For nearly seven decades, CSHPE has been one of the premier preparation programs for higher education scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and leaders. It is distinguished by its breadth of opportunities within this interdisciplinary field of study, by meaningful research of national significance, and by generations of graduates who provide exceptional leadership through scholarship, policy, and practice. For more than 20 years, CSHPE has been ranked as one of the top higher education programs in the U.S. and is currently ranked first in the nation.
As a comprehensive higher education program, students and faculty alike are attracted by the wide range of topics reflected in its curriculum and in Center-sponsored research projects and professional activities. The work of the Center is enhanced by the rich set of resources available at the University of Michigan. The Center seeks to build on these resources by continuing and strengthening its linkages to other disciplines and university units. These include the Ford School of Public Policy and Education Policy Initiative (EPI), the International Institute, the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT), and the Bowman Center for Scholarship to Practice, among others.
The Center offers Ph.D. and M.A. degrees in higher and postsecondary education. Its curriculum has two broad objectives: 1) to increase students' understanding of higher education as an area of academic inquiry, scholarship, and practice; and 2) to prepare students for administrative, policy, and scholarly careers in higher education. Master's students also have the option of the dual degree MA/MPP program in Public Policy and Higher Education, and a dual degree MA/MBA program between the Ross School of Business and Higher Education. Doctoral students construct their academic programs from four concentration areas: Public Policy; Academic Affairs and Student Development; Research, Evaluation and Assessment; and Organizational Behavior and Management.