"What drew me to the program is the unique focus on Higher Education and applicability of the coursework to my administrative position."

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The bang for the buck with the SCSU Higher Education Administration program is hard to turn down. Not many programs are 100% online and so catered to working professionals. Throw in no GRE and an award-winning faculty, there’s really no reason to go anywhere else.

I chose SCSU because of the online format, cost, and flexibility. Most programs I was considering required traveling to campus Friday-Sunday each month or were only available every other year – this wasn’t really an option for me. I knew I wanted to get started in fall 2020, and SCSU had that option. They also offer online assistantships, which has allowed me to grow as a professional and provided me with new opportunities in a different area of higher ed.

I think the biggest piece of advice I have is making time to connect with your cohort. There are weekly zoom meetings that are optional for one of the courses, and I try to attend to not only learn, but to connect with my classmates.

It has always been a dream of mine to earn my doctorate. I completed my master’s degree 10 years ago, and for the bulk of that time, this dream was in the “someday” category due to some facet of life circumstances.  

My husband was offered a three-year expat contract in Dublin, Ireland, and we decided that this chance to live abroad for a few years was too good to pass up. Making such a big geographical change served as a catalyst for me to re-prioritize my goals. I decided that this was the time to push myself, and I wanted to ensure that my time in Ireland was spent in a way that furthers my career aspirations and opens new opportunities for the future. I decided this is the time to stop making excuses, and I resolved to make my dream of doctoral study a reality.  

Searching for a program that would afford me the flexibility to spend part of my program abroad and part in the United States seemed like a complex task. However, I was elated to discover that the SCSU Higher Ed program was a perfect fit! The asynchronous format enables me to participate from any location with Wi-Fi, and it gives me peace of mind to know that my progress in the program can continue uninterrupted no matter where I live. The professors are compassionate, while also challenging each student to build confidence and stimulate personal and professional growth. The cohort model fosters support, encouragement, and camaraderie, and I know that I am never alone in my endeavors. Additionally, my cohort members come from a multitude of varied professional and educational backgrounds, so I feel like my experience is greatly enhanced by the perspectives and talents that each one brings to our program.

My journey in life has never been what I thought it was going to be. The blueprint for my life was clear: graduate from high school, go to college and graduate in four years, and attend graduate school. After my education was complete, I was then (and only then) to think about getting married and having a couple of children. In that order. PERIOD. 

In the middle of my junior year, I found out that I was expecting my first child. Finding out that I was going to be a mother put a lot of pressure on me to finish my education, and since I was already struggling (my GPA was not pretty), I had to think about what I was going to do. I knew that I had disappointed many folks in my life, and that weighed heavily on me. Worse, I felt like an outcast. As I walked on campus, I was embarrassed because my belly was round and big; my grades were suffering. I was another young, pregnant, Black woman.

I offer all of you a few words of encouragement to ponder as you think about whether a doctoral (or graduate school generally) journey is for you:

1. You have to begin. In order to determine whether or not something is for you, you have to have a starting point. Take a deep breath, gather your network, and BEGIN. Go ahead and complete that application to enroll-- even better? Consider enrolling here with me in the SCSU HEID program! :-)
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is a difficult one, believe me, I know. I am 44 years old, and every week I learn a new skill. Remember to utilize your advisors, department chairs, and professors- the staff in the HEID program are AMAZING! Be sure to ask the questions you need to make sure you will be supported along the way. Completing a terminal degree is hard already, make it easier by choosing a program and faculty who will choose you back.
3. Create your legacy. I have a mantra that I repeat almost daily, “your story has the power to break barriers, and inspire others to hope.” I remember that mantra each day that I think I can’t finish a paper or a class. You can do the same. I can say that my cohort in the HEID program has been a lifesaver. It is comforting to know that, if I need it, I have a group of people who know what I am going through and will be there to cheer me on. This is what tells me I chose the right program.

I was looking for a school in Minnesota with a fully online HIED program because that’s what fit best with my professional and personal life. The fact that my grandfather used to be a dean at SCSU, give me fond memories of the school as a child was a bonus!

"The support of the instructors truly help you grow as a leader"

Watch Dr. Anderson's video testimonial

"The strength of the program is the discussions and real life experiences faculty bring."

Watch Rochelle's video testimonial

The program provided me a real-time, real-life exploration of the field of Educational Administration.  Not only was the program content thorough, but also succinct and efficient within the options of individualized plans of study.  The flexibility of the program is a good fit for any family-centered lifestyle.

The experiences, anecdotes, and knowledge shared by the instructors were pragmatic and immediately practicable in my current role.  Course content was curated towards the experiences and views of today’s educators.

Through the program, I’ve gained a network of local professionals that not only lead me through my program but will continue to provide advice and guidance as I move into my first administrative role.

"The professors care about their students."

Watch Molly's video testimonial

"Being able to go over ideas and thoughts on how we would solve situations and giving us a real life experience to go forward in our career."

Watch Nathan's video testimonial

SCSU’s Educational Administration and Leadership Program gave me background knowledge, information, and tools to use in all areas of school leadership from human resources and school-law, to school operations and budget. Through SCSU’s EDAD program I was able to shadow and learn from acting administrators, develop and conduct an action research project, and experience and compile evidence in all areas of school leadership into a professional portfolio.

The program prepared me well for all areas of school leadership. I was able to take what I learned in class and apply it to my daily work. I was also able to bring on the job questions and discuss them with my professors and colleagues. The program pushed me to grow as an educator, leader, and professional.

During my time in the program, I was able to create a professional network with staff and colleagues. To this day, I continue to stay in touch with many of these professionals. Staying in contact with this group has been a great way to network for upcoming opportunities and brainstorm solutions. I now have a strong group of advisors that continue to provide me with advice, input, and ideas.