Winter/Spring 2011 7

For a relatively young institution, Hilbert College has had a remarkable, transformative history. Now, the college is poised for its next formative step as the institution prepares for its first graduate programs designed to improve and, ultimately, to take the careers of many working professionals to a whole new level.

By Nicole Peradotto

In its rich history, Hilbert College has reached a number of significant educational milestones. From its 1957 founding as a teaching train-ing college for the Franciscan Sisters

of St. Joseph, it opened its doors to lay women in 1964 and lay men in 1969. In 1992, Hilbert launched its first bachelor degree programs.

Now, the college is poised to embark on the next stage of its evolution. Come this fall, for the first time Hilbert will offer graduate degree programs.

“The new graduate-level programs will broaden Hilbert’s identity while adhering to our core values,” says Hilbert President Cynthia Zane, Ed.D. “Students being at the center of what we do at Hilbert guid-ed this important decision. The college’s graduate programs are built on the very same Franciscan principles Hilbert was founded on and are being applied to a new constituency of students.”

Hilbert is launching two master’s degree programs: one leading to a master of sci-ence in criminal justice administration (MSCJA) and the other culminating in a master of public administration (MPA), making it, at present, the only master-level program of its kind in Western New York. Within each 18-month program, it’s expected the first class will number between 12-15 students and grow to a maximum of 25 in five years.

Faculty and administrators expect both 36-credit hour degree tracks, which will

be taught by doctorally-prepared faculty, will attract professionals seeking advance-ment within their field, as well as tradi-tional students, especially Hilbert alum-ni. Graduates will be equipped for mid- and upper-level administrative positions in a myriad of criminal justice agencies, including law enforcement, courts and corrections, and government and non-profit agencies.

With the New York State Education Department having approved both pro-grams this month, college stakeholders eagerly anticipate taking their part in an initiative that capitalizes on Hilbert’s exist-ing strengths as it prepares graduates for promising careers in WNY and beyond.

“This move reinforces Hilbert’s presence in the community as a provider of a qual-ity education and demonstrates that we have well-credentialed faculty prepared to teach at the undergraduate and graduate level,” says Christopher Holoman, Ph.D.,

provost and vice president for academic affairs, who headed the Graduate Program Task Force.

Together, graduate students in both programs will complete 15 credit hours of core courses before they branch off into advanced courses in their respective disciplines.

“The core curriculum that’s been devel-oped,” says Holoman, “will provide com-mon academic experiences for students in each program, creating a shared knowl-edge base that will provide a richer inter-disciplinary educational experience and allow students to build skills that will be readily applicable in their professional field. Using this integrated approach, the five core courses are designed to ensure a foundational understanding of organiza-tional management, finance and budget-ing, statistics, program planning, and poli-tics and policy analysis.”

All students also will complete a cap-

stone course in their program of study that will integrate classroom learning and concepts learned throughout the curricu-lum that will culminate with a research project.

Michael Degnan, Ph.D., chairperson of the Arts and Sciences Division and pro-fessor of English, who served on the task force, says: “While there were several com-pelling reasons for launching these pro-grams, through the years, we heard from a number of graduating students who expressed strong interest in continuing their graduate-level studies at Hilbert.”

As the programs get underway, task force member Martin Floss, Ph.D., has been named chair of the MSCJA program. The college’s graduate programming will “take Hilbert to a new level,” Floss asserts.

“This involves higher expectations and a rigorous academic program,” says Floss, professor of criminal justice and most recently director of the Hilbert Institute

for Law and Justice. “The program will pay off several-fold for our students as it will position them to be exceptionally well prepared for more opportunities in the workplace.”

A Strategic Move

Several years of intense prepa-ration brought Hilbert to this point. The college’s graduate degree programs emerged out of Destination 2012, Hilbert’s five-

year strategic plan. The plan’s academic programming goals called for a feasibility study for graduate education to be com-pleted in 2009 followed by a decision on implementation.

To that end, the task force undertook an exhaustive internal audit to deter-mine whether the college was fully equipped to offer graduate degree pro-grams. Examining all aspects of Hilbert—its infrastructure, facilities, technological

Graduate Program

Task Force: (left to right)

Dr. Martin Floss. Dr. Carol Nowak Dr. Ron Eskew Dr. Christopher Holoman Dr. Michael Degnan Edward Qualey (task force advisor) Dr. Yvonne Downes (shown on page 6)

Graduate Programs Mark a

6 Hilbert Connections

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“We have been successful over the past few decades attracting and retaining very dedicated undergraduates. Part of the reason we can do that is because of the wonderful environment we have here. We build strong bonds. With the graduate programs,we will retain that sense of connection.”

~ Dr. Yvonne Downes

New Era

8 Hilbert Connections

capabilities, faculty and staff—they deter-mined that the college was, indeed, ready to move forward.

“The timing was right,” says Carol Nowak, Ph.D., associate professor of psy-chology and a task force member. “This is a natural progression for us. With our strong undergraduate programs and from an organizational point of view, it was in the stars for graduate degrees to be added.”

Determining which programs the col-lege would offer was the next step for task force members. While they consid-ered several different options, ultimately, they concluded that the MSCJA and the MPA programs aligned with the college’s strengths and its mission.

“These two programs rose to the top because of our existing expertise in these areas,” says Zane. “We have tremen-dous expertise in criminal justice”—the college’s largest division—“and related

strengths in areas in public administra-tion. We felt strongly that we have the infrastructure to launch these graduate programs. In addition, the faculty have wonderful networks in Western New York to support our students in these fields.”

Throughout the process, Holoman says, a key mandate for the task force was to consider only those programs that trans-lated to solid, stable careers.

“In this case, the statistics are rather clear that there will not only be a demand for jobs in these areas, but the demand will grow in years to come,” says Holoman, adding that an advanced degree is high-ly desirable for career advancement in the fields targeted by the graduate programs.

According to independent research con-ducted for Hilbert by Hanover Research Council, 505 criminal justice administra-tion-related degrees were conferred at the master’s level statewide in 2009, while an average of 6,950 job openings are project-

ed to be available annually in New York through growth and replacement.

Within the criminal justice field, a grow-ing number of employers expect job can-didates to hold advanced degrees, says long-time Hilbert faculty member Edward Qualey.

“Roughly 50 years ago, a college degree wasn’t required, except in the FBI,” says Qualey, chairperson of the Criminal Justice/Forensic Science Division and associate professor of criminal justice. “But over the years, that’s changed. Many fields in criminal justice require a degree just for you to sit down and take a (quali-fying) test. Many positions at the federal level look for master’s degrees. And the reality is when you get into the police acad-emy, almost everyone has a college degree. Hilbert’s criminal justice administration program is a good fit for those in the workforce who need more credentialing and experience.”

In the MSCJA program, criminal law and courts, penology and causes of crime are among the focus areas for the 21 cred-it hours of degree specific courses, all of which cover essential advanced concepts in criminal justice.

As for Hilbert’s MPA, “it’s a very popular degree in other parts of the country,” Holoman says, “and it’s increasingly seen as a valuable alternative to other types of degrees, whether an MBA or a law degree. This is a multidisciplinary degree that combines the best of those degrees for mid- and upper-level managers in a wide range of institutions.”

Employment prospects are bright for MPA graduates. Hanover’s research revealed that in 2009, 1,758 public administration-related degrees were conferred at the bach-elor’s and master’s levels, while an annual average of 5,206 job openings are projected for individuals with those degrees statewide.

Locally, WNY is home to an abundance of governmental agencies and not-for-

profit organizations, and many face chal-lenges staffing positions created by the retirement of baby boomers. MPA degree recipients will be poised to fill these vacancies or, in the case of mid-career professionals, advance within their own organizations. And in both circumstanc-es, graduates will have the skills to han-dle the increasingly complex budget-ing, strategic planning and governmen-tal oversight that are often part of the job description.

“The core curriculum that’s been developed will provide common academic experiences for students in each program, creating a shared knowledge base that will provide a richer interdisciplinary educa-tional experience and allow students to build skills that will be readily applicable in their professional field.”

~ Dr. Christopher Holoman

Length of Programs18 months

Academic Schedule • Each course lasts five weeks

• One course at a time • Classes meet Wednesdays

and Saturdays • One week break between classes

• Accelerated cohort format

Projected Enrollment12-15 students in each program

in 2011-12

Credit Hours36 credit hours, including 15 credit

hours of core courses

Minimum Required GPA 3.0

GRE RequirementNone

The major components of the MPA cur-riculum cover state and local government functions, court administration, values and ethics and a concentration of study in management as it relates to nonprofit, gov-ernmental and law-related organizations.

“The MPA is suitable for Hilbert in so many ways,” says task force member Yvonne Downes, Ph.D., professor of crim-inal justice. “Hilbert is a service-oriented institution, so we strongly support the idea of being of service to people. The MPA is designed to help people move up in a vari-ety of agencies. It allows them to be better prepared to serve in many fields.”

A Cohort Model

Within their respective dis-ciplines, Hilbert’s gradu-ate programs feature sev-eral unique and enriching characteristics.

Unlike a traditional learning model, the MSCJA and the MPA programs are orga-nized in an accelerated cohort format. Over 18 months, each class of students advances through the program together, taking a specified set of courses as a group through to degree conferral. Research has found this type of structure encourages in-class participation, cohesion among class-mates and student retention.

“The cohort model allows students to build relationships with classmates, to work together as a team and to have a good understanding of the material in a team environment,” says Holoman.

To that end, course schedules have been tailored with the working profes-sional in mind. Each term lasts five weeks and consists of one course that meets on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays. Between each five-week cycle, students have one week off.

“This academic schedule allows adult students to plan their lives,” Zane says. “Rather than going into a program where

one semester you have class on Monday and the next you have class on Tuesday, you know the days you’ll have class for the next 18 months, so you can organize your work and home life accordingly.”

Both programs have been designed to qualify for accreditation from the rele-vant accrediting bodies – the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) in the case of the MPA, and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences for the MSCJA.

“What we’re hoping is that after a cou-ple of classes complete the programs, we can apply for national accreditation,” Degnan says. “Right from the start of the programs, we are aiming high.”

The curriculum also aims, from the start, to hone students’ research skills.

Milestones in Hilbert’s History

2005

Immaculata College is founded. Paczesny Hall,

new academicbuilding, and William E. Swan Auditorium open.

Hilbert begins offering

bachelor-level degrees.

Hilbert’s first graduate programs launched.

$2 million Title III grant received

aimed at bolstering student success.

Enrollment tops 1,000 for the first time.

Lay women admitted.

Institution officially becomes known as Hilbert College.First admittance of lay men.

Bogel Hall, college’s original academic building, and McGrath Library open.

1957 20061992 2011

2008

2003

1964

1969

1969

“What we’re hoping is that after a couple of classes complete the programs, we can apply for national accreditation right from the start of the programs, we are aiming high.”

~ Dr. Michael Degnan

Winter/Spring 2011 9

Graduate Programs At a Glance

1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2010 2015

Graduate Programs SnapshotMSCJAMaster of Science in Criminal Justice Administration Hilbert College’s MSCJA program is designed

to examine the nature and causes of crime in

society. A multidisciplinary approach is used

to examine how society and criminal justice

agencies should best respond to issues of

crime, delinquency and social control. This

academic program is practically based by pro-

viding students with skills in research, plan-

ning, management, as well as budgeting and

finance that can be applied within the context

of the criminal justice system.

Student PopulationThe MSCJA is targeted to mid-career adult

learners, and also will appeal to Hilbert stu-

dents who are currently enrolled in, or recent-

ly completed, a bachelor’s degree program.

Career ObjectivesGraduates will be prepared for leadership

positions in criminal justice and related agen-

cies, teaching at the community college level,

and continuing their education at the doctoral

level.

Curriculum

The program consists of 36 credit hours of

graduate study which comply with the stan-

dards of the American Criminal Justice

Science for graduate program. The initial 15

credit hours constitute a common core curric-

ulum that is shared with the MPA program.

Sampling of Courses • Criminal Law and Courts

• Nature and Causes of Crime

• Policing in Contemporary Society

MSCJA Informationmasterscriminaljustice@hilbert.edu

MPAMaster of Public Administration Master of Public Administration (MPA)

The MPA program at Hilbert College is

intended to provide the credentials and skills

necessary for promotion into managerial

positions in nonprofit, governmental and

law-related organizations. Currently, this is

the only master-level program of its kind in

Western New York. It is designed for mid-

career professionals and will allow students

to attain the necessary skills in an integrated

curriculum that also draws on their current

work environment.

Student PopulationThe MPA program is targeted to individuals

who have professional working experience

and/or those who are currently employed pro-

fessionals or paraprofessionals intending to

move into managerial positions in their field.

Career ObjectivesGraduates will be qualified and prepared for

middle and upper management positions in

a wide variety of public service fields and in

all levels of government (federal, state, local,

and regional), nonprofits organizations, inter-

national arena, and the private sector.

Curriculum The program consists of 36 credit hours

of graduate study that comply with the

standards of the National Association of

Schools of Public Affairs and Administration

(NASPAA). Of the total 36 credit hours, the

initial 15 constitute a common core curricu-

lum that is shared with the MSCJA program.

Sampling of Courses • Court Administration and Processes

• Financial Resource Development

• Marketing and Public Relations for Not for

Profits

MPA Informationmasterspublicadministration@hilbert.edu

10 Hilbert Connections

Unlike many master’s programs in which students devote their final semester to an independent research project, Hilbert’s master’s candidates will work on their project throughout the program.

“This is a research-oriented curriculum,” explains Nowak. “It starts from the moment students walk through the door and finishes with a capstone course. At the end they will have put together a very comprehen-sive research project.”

Research projects will likely explore different aspects of program planning and evaluation. They may be a student initiative developed during an internship at a pub-lic agency or in the workplace. A student in the MSCJA program could, for example, launch an after-school program for at-risk youth or evaluate policy change within an organization, such as how the shift from two-officer police patrol units to one impacts a police department.

“Throughout the curriculum they will be advancing their research project,” Floss says. “They’ll be reviewing the literature on organizational change, exploring research

methods writing and working on their research proposal. Our students—all of them—will be working on changing and improving agencies and people’s lives.”

Supporting Students at Every Step

For all of the programs’ demands, graduate students can expect to receive Hilbert’s trademark sup-port and guidance every step of the way.

An information literacy initiative has been woven into each program to ensure that students possess up-to-date research skills. Hours at Hilbert’s McGrath Library will be extended on Wednesdays to accommodate graduate students, and the library is expanding its holding of books, journals and other resources essential to academic success at the master’s-degree level. Evening academic support will be offered to students seeking to bolster their math or writing skills.

“It’s always been the tradition at Hilbert to support students, and that’s going to extend to the graduate level,” says Nowak. “Many graduate students will likely be

returning to college after years in the workforce and may need additional sup-port to meet the demands that come with being a student again. At Hilbert, we want to be sure that every student receives that support in order to be suc-cessful in their studies.”

It’s true that graduate students have to stay on top of things and make sure they’re doing their work, but we want to make sure that every student receives the support needed to be successful in their studies.”

Adds Downes: “We have been suc-

“The program will pay off several-fold for our students as it will position them to be exceptionally well prepared for more opportunities in the workplace.”

~ Dr. Martin Floss Winter/Spring 2011 11

Applications and Information

Online applications available at:

www.hilbert.edu

Applications and Information

“Our students—all of them—will be working on changing and improving agencies

and people’s lives.”

cessful over the past few decades attract-ing and retaining very creative, very ded-icated undergraduates. Part of the reason we can do that is because of the wonder-ful environment we have here. We build strong bonds. With the graduate program, we will retain that sense of connection.”

As the college prepares to receive its first graduate degree applications, Hilbert’s fac-ulty and staff stress that undergraduate edu-cation will remain central to the college’s mission.

“Our undergraduates are the heart and soul of Hilbert. Having this additional graduate student population on campus will be exciting and enhance the over-all student experience at the college,” Holoman says.

“The engaging cohort curriculum and integration of core and graduate course-work tracks will all be vital to the devel-opment of our students’ knowledge and professional skills,” he adds. “With this cohesive educational environment, we’re preparing students to go on to the next step in their careers and to bring a higher level expertise to their organizations.” HC