Graduate assistants’ schedules are determined by the department or office for which they work. Some GAs work regular business hours, while others may be required to work night and weekend hours. Additionally, SAHE students complete two to three practicums. In order to complete a practicum in a single semester, students must work approximately 12 hours a week. Some students choose to “stretch out” their practicum over two or more semesters.
Who teaches classes?
Classes are taught by program faculty (full time and affiliated).
Will I have an advisor?
Yes, SAHE students have faculty advisors to assist them while enrolled in the program. Students are assigned a faculty advisor prior to the fall semester of enrollment.
What is the difference between the thesis and capstone project?
Both the thesis and capstone project involve students identifying an issue, problem, or gap in knowledge to be researched. The project is an individual activity that provides SAHE students the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge that they acquired during their program of study into the development, implementation and analysis of a practical project that has an administrative, learning, or student support focus. The capstone project should address a problem of practice, need, and/or issue that offers direct practical value to the target student population, institution, university department, or profession. A thesis involves proposing and conducting the research and reporting the results/findings and implications. Both the capstone project and thesis must be defended before a committee of three faculty members. For the thesis option, students must adhere to the guidelines established by the Graduate School.
How many students are in the program?
There are approximately 40-44 students currently in the SAHE program. Between 20 and 22 students are admitted each year.
Where do SAHE students come from?
SAHE students come from all over the United States. Students enrolled in the SAHE program attended small private liberal arts colleges to large research extensive universities. Our students have degrees from varied disciplines and majors.
Will I be in a cohort?
Yes.
I am an adult student, is this program for me?
Certainly! Adult students, returning students, and full-time student affairs professionals are all welcome in the program. The program can also be completed on a part-time basis.
Are there any students from the program that I could talk to?
Yes! SAHE has an organization comprised of SAHE members called the Student Affairs and Higher Education Association (SAHEA). They are great resources if you have any questions.
What is SAHEA?
The Student Affairs and Higher Education Association, referred to as SAHEA, is a student-led organization for the SAHE program. The goal of SAHEA is to provide opportunities for professional development and socialization within the program. Member benefits include eligibility for travel funds, a professional mentor, exposure to networking opportunities, and more. SAHEA holds regular meetings throughout the year. Additionally, SAHEA contributes to planning events such as Interview Weekend, the graduate hooding ceremony, SAHE alumni homecoming tailgate, and SAHE orientation. Examples of past events have also included an etiquette dinner, a meal with faculty, sessions on job search tips, holiday gatherings, and collaborations with the undergraduate Aspiring Student Affairs Professionals (ASAP) organization.
You may contact CSPA at cspa@utk.edu
Finances
How much does the program cost?
Information about graduate tuition and fees can be found through One Stop Express Student Services.
The majority of students have graduate assistantships, which helps relieve the financial burden of graduate study. Many graduate assistantships waive both in-state and out-of-state tuition (not including fees) and provide students with a stipend. Assistantships in housing also provide room and board.
What financial aid options are available to me?
Graduate assistantships are the most common form of financial aid to CSP students; however, there are some graduate fellowships available to students. Information about the fellowships and student loans is available through One Stop Express Student Services.
Assistantships
What benefits does a graduate assistantship provide?
UT graduate assistants receive a waiver of both in-state and out-of-state tuition (not including fees, which are approximately $1,000 per semester). Also, graduate assistants receive a monthly stipend and health insurance. The amount of this stipend varies by department, but is approximately $10,000 per year.
What assistantships are available?
The available assistantships vary from year to year. We typically post a list of open assistantships in mid-December/early January.
How do I get a graduate assistantship?
Once you have applied to the CSP program and are identified as a likely candidate for the program, you will be invited to interview for assistantships during the Interview Weekend. You will receive a list of available assistantship positions from which you can indicate your areas of interest. Those departments or offices will then receive your resume. If a department or office is interested in you as a candidate for their assistantship position(s), we will schedule an interview for you with them during the Interview Weekend.
Does everyone receive an assistantship?
There is no way for CSP to guarantee everyone an assistantship as there are usually more than enough qualified candidates. However, most CSP students have assistantships.
Do I have to have an assistantship?
Not at all! Assistantships are a great way to work through graduate school while gaining valuable experience. However, they are not a requirement of the program.
What if I already have a full-time job at a college or university?
If you have a full-time job at a university, you would not be able to have an assistantship.
Practicum
What is a practicum?
A practicum is a practical learning experience under the supervision of a student affairs administrator. The CSP program requires each student to complete at least two practicums in different areas of student affairs. Total practicum hours must total 270 hours.
What are my options for a practicum?
Practicum opportunities are available in a variety of functional areas/units at UT, at area colleges (public and private, large and small), and at institutions around the country and around the world. Students have considerable flexibility in choosing practicum sites, as long as the practicum relates both to the student’s career goals and the program.
How do I find a practicum?
The best way to find a practicum is to explore your career goals and interests and decide what experiences will prepare you for the future. The program coordinator is there to help you do this. Once you identify areas and/or institutions in which you wish to complete a practicum, you can contact the program or institution directly to explore the possibilities. The practicum site, supervisor and the objectives of the experience must be approved by the program coordinator before you may sign up for the practicum. CSPA hosts a practicum fair each fall where representatives from various UT departments present practicum opportunities. In addition, you may contact the Center for International Education about opportunities to complete a practicum abroad.
Can I complete a practicum at a location other than UT?
Definitely! In the past, students have completed practicums in Australia and Wales and other institutions around the country. Some students complete summer practicums at an institution in their hometown or at an institution where they would like to work.
UT & Knoxville
What’s Knoxville like?
It is a mix between a college town and a southern urban environment. Plenty of places exist for culture, music, dining, and anything else you can think of. The university is well received by the community, which makes it a friendly place to attend school. For shoppers, there are two malls in Knoxville along with numerous shopping centers and eclectic boutiques.
What is there to do in Knoxville?
Pretty much anything you can think to do is in Knoxville: theatre, sporting events, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, cultural festivals and events, concerts, and parks (especially if you enjoy walking/biking). The East Tennessee area has a lot to offer as well. The Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg are less than an hour away.
What is there to do on campus?
A range of activities and facilities including movies, cultural events, lectures, political events, community service, athletic events, indoor hockey, swimming (indoor and outdoor), sand volleyball, tennis, religious events, coffee shops, trip planning (STA Travel), and exercise facilities. UT students can obtain tickets to athletic events (including football and basketball games). The campus is also located next to downtown, so the metropolitan environment is just a few steps away.
What are my housing options?
University Housing does not provide housing options for graduate students. However, there are numerous options near campus and throughout Knoxville. During Interview Weekend, students share housing information. In addition, the graduate school provides the following website link to look for apartments in Knoxville: http://www.knoxvilleapartmentguide.com/
Higher Education and Educational Administration Programs (MS, EdS, EdD, PhD, and Certificate) FAQ
How long does it take to get an MS or EdS degree?
The Master of Science and Specialist in Education degrees in educational administration take approximately two years for the completion of coursework.
Can students take courses in any order that suits them?
The master’s, specialist, licensure, and doctoral programs in Educational Administration comprise courses that are sequenced in meaningful ways. With the permission of the student’s advisor, courses may be taken “out of sequence,” but this practice is not encouraged.
Can a student transfer courses that were taken at another university or department and have them count towards the degree requirements? Up to how many credit hours can be transferred into the PhD program?
Courses taken at another institution (within the last six years) may be considered for transfer into a master’s or EdS program as determined by the program faculty and the dean of the Graduate School. At the doctoral level, courses are not officially transferred although they may be used to meet degree requirements. When a requirement has been met through coursework from another institution, the student must petition the academic unit for a waiver of the requirement at the doctoral level. For a course to transfer into a master’s or EdS program it must be taken for graduate credit, carry a grade of “B” or better, not have been used for a prior degree, be approved by the program faculty and the dean of the Graduate School on the Admission to Candidacy form. The majority of the total hours for any degree must be taken at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
What is the limit on independent studies that can count towards the PhD program?
Well-developed curriculums are the norm in all of the educational administration and educational leadership programs (i.e., MS, EdS, PhD). With the approval of the advisor, a student may enroll in an independent study (ELPS 593 for master’s and specialist students and ELPS 693 for doctoral students). Independent studies are offered to afford our students the opportunity to explore areas that are not currently covered in the prescribed curriculum. While there is no limit on the number of hours that can be taken, independent studies are usually taken sparingly.
Can a student sign up for ELPS 600 credit before taking comps?
With the approval of the advisor and the department head, a doctoral student may register for ELPS 600 prior to finishing all required coursework, passing the comprehensive examination, and being elevated to candidacy. This practice is not encouraged but is sometimes necessary for the purpose of maintaining the appropriate number of hours to satisfy student loans.
What are the requirements about the membership of a dissertation committee and how many members need to be from the department?
The doctoral dissertation committee is comprised of four members. The chair and one other member must be from the ELPS department. There must also be one member from outside the department (e.g., from EPC, TPTE, or some other department or college in the university). Three members of the committee must hold doctoral directive status.
Is there a limit on the number of dissertation credits a student can accumulate?
Students must acquire 24 hours of dissertation credit in order to satisfy the graduation requirements. It is certainly possible that a doctoral student may earn more than the 24 minimum number of hours of ELPS 600. Students are advised to plan how long it will take to complete and defend the dissertation and register for the appropriate number of hours for ELPS 600 each semester during that timeframe.
Is there an alternative residency option for both PhD programs that would allow students to complete residency without having to take two consecutive terms of full-time coursework (9 semester hours).
There is no alternative residency option. However, most students complete the residency in the first year by taking 9 hours in the fall and spring terms respectively, with two courses during the week and one course conducted one Saturday each month during each of these two terms. Many students find it manageable to remain in full-time leadership appointments and satisfactorily complete residency coursework in the first year of the program, though this requires a keen sense of personal discipline and commitment.
How long does a student have to complete a PhD degree?
The University of Tennessee allows eight years from the start of the first course to complete the doctoral degree in education with a concentration in leadership studies in education. While few exceptions are granted, a doctoral student’s advisor may petition the Graduate School for an extension of time. In most cases where exceptions are granted, the student is in the final stages of defending the dissertation.
Do I qualify for travel support? If so, how do I apply for travel support?
CEHHS travel support is available to students presenting papers, posters, and abstracts at professional meetings. Travel associated with student organizations, exhibit booths, and program recruitment is not funded through college funds. Travel requests must be submitted to the associate dean’s office at least one week prior to the travel dates. International travel that involves a request for SARIF support funds must be submitted at least one month prior to the travel dates.
CEHHS students will receive up to $50 support for research presentations. When several students are participating in the same presentation, the amount of funding per student will be reduced to ensure that college resources to support students are distributed equitably across departments and programs. Students can seek additional support through the Graduate Student Senate Travel Award (set deadlines each semester). All requests must be made prior to the travel dates and comply with all related policies associated with this resource. More information regarding this fund and the required application can be found here: Travel Awards.
What is IRB? How do you complete this process?
The IRB is the Institutional Review Board at the University of Tennessee. It has the responsibility of reviewing all research projects that involve human subjects. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulates all research activities involving human subjects on the UT Knoxville campus. The IRB is a committee appointed to ensure rights, safety, and welfare of human research subjects; ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws/regulations; and conduct ethical reviews of human research activities including initial, continuation, modification, unanticipated problems and alleged noncompliance. Its primary responsibility is to assure UT Knoxville researchers operate within the provisions of the Federalwide Assurance of Compliance filed with the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP).
The IRB review process is now accomplished online through iMedRIS. More information can be found here: IRB FAQ.
Is there a doctoral program in higher education offered online?
Currently, the PhD program in Higher Education Administration is offered in person on the Knoxville campus. However, the department is in the process of seeking approval for an EdD (Doctor of Education) in Higher Education Administration program that would be offered online (pending curricular approval). If you would like to be notified when this program launches, please contact Dr. Ryan Miller at miller@utk.edu
Is an EdD (Doctor of Education) program in higher education available?
Currently, there is PhD program in Higher Education Administration. However, the department is in the process of seeking approval for an EdD (Doctor of Education) in Higher Education Administration program that would be offered online (pending curricular approval). If you would like to be notified when this program launches, please contact Dr. Ryan Miller at miller@utk.edu
Does the program offer application fee waivers?
The program does not offer application fee waivers.
Can I count courses from a master’s degree toward the PhD degree?
Courses completed and applied toward a previously earned degree (your master’s degree) do not count toward the PhD program required courses.
What sources of funding are available for the PhD program?
We encourage all students to complete UTK financial aid applications as they are applying for admission, as well as the FAFSA (if eligible/applicable). Depending on department and grant funding, we may have a limited number of Graduate Assistant positions that are available, and availability of those positions is determined after students are admitted to the program. (The priority deadline for GA positions is October 15.) GRA positions typically cover tuition and include a stipend. We also encourage all students to pursue applications for private and independent grants, fellowships, and scholarships administered outside of UTK that can assist in funding your education. For more info on graduate student funding at UTK in general, please visit this website.
How can I take PhD courses as a non-degree student before deciding to apply?
To apply as a non-degree student, visit the Graduate School website, start an application, and select non-degree (Knoxville campus) when prompted. This will give non-degree status for graduate courses and you can register for one of our higher ed courses. Once you have completed this step, contact Dr. Ryan Miller at miller@utk.edu regarding course selection.
Can I apply after the priority deadline and still be considered for a Graduate Assistantship for the PhD program?
October 15 is the priority deadline for Fall Graduate Assistantship consideration; however, you can still submit your application and you will be considered for any remaining positions. Please note that we typically do not have additional GA positions available after the priority deadline.
Do I need to designate or contact a professor whose research I am interested in to apply for the PhD program?
Our program’s model for admissions does not depend on you being matched with an advisor/eventual dissertation chair during the admissions process. Instead, all incoming students are advisees of the program coordinator for first-phase advising and then as they advance to the comprehensive exam and dissertation stage, students then work with a major professor appropriate to their research interests. That said, you are welcome to indicate potential faculty you would like to work with in your application.
Does the PhD program require work experience in higher education?
No, there is not a requirement for work experience to be admitted to the PhD program.
What options are available for part-time and full-time enrollment in the PhD program?
Full-time students take 3 courses per semester and part-time students take 2 courses per semester. Students usually finish coursework in about 2 years (full-time students) or 3 years (part-time students) and then enter into the dissertation phase. From there, the time to degree depends on the student’s dissertation research study and how long it takes them to complete. Many students complete the degree in 4-5 years (particularly full-time students) but students have a 8 year time limit set by the Graduate School.
What are the career outcomes of the PhD program?
In terms of career outcomes, the students in the program are typically working full-time professionals employed in colleges and universities. During and after the program, students typically pursue progressively responsible leadership/administrative positions in higher education. A smaller group of students enroll as full-time students and typically pursue part-time graduate assistantships. In administration to serving in administrative positions, several students also pursue research and policy analysis careers and then pursue jobs as faculty members in universities or work in non-profit/policy organizations related to higher education.
What are the learning outcomes of the PhD program?
The student learning outcomes of the PhD program are:
- Students can recognize an ethical issue, apply ethical perspectives and concepts, and evaluate different perspectives in an educational leadership context.
- Students are able to analyze a policy issue collection and analysis of evidence that results in informed conclusions.
- Students will apply research skills and content knowledge to produce a dissertation study relevant to the theory, research, and practice of higher education; that will make a contribution to the field of higher education; and that can lead to publication.
- Students can articulate the context and purpose for writing, use relevant content, use appropriate sources, and communicate a clear and logical written argument.
What are the research interests of the Higher Education Administration faculty members?
Visit the UTK ELPS faculty pages to view research interests of our department faculty; beyond the Higher Education Administration faculty, there are also faculty in other programs in the department who have higher education research interests. Many of the faculty also have Google Scholar pages if you want to view their scholarly work.
Is the PhD program appropriate for current college/university faculty members?
While many of our students are currently in full-time staff/administrator roles in higher education, we also have some students who are current or former faculty members and who may have future career aspirations related to student success, holistically supporting students, or advancing within academic (or other areas of) administration. And, our students come from a variety of academic backgrounds for their bachelor’s and master’s degrees—some have prior training in higher education/student affairs, but many come from other areas as well.
Is an academic background in higher education or student affairs needed to apply for the PhD program?
No. Our students come from a variety of academic backgrounds for their bachelor’s and master’s degrees—some have prior training in higher education/student affairs, but many come from other areas as well.
Can I transfer into the PhD program from another program at UT Knoxville or another program at another university?
There is not a transfer process for PhD admissions. Instead, you would complete an admissions application as a new student.
At the doctoral level, courses are not officially transferred although they may be used to meet degree requirements. If admitted, the student would petition the program faculty for a waiver of specific course requirements and would develop a plan of study to meet the remaining degree requirements. Faculty will consider whether the previously earned courses apply to this program’s curriculum and the student will be asked to supply syllabi from the courses and the curriculum from the previous program. We cannot make a guarantee of which or how many courses would be accepted to waive requirements until after a student is admitted to the program. Any courses previously applied to another degree may not be counted toward the PhD or used to waive requirements.
Any courses used to waive requirements must have been completed within the prior eight years before a student’s completion of the PhD program.
The majority of the total hours for any degree must be taken at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The student would need to complete a minimum of 24 hours of coursework (of the total 48 hours of coursework in the program), at UT, not including the required 24 hours minimum of dissertation credits.
Following coursework, the student would need to identity a dissertation chair and committee within the program, complete comprehensive exams, be admitted to candidacy (with courses taken at prior institution listed to satisfy specific requirements on the admission to candidacy form), and defend a dissertation proposal. The program does not accept comprehensive exams or a dissertation proposal completed at another institution.
Leadership Studies Undergraduate Minor FAQ
Can I take Leadership Studies classes without declaring the minor or applying?
Yes! You are encouraged to explore and engage in Leadership Studies coursework without the commitment to the minor.
When and how do I apply for the Leadership Studies minor?
Students are encouraged to apply whenever they are interested in completing the Leadership Studies Minor coursework.
What if I want another course to count as an elective?
To petition for another course to count as an elective, email Dr. Brandon Kliewer at bkliewer@utk.edu for consideration.