Economics and Finance of Higher Education – EDUC 664

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

This course is an introductory survey of financial and economic issues in higher education.  Students will learn about these issues in relation to three primary levels: students and families, institutions, and the postsecondary industry at large.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of financial and economic factors that affect individuals, colleges and universities, and the higher education environment. This course complements other courses about higher education because of the direct relationship between resources and delivery of education.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words, include at least 2 in-text citations with full references listed at the end of the post, and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the candidate is required to reply to at least 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words and include at least 1 in-text citation. Current APA format must be used for the thread and replies. (CLO: A, B, C)

Brief Papers (2)

The candidate will write a 1,000–1,200-word research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on designated topics related to economics and finance in higher education. The paper must include at least 3 references in addition to the Bible. (CLO: A, D)

Case Study: Institutional Profile

The candidate will identify a single institution to focus on for the Budget Spreadsheet and Poster Presentation. This profile is a 1–2-page overview with bulleted points about the primary features of the institution. Current APA style is required for this assignment, but the candidate is welcome to use creativity in presenting this information (narrative, bulleted list, infographic, etc.). (CLO: A, B, C)

Case Study: Budget Spreadsheet

The candidate will develop an Excel spreadsheet with 3-year trend data on a variety of key performance indicators and budget items showing the financial status of the institution selected for the Case Study: Institutional Profile earlier in the course. Special attention is focused on how the selected institution compares to other institutions across the state and nation. Current APA format is used, if necessary. (CLO: A, C)

Case Study: Poster Presentation

The candidate will prepare an oversized, single PowerPoint slide of sufficient dimensions that it could be actually printed later for presentation at a professional conference or for display at the candidate’s institution. A slide template will be provided for the candidate to use. At least 5 references and the Bible must be used, and current APA format must be used, where applicable. (CLO: A, B, C)

Quizzes (3)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned modules/weeks. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes; contain 15 true/false, multiple-choice, and multiple-answer questions; and have a 1-hour time limit. (CLO: C, E)