Fieldwork is an exciting time for Higher Education candidates! This is the opportunity when theory is put into practice in a higher education context working directly with diverse college or university students. The program is carefully designed to provide preparation and support to help candidates find fieldwork placements that align with their goals and will help them prepare for a successful career in higher education. Additional information about fieldwork can be found under the Fieldwork Requirements tab.

For complete information about Higher Education Fieldwork, refer to the Higher Education Handbook.

In the fieldwork experience for the Masters in Higher Education program, Candidates have two distinct options:

Option 1: Apprenticeship

Candidates are paired with a Mentor who is actively serving in the specific Concentration area the Candidate is pursuing. This option allows for hands-on learning through close mentorship, where Candidates engage in practical work aligned with their professional goals.

As part of the apprenticeship, Candidates will be required to:

• Meet with their Mentor over zoom throughout the semester
• Complete a portfolio and various assignments in Canvas. These assignments are designed to reflect on their experience, document their progress, and demonstrate their understanding of key concepts, skills, and competencies in their field.

Hour requirement breakdown:

• 13 one-on-one mentor sessions (13-hours)
• Weekly fieldwork activities via assignments and portfolio development (7-hours per week = 112 hours)
• Total hours per semester = 125 hours

Option 2: Internship

Candidates opting for the internship must independently secure their internship placement and complete a total of 250 hours (125 hours per semester) under the supervision of an Internship Supervisor. This option provides flexibility for those who prefer a broader or self-driven approach to fieldwork. Unlike the apprenticeship, there are no required assignments or portfolio components for those choosing the internship route. However, Candidates may choose to opt-in to complete the portfolio and assignments if they wish to further document their internship experience and receive additional academic guidance.

Hour requirement breakdown:

• Total hours completed in internship per semester = 125 hours

Both options provide robust opportunities for real-world experience in higher education, allowing Candidates to develop the professional competencies required for success in their chosen fields.