In fall 1989, 88 doctoral programs in higher education offered 124 different courses, a body of knowledge that offers great potential for improving and professionalizing higher education administration. The field appears to be evolving from a generalized area of inquiry into a curriculum of professional specialization. (Author/MSE)

Historically, higher education administrators have advanced through faculty ranks. In recent years, higher education as a field of study has developed significantly, but its potential for improving the profession is underutilized. A growing group of administrators needs formal training to meet the needs of more sophisticated and complex…

The higher education doctorate is a probable path to administrative advancement, but not a guarantee. Faculty may be skeptical of this credential unless it is combined with a doctorate in an academic discipline. However, it is likely that there will be an increase in higher education doctorates in the future. (Author/MSE)

From 1893 to 1960, the study of higher education evolved from an apprenticeship method to a professional field of study, with the expansion of administrative functions, progressive demand for change, and growth of junior colleges. The origins, programs, and purposes in the field have focused predominantly on administration. (MSE)

A national survey of 75 directors of doctoral programs in higher education found that program missions are greatly affected by their reputation, governance, and organizational structure. High-reputation programs are distinctive in a variety of ways. Less prestigious programs may be able to capitalize best on local and regional missions.…

If doctoral programs in higher education are to prepare practitioners for leadership in colleges and universities and scholars for the field of study, the future social roles of higher education institutions must be analyzed to determine the skills their leaders will need. A variety of program models may be useful. (MSE)

As professors of higher education become consultants, they must consider how consulting relationships develop, and the kinds and nature of the relationships. Six types of relationships are described and eight guidelines for creating and maintaining a professional relationship are presented. (MSE)

Research trends in the field of educational administration over the last decade are reviewed, and their relevance to the teaching and practice of college and university administration is discussed. It is concluded that there is value in the research, but better communication between the worlds of research and practice is needed. (MSE)

A variety of leadership and development programs for professionals in higher education administration are described. They include programs focusing on general administration, institutional advancement, admissions, student personnel services, and academic administration. The programs respond to the less traditional career paths of many of today's…

A survey indicates that declining resources, merging of programs, and loss of faculty positions characterize the changes in programs in higher education as a field of study and suggest an uncertain future. However, most programs see themselves as strong and programs that were prominent in the last decade remain so. (Author/MSE)

Patterns that emerged from reviewing 26 syllabi for courses on organization and administration in higher education are discussed, and six sample syllabi are presented. The syllabi focused more on organization than administration. Of the 26 syllabi, 19 dealt with organization and administration generally; 5 with administration in a specific…

This publication deals with two broad issues: (1) selection, equality, and reproduction of social hierarchies in higher education, and (2) development policies and the assessment of their effect on higher education. It contains the following 10 papers: "Ambitious Goals--Small Changes? On the Structure of Student Population in Finland in the…

Ways in which specific pieces of scholarship can be useful to college and university administrators, planners, and policymakers are discussed. Five journal articles and portions of books on research universities, strategy-making for complex organizations, leadership, collegiality, and institutional research are examined in relation to how they…

Patterns that emerged from reviewing 14 syllabi for courses on governance in higher education are discussed, and four sample syllabi are presented. These courses are offered as part of graduate level studies in the field of higher education. A definition of governance that emerged from the 14 syllabi might be that of a study of authority and power…

Patterns that emerged from reviewing four syllabi for courses on management information systems are discussed. These courses are offered as part of graduate level studies in the field of higher education administration. A proposed outline for a syllabus is also provided. Courses addressing the information requirements for colleges and universities…