Kristin Higgins
Department Head of Counseling, Leadership and Research Methods
100 Graduate Education Building
479-575-3329
kkhiggi@uark.edu

Michael Hevel
M.Ed. Program Coordinator
100 Graduate Education Building
479-575-4924
hevel@uark.edu

Degree Offered:

M.Ed. in Community College Leadership (CCLEME)

The Master of Education in Community College Leadership is an online 33-hour graduate program targeting individuals who work in community colleges and seek to build their content expertise and improve their career mobility. The overall goal of this program is to improve the preparation of community college employees that will correspondingly improve these institutions. The program is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and at least some experience working at a community college. Additionally, most students will bring a deep belief in the potential of community colleges to educate individuals and improve local communities.

Requirements for M.Ed. in Community College Leadership

Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet all requirements for admission to the University of Arkansas Graduate School, except the standardized test score requirement. In addition, applicants must have significant experiences with and preferably current employment at a community college. Applicants will be required to complete a Community College Leadership Program application form and submit two professional references, a résumé, and a statement of interest.

Program Requirements: In addition to completing 30 hours of coursework, all students in the Master of Education in Community College Leadership program are required to complete a written comprehensive examination. The examination will be embedded within CCLE 5103 Critical Issues in Community Colleges. Courses are offered online in an 8-week semester format, except in the summer.

Required Courses
CCLE 5003History of the Community College3
CCLE 5013Legal Issues in Community Colleges3
CCLE 5023Organization and Leadership in Community Colleges3
CCLE 5033Diversity and Inclusion in Community Colleges3
CCLE 5043Finance and Fiscal Management in Community Colleges3
CCLE 5053Students in Community Colleges3
CCLE 5063Teaching and Learning in Community Colleges3
CCLE 5073Workforce and Economic Development in Community Colleges3
CCLE 5083Research and Assessment of Community Colleges3
CCLE 5093Program Planning in Community Colleges3
Total Hours30

Courses

CCLE 5003. History of the Community College. 3 Hours.

The course examines the history and development of community colleges in the United States. Prerequisite: Admission into M.Ed. in Community College Leadership program or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

CCLE 5013. Legal Issues in Community Colleges. 3 Hours.

The course examines the legal issues facing community colleges in the United States, including: the rights and responsibilities of educators and students, fair employment; due process; torts liability and contracts; and federal and state legislation. Prerequisite: Admission into the M.Ed. program in community college leadership or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

CCLE 5023. Organization and Leadership in Community Colleges. 3 Hours.

The course applies the scholarship of organizations and leadership to community colleges in the United States, covering issues related to governance and policymaking, management, problem-solving, and personnel. Prerequisite: Admission into M.Ed. in Community College Leadership or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

CCLE 5033. Diversity and Inclusion in Community Colleges. 3 Hours.

The course focuses on the responsibilities of community college leaders to be multiculturally competent professionals who foster inclusive practices for diverse student populations. Prerequisite: Admission into M.Ed. in Community College Leadership or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

CCLE 5043. Finance and Fiscal Management in Community Colleges. 3 Hours.

The course provides an understanding of community college finance and budgeting practices. Prerequisite: Admission into M.Ed. in Community College Leadership program or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

CCLE 5053. Students in Community Colleges. 3 Hours.

The course provides an understanding of student populations in community colleges. Prerequisite: Admission into M.Ed. in Community College Leadership or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

CCLE 5063. Teaching and Learning in Community Colleges. 3 Hours.

The course examines instructional strategies and considers the diverse types of learning environments at community colleges. Prerequisite: Admission into M.Ed. in Community College Leadership or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

CCLE 5073. Workforce and Economic Development in Community Colleges. 3 Hours.

The course provides an overview of the role community colleges play in workforce, economic, and community development, including community-based partnerships, best practices in program development, and collaboration with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Prerequisite: Admission into M.Ed. in Community College Leadership or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

CCLE 5083. Research and Assessment of Community Colleges. 3 Hours.

The course provides an overview of research and assessment applicable to community colleges to inform strategic planning and data-driven decision-making. Prerequisite: Admission into M.Ed. in Community College Leadership or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

CCLE 5093. Program Planning in Community Colleges. 3 Hours.

The course introduces the process of program planning in community colleges, including various planning models used in academic settings and fundamental steps in the planning process. Prerequisite: Admission into M.Ed. in Community College Leadership or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

CCLE 5103. Critical Issues in Community Colleges. 3 Hours.

The course considers the pressing problems facing community colleges and strategies to maximize the potential of these institutions. Prerequisite: Admission into M.Ed. in Community College Leadership or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

CCLE 511V. Independent Study. 1-3 Hour.

Provides students with an opportunity to pursue special study in community college leadership. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.