The MA in Higher Education and Learning Organizations Leadership — known as HELO — is a two-year program that prepares students for higher education administrative positions in areas such as student affairs and athletics. It also attracts students who work in or wish to start up new educational organizations. “We want these diverse groups of people to dialogue with each other, connecting higher education and community organizations,” says Jason Fitzgerald, professor and chair of education. [Update: For fall 2019, the HELO program is no longer accepting applicants.]
The MS in adolescent education/special education was revised to run as a one-year cohort program, and its price was dropped from $38,000 to $15,000. Its first class of 11 students enrolled this summer. These highly qualified candidates earned their bachelor's degrees at Wagner, Iona, the College of Staten Island, and the University at Buffalo.
Besides taking coursework, these students spend a year in a clinical internship with a master teacher. This year, the Wagner students were placed with teachers at Port Richmond High School.
“This program leverages our work at Port Richmond High School and creates a rigorous teacher education program, working with our community partners,” says Fitzgerald.
The Wagner students also gain professional tutoring experience at Staten Island Academy, another school where Wagner has an ongoing partnership.
Finally, these master's students will demonstrate their knowledge of theory and practice in a rigorous qualifying examination at the end of the program.
