Post Master's Certificate in Higher Education

The Post Master’s Graduate Certificate (PMC) in Higher Education is designed for current or aspiring administrators who want to update and expand their knowledge of higher education, explore the social justice and transformational potential of colleges and universities, and hone their leadership skills.

You will have the opportunity to learn about the tremendous variety of American higher education organizations and institutions. In addition, you will undertake in-depth examinations of contemporary higher education policies, practices, issues, and challenges and explore the relationship of higher education to American society.

For additional information, contact:

Program Coordinator:  Thandi Sulé, Ph.D.
(248) 370-4339
[email protected]
475D Pawley Hall

Department Secretary: 
(248) 370-3070
480D Pawley Hall

As long as you have a master’s degree (in any field) with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and are not currently enrolled in a doctoral program, you may apply for the PMC. If you already have a terminal degree (e.g. PhD, LLD, MSW, MFA, etc.) in another field you are also welcome to apply.

If you do not already have a graduate degree, you may be interested in our Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership program.

Both the Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership require a cognate. The completed PMC will count as the first 16 credits of the required cognate in either doctoral program.

EL 6500 – Contemporary American Higher Education
This course will introduce you to — and provide the opportunity to reflect upon — higher education as: the location of your educational experiences; the environment in which you participate in professional practice; an organizational entity; the subject of scholarly research; and an economic, social, cultural, political institution; as well as a potential force for social justice within American society.

EL 6520 – Critical Leadership Perspectives in Higher Education
Leadership can take place at any level in the organization of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). We will read and analyze case studies displaying leadership actions as well as the scholarly literature on leadership and the personal narratives of selected leaders. Consistent with the social justice focus of our higher education program, this course will especially consider the idea that leadership as a “gendered” construct and therefore discuss its potential effects on both cisgendered and self-identified women.

EL 6580 – Critical Social Justice Perspectives in Higher Education
The goal of this course is to explore the relationship between social inequities and higher education. Aligned with social justice pedagogy and informed by critical social theories, the broad survey course is premised upon the understanding that systems of oppression, societally and institutionally perpetuated, are realities that exacerbate personal and community well-being. We will critically assess the individual and institutional dynamics of oppression (including racism, sexism, heterosexism, cissexism, ableism, classism, and so forth) and explore possible interventions that can engender equitable participation in US institutions, particularly higher education.

EL 6683 – Introduction to Student Affairs
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the professional field of student affairs in higher education.  It emphasizes the roles that student affairs professionals (#SAPros) play to promote the intellectual, social, moral, ethical, spiritual, emotional, civic and physical development and well-being of students.  The course is designed to facilitate an open, scholarly and self-reflexive exploration of professional identity within the student affairs field.

EL 6684 – Introduction to Academic Affairs
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to academic affairs in postsecondary education. Guided by the question of what is higher education’s purpose, the course will examine pedagogy, curriculum and learning; current topics of contention in the field; and the role of academic governance and leadership in shaping students’ experiences. Content in this area will contribute to theoretical and intellectual understandings of student learning as a holistic endeavor. Grounded in social justice and equity, the course will challenge conventional wisdom and approaches to academic affairs, aiding in practitioners’ ability to create transformative educational environments for all students.

EL 6685 – Higher Education Leadership for Equity and Inclusion
This course is designed to help students enhance their understanding of higher education through a review of inclusive leadership roles and practices. Through various modalities, students will explore roles and responsibilities for higher education leadership. By the end of the semester, students will be able to: understand of leadership roles in higher education; enhance awareness about how one’s leadership approach is associated with personal values and personal identity; think critically about inclusive leadership theories and approaches; describe the challenges and approaches to promoting inclusion in higher education; and articulate a personal leadership philosophy statement.

EL 6685 – Critical Higher Education Policy
The goal of this course is to critically examine how higher education and social policies impact the implementation of an inclusive campus community in the United States. The course is informed by various disciplines, including history, sociology, ethnic studies, and public policy. By the end of this course, students will be able to: analyze higher education policies and their differential impacts on historically marginalized and underrepresented student populations; evaluate and synthesize research on higher education policies to assess the effectiveness of equity-focused policies and practices; examine how institutions have implemented practices in alignment with government mandates; develop and communicate equity-driven policy or practices to optimize higher education access and persistence to degree; and identify internal and external stakeholders, policymakers and special interest groups who influence higher education policy.

EL 6900 – Current Topics in Higher Education
The purpose of this course is to explore current issues in American higher education. Many of these issues stem from the broader socio-political climate. Participants will examine the intersection of social issues and higher education practices through reading, dialogue, peer review and case studies. Students will have a keen understanding of how various social issues influence sense of belonging in higher education spaces.