HIGHER

EDUCATION
C

In the United States

What is Higher Education?

The short definition of higher education is a university level education.
It can also apply to education received at a community colleges.
The most common terms heard when talking about higher education are a
bachelors degree, a masters degree, and a doctorate.
Plays a vital role in the preservation of free societies.
Principle center for the discovery and publication of new ideas.
This institution can operate on a continuum from public to private classification.
Public get their authority from the state government.
Private dont get their authority from the state but they do follow minimal state
regulation

History of Higher Education

The first higher education institution in the US was founded in 1636 by the
Massachusetts Legislature
Known today as Harvard University
Previously known as New College or the college at New Towne

How is Higher Education Perceived?

Many believe that conventional higher education delivery systems have created an
educational caste structure

Conflict Theory Analysis

Create and sustain inequity in society by creating a false consciousness.
This causes students to internalize their lower status
Students also may buy into the myth that they have failed through a lack of merit
rather than a lack of opportunity

Functionalist Theory Analysis

Changes to/in Higher Education

Educators felt that they need to enlist the help of youth in the decision-making
process of higher education institutions.
Students are more involved in deciding their own education.
Students are allowed to do more within the community due to the new youth
movement.
Midwest college, first of many, added an interim term which happened every
January each academic year.
This is normally known as Winter semester/ Winter term/ Winter quarter.

Causes of Change in Higher

Education & Other Institutions
Students have become more liberal than before.
This has caused students to stand up for change in their institutions.
This was known as the new youth movement.
Professionalization of State Legislatures.
Legislative membership has changed from a part time job, that was seen as
secondary, to a full time job for most.

Causes of Change in Higher

Education & Other Institutions
The political process is changing.
Political party affiliation can no longer guarantee the reelection of a legislator
The political party apparatus no longer acts as a patron to the legislators by
providing necessary campaign funds and votes

Causes of Change in Higher

Education & Other Institutions
Changes in the Role of the States.
Reagans New Federalism causes the federal government to give block grants to
the states.
The Baker v. Carr Supreme Court case in 1962 reached a decision to enforce the
concept of one-person, one-vote in state politics.

What Can be Improved?

A major problem with higher education is time and distance.
The time a class occurs and the distance an individual lives from campus
prevents many individuals from attending college.
Budget cuts in public higher education pose an extreme problem within the
institution.
This can cause students to miss out on incredible opportunities.
By reducing budget cuts it would be an investment into a students future.

Who does Higher Education Work for

and Who are the Major Participants?
Due to the perceived caste structure it is believed that higher education works at
its best for those who are economically, geographically, or socially privileged.
Older, non-traditional students have a disadvantage due to work and family
responsibilities interfering with the time of classes.

Works Cited
Chua, C. (2004). Perception of Quality in Higher Education.
Ehrenberg, R. G. (n.d.). American Higher Education in Transition.
Geiger, R. L. (2014). History of American higher education: Learning and culture from the
founding to world war ii.
Higher Education. (n.d.). Retrieved July 25, 2016, from
http://www.wg.aegee.org/ewg/higheredu.htm
Kirst, M. W., & Stevens, M. L. (n.d.). Remaking college: The changing ecology of higher
education.
Martin, W. B. (1969). Conformity: Standards and change in higher education. San Francisco:
Jossey-Bass.
higher education requires the founding of a new institution of learning. Commentary, (2), 27.

Works Cited
Mauch, J. E., & Sabloff, P. L. (1995). Reform and change in higher education:
International perspectives. New York: Garland Pub.
Thwing, C. F. (1906). A history of higher education in America. New York: D. Appleton.
Treadgold, W. (2016). The university we need: reforming higher education requires
the founding of a new institution of learning. Commentary, (2), 27.
Van Dusen, G. C. (1997). The virtual campus: Technology and reform in higher
education. Washington, D.C.: George Washington University, Graduate School of
Education

and Human Development.