Student leaders wanting to transform their leadership skills into future careers now have a new option available to work in higher education.
The University’s Higher Education Program will introduce in the fall semester a Master of Arts degree with an emphasis in higher education and student affairs. Careers in student affairs may include advising, counseling and managing within a variety of professional environments.
Susan Gardner, an assistant professor in the degree program, said the two-to-three year program will prepare students to work in higher education.
Gardner said the program took approximately three years to develop and gain approval by University administrators.
Gardner said the program’s advertising funding was cut after Hurricane Katrina, forcing a change in advertising plans. The original plan was to promote the program at professional conferences, but instead most promotion was sent through electronic brochures, Gardner said.
Gardner said ideal candidates for the program would be students who have held leadership positions such as residential assistants or Greek organization leaders.
“We’re looking for people who have really enjoyed their University experience,” Gardner said.
Michelle Lowery, assistant director of the Center for Student Leadership and Involvement, said CSLI has been promoting the program to various student organizations such as LSU Ambassadors and Student Government.
“We have been promoting this through e-mails to student groups, announcements at meetings and e-mail listservs for professional organizations in Student Affairs,” Lowery said.
Lowery said CSLI is recruiting students for graduate assistantships through the program, but the main goal of the program is to give students experience within the field.
Lowery said the application deadline for the program has been extended to April 15, and students can apply by contacting the Graduate School.
 
Contact Amy Brittain at [email protected]