Library: MA in Higher Education Administration & Student Affairs (HEASA) Research Guide: EHA691 Capstone Project

Getting Started

Use the links below to find theses written by other graduate students, as well as samples and examples of guidelines for white papers and portfolios.

For help with searching or accessing articles, journals, etc. contact Sarah Burns Feyl, Head of Teaching & Learning Services.
For help with EndNote, refer to our EndNote Guide

Finding Theses & Dissertations

Dissertations & Theses @ Pace University This link opens in a new window
Doctoral dissertations submitted by Pace University students since 1976. Full text available from 1997 onward.
Dissertations and Theses Global This link opens in a new window
Dissertations and theses from the U.S. and Canada.
Any dissertation that is not available fulltext can be requested by current Pace University students, faculty and staff through Interlibrary Loan. In some cases, a fee may be required. For details, see http://libguides.pace.edu/c.php?g=63893&p=410310

NOTE: When searching the "Dissertations & Theses Global" database, you can limit your search to theses and dissertations with the Subject of "higher education administration" or just "higher education"

Getting copies of non-Pace Theses and Dissertations:

Current Pace University students, faculty and staff can request copies of dissertations through Interlibrary loan. If we cannot find an institution willing to loan, you may opt to to purchase a dissertation through Pace University. The cost is $33 for an unbound shrinkwrapped paper copy or $31 for a pdf download. You can purchase dissertations directly also. Unbound copies of many dissertations are available for purchase through Dissertation Express for a fee of $39 for unbound and $38 for pdf (choose the first option of "Dissertation Express for ordering".

ILLiad: Interlibrary Loan

For help with ILL requests or to purchase a thesis, contact the ILL department:

New York:
(212) 346-1734
ill_ny@pace.edu

Pleasantville:
(914) 773-3853
ill_plv@pace.edu

Other sources of theses and dissertations:

Culminating Projects in Higher Ed Admin (St. Cloud State University)

White Papers

White Papers - How to Write:

White Papers (Purdue OWL)
Be sure to use the navigation links on the left to view "Organization and Other Tips" and a PowerPoint slide deck with instruction on white papers.
White Papers: the Genre and Its Expectations (Purdue OWL)
A slightly different slide deck with an overview of the white paper genre (2012).
Writing a White Paper (Univ. of Arizona Global Campus)
Basic overview of the structure of a white paper.
White Paper FAQ (That White Paper Guy)
From Gordon Graham, a white paper expert.

White Papers - Examples from other institutions and corporate settings:

White Paper Genre Examples (Baruch)
Three sample white papers shared with an ENG4950 course at Baruch.
Academic Futures White Papers (Univ. of Colorado, Boulder)
In 2017 the Univ. of Colorado undertook a strategic planning process and community conversation to move the university forward. These white papers were part of that process.
Global Research Institute Policy White Papers (William & Mary)
Archive of white papers back to 2008.
Ed Tech White Papers from Anthology
Anthology is an ed-tech consulting firm. At this site they share their research. They say "Our white papers consist of nationwide in-depth data studies involving student engagement, course evaluations, institutional effectiveness, noncognitive skills and beyond."
Web Design White Papers from mStoner, Inc.
mStoner, Inc. is a web design consulting firm that works with higher ed institutions. They are their white papers for free on their website.
Samples from That White Paper Guy
A handful of sample white papers from Gordon Graham.

Portfolios

Sample portfolio guidelines from other institutions:

MA Portfolio Guidelines (Morgan State)
Portfolio Guidelines for candidates in the MA in Higher Ed Admin program at Morgan State University.
William Paterson University
During the capstone course for all concentrations, students carry out a research project in a higher education workplace setting which allows them to demonstrate the practical application of higher education administration theory. Students will also develop a professional e-portfolio aligned with the Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Practitioners developed by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA): https://www.naspa.org/images/uploads/main/ACPA_NASPA_Professional_Competencies_FINAL.pdf
Learning Portfolio Requirements (Florida Gulf Coast University)
Guidelines for degree candidates in the MA program at FGCU. Unique to their guidelines are the essays: "At the heart of the portfolio are essays that pertain to each of the standards established for MA students who have a focus in higher education administration."

MA in Higher Education Administration & Student Affairs (HEASA) Research Guide

The Literature Review

APA Style

Getting Started

Finding Theses & Dissertations

White Papers

Portfolios