HESD 512. Bible in Ministry. (2 Credits)
This course acquaints students with the formative nature and power of Scripture. It explores the principles and practices of using Scripture in ministry through reading, study, devotion, and meditation in personal, small groups and teaching, and related ministries of the church.
HESD 514. Ministry in Culture. (4 Credits)
Explores foundational cultural issues from a Christian, socio-cultural perspective. Provides opportunities for students to cultivate theory and practice of ministry in the multicultural American society, as well as the Church around the world.
HESD 518. Research Methods. (2 Credits)
The course provides an overview of research and assessment methodologies. It intends to develop the students' ability to design, conduct, critique, and utilize research as an integral part of informed, reflective practice in higher education. All students in the course will propose and complete a research project in an area of student development.
HESD 521. Personal Spiritual Formation. (2 Credits)
An introduction to personal spiritual formation, including spiritual health and the practice of spiritual disciplines. Includes an off-site weekend retreat.
HESD 534. Care and Counsel in Ministry. (4 Credits)
An introduction to the basic concepts and skills involved in care and counsel within ministry contexts including an overview of the historic ministry of soul care, biblical foundations for care in ministry, major categories of human suffering, critical issues related to care in college and university contexts (e.g. Title IX) and rudimentary person-to-person helping skills. This course is designed to enable those in student development to help students understand and deal with contemporary issues-e.g., divorce, grief, suicide, conflict, etc.
HESD 546. Holistic Growth in College: An Integrated Approach. (2 Credits)
This course offers an overview of the various theories that explain college student development. The course focuses on higher education professionals' role in developing students by creating learning opportunities beyond the classroom, in all facets of the college experience. It also emphasizes the biblical view of learning as the pursuit of wisdom and its implications for student affairs work.
HESD 547. Philosophy of Ministry. (2 Credits)
This course helps students become more informed and effective ministers through the analysis of key ministry and educational philosophies. Provides a framework within which to formulate a biblically, theologically, and philosophically informed philosophy of ministry.
HESD 548. Law, Ethics, and Leadership in Higher Education. (4 Credits)
This course will focus on the character, organizational, and legal knowledge needed to lead effectively in higher education. Students will develop an understanding of ethical decision making and its application to relevant student life cases.
HESD 549. Theology and Philosophy of Ministry. (2 Credits)
This course focuses on the integration of the biblical, theological, philosophical, and practical aspects of relational ministry. Analyzing biblical principles and models of Christian discipleship, it helps students develop a comprehensive ministry philosophy that includes a theologically-informed worldview, aims for growing disciples, and methods that are consistent with Christian convictions. It encourages students to assess their personal life, calling, and vocational direction in light of these key ministry functions.
HESD 575. Conflict and Mediation. (4 Credits)
This course is designed to build a foundational understanding of the mediation process while simultaneously developing critical dispute resolution skills (active listening, problem solving, managing emotionally charged situations, and mediating disputes). Students will also reflect on how these conflict mediation methods align with their higher education roles and a biblical vision of conflict reconciliation.
HESD 595. Higher Education: Past, Present, and Future. (4 Credits)
Within a broader overview of higher education, the course presents the history, philosophy, and values of higher education and its role in educating the whole student. The course highlights the changing nature of the college student experience and the approaches to student support in the US and internationally. It examines current issues and new realities likely to shape the future of higher education.
HESD 602. Research and Reflective Practice. (4 Credits)
The course provides an overview of research and assessment methodologies. It intends to develop the students' ability to design, conduct, critique, and utilize research as an integral part of informed, reflective practice in higher education. All students in the course will propose and complete a research project in an area of student development.
HESD 608. Well-Being in Young Adults. (2 Credits)
This course introduces basic counseling knowledge and helping skills, which complement the educational and developmental aspects of student affairs work and help practitioners be more effective in their service. The course reinforces the collaborative role higher education professionals have in helping students develop holistically. Further, it addresses both higher education staff and students' well-being, including topics of self-care, resilience, and flourishing.
HESD 614. Diversity and Student Development: Building Communities of Shalom. (2 Credits)
This course elaborates on the awareness, knowledge, and skills higher education professionals need to create a climate of hospitality and belonging and enact policies and practices that are just, representative of, and responsive to the needs of all community members. It emphasizes student development staff's role in fostering kingdom diversity and unity by serving, developing, and discipling students of all backgrounds. Prerequisite: Newly proposed MML Common Ethos course 5XX: Cultural Engagement.
HESD 634. Well-Being in Higher Education. (4 Credits)
This course introduces basic counseling knowledge and helping skills, which complement the educational and developmental aspects of student affairs work and help practitioners be more effective in their service. The course reinforces the collaborative role higher education professionals have in helping students develop holistically. Further, it addresses both higher education staff and students' well-being, including topics of self-care, resilience, and flourishing.
HESD 636. Leadership in Higher Education. (2 Credits)
This course focuses on the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to lead diverse and multigenerational teams in higher education. Students review leadership and management theories, models, and lessons, evaluating them from a Biblical perspective and developing a personal philosophy of leadership. The course connects theory to practice through interviews with higher education leaders and case examples from the field.
HESD 639. Legal Issues in Higher Education. (2 Credits)
This course will provide an overview of the key legal issues affecting higher education and student affairs. Students will examine institutional decision making, policies, and practices through the lenses of legal compliance, mission integrity, fairness, and equity. Additionally, they will practice identifying legal challenges and proactive solutions to address them.
HESD 641. Emerging Adult Development. (4 Credits)
The course explores the developmental and cultural dynamics of the young adult years, including cognitive, moral, and faith development, values, psychosocial changes, and the role of higher education in supporting holistic growth. The course introduces the philosophy of emerging adult discipleship and its applications for identity development, character education, worldview construction, and spiritual formation.
HESD 692. Creative Project. (2 Credits)
Prerequisite: Department approval of student's Final Project proposal.
HESD 695. Independent Study. (1 to 4 Credits)
Guided reading and/or research in an area of specialization within the field of Higher Education and Student Development.
HESD 696. Professional Practice and Portfolio: Capstone. (2 Credits)
This capstone course helps students refine their vocational direction, enhance their competencies, and launch their professional journey. It directly connects theory with professional practice through a 150-hour practicum in an approved higher education setting under supervision. The course supports students in completing their professional portfolio, which exhibits evidence of their growth experienced throughout the program of study.
HESD 697. Research Project. (2 Credits)
Extending the quantitative analysis research completed in HESD 518, Research Methods, students will complete a research project, examining the literature that is aligned with the variables identified in the Research Methods class, culminating in a significant, final paper required for the Masters Degree in Higher Education and Student Development.
HESD 698. Applied Thesis. (2 Credits)
Prerequisite: Department approval of student's thesis proposal.