Frequently Asked Questions about Practicum:

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

If you have three or more continuous years of significant, full-time higher education administration experience in the field, the practicum requirement may be waived with the consent of the instructor. The practicum 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. Please discuss your work history with a faculty advisor.

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. 

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.

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

A student may not use his or her current employment in fulfillment of the practicum requirement. However, a student may engage in a practicum placement in the same office/organization where he or she is employed as long as the practicum duties are vastly different from employment obligations (based on approval of the practicum instructor).