HALE Orientation
I had my HALE orientation today from 9:00am-4:00pm. I think I'm really going to like my program. HALE stands for "Higher, Adult,and Lifelong Education," and I'm in the Masters program. Turns out that MSU is ranked 4th in the United States for Higher Ed. Administration programs, which I was happy to find out.
The curriculum for my program also underwent some significant changes from last year, where there were 8 required courses and 2 electives. Now, it's 2 required courses, pick 3 from a "core" group and then 5 electives...30 credits overall. It's almost overwhelming to have only two required courses, but I really think that I'm going to enjoy exploring some different areas, and of course I'm open to being inspired in one of my courses to pick up some as-yet-unknown-to-me subject within the main topics.
I'm mainly interested in a few different topics at the moment, and let this entry be the historical record at which I will point and laugh when I wind up with a Ph.D. years from now in none of the following. But here's what I'm thinking I will concentrate my studies on: the use of technology in higher education, both in facilitating learning as well as advancements and innovations that change the way higher ed is administered; program planning and the way curriculum moves through governance at an institution; leadership and laying out a vision for higher education.
Those are all fairly broad topics, true. But I was very excited to hear from the faculty today and to get a sense of their excitement at the research that they are doing. And for the first time in my life I am seriously considering not just getting a Masters degree, but actually pursuing a Ph.D. Yes, all from one day at orientation! I know, right?!?
The curriculum for my program also underwent some significant changes from last year, where there were 8 required courses and 2 electives. Now, it's 2 required courses, pick 3 from a "core" group and then 5 electives...30 credits overall. It's almost overwhelming to have only two required courses, but I really think that I'm going to enjoy exploring some different areas, and of course I'm open to being inspired in one of my courses to pick up some as-yet-unknown-to-me subject within the main topics.
I'm mainly interested in a few different topics at the moment, and let this entry be the historical record at which I will point and laugh when I wind up with a Ph.D. years from now in none of the following. But here's what I'm thinking I will concentrate my studies on: the use of technology in higher education, both in facilitating learning as well as advancements and innovations that change the way higher ed is administered; program planning and the way curriculum moves through governance at an institution; leadership and laying out a vision for higher education.
Those are all fairly broad topics, true. But I was very excited to hear from the faculty today and to get a sense of their excitement at the research that they are doing. And for the first time in my life I am seriously considering not just getting a Masters degree, but actually pursuing a Ph.D. Yes, all from one day at orientation! I know, right?!?