Frequently Asked Questions about Practicum:

Do I have to take the practicum course if I already have experience in higher education administration?

If a student has three or more continuous years of full-time higher education administration experience in the field, he/she may petition to have the practicum requirement waived.  To be considered for a waiver, students must complete a Practicum Waiver Form at the point of entry into the Administration of Higher Education Program; waiver forms will be reviewed by program faculty.  Students should discuss their work history with a faculty advisor prior to filling out the Practicum Waiver Form.  Overall, the practicum experience is strongly encouraged to gain firsthand experience on the inner operations of an existing office, to experience the development and ownership of one or more projects, to test potential career interests, and to develop self-confidence as a future administrator. back to top^

If the practicum experience is waived, do I have to substitute the credits with other courses?

Yes, if the practicum is waived with the consent of the program director, two additional classes must be taken to fulfill the six-credit requirement. 

back to top^

Am I required to do the practicum at one site over both semesters, or can I work at a separate site each semester?

Students are allowed to choose whether they want to stay at the same site for both semesters or intern at two separate sites.

back to top^

Can I use my current place of employment as a practicum experience?

Students may not use their current place of employment (office/department) in fulfillment of the practicum requirement.  Based on approval from their practicum supervisor, they may, however, work at their current institution provided the practicum experience is an office/department in which they do not currently work (or have not worked in the past).  In general, students are strongly encouraged to obtain a practicum placement both outside their current functional area and outside of the institution at which they work. Obtaining a practicum outside the current place of employment (a) ensures students have broad exposure to multiple functional areas outside of their own work; (b) eliminates the risk of role conflict and ambiguity, which can often be introduced into the work environment when there is an unclear distinction between practicum-related work and the work for which one is currently being evaluated and paid; and (c) provides the kind of objective supervision experience that comes with working in a new setting under a new supervisor. back to top^