With the rapid expansion of higher education institutions and the ever increasing student enrolments in higher education institutions in Cambodia, the Department of Higher Education Studies was established to train students to gain a better grasp of the development of higher education systems, the current challenges facing higher education institutions at both institutional and national level, and how these constraints may be addressed. Various theoretical perspectives illustrated through empirical case studies from different contexts around the world will be examined to shed light on the issues and challenges faced by higher education institutions in Cambodia.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Students who choose this major and successfully complete the program are expected to be able to:

• describe various issues and constraints faced by higher education at institutional and national levels;
• demonstrate understanding of the development of higher education in the country and beyond;
• demonstrate understanding of theories and issues related to the organizational management, leadership and supervision in higher education;
• demonstrate understanding of theories that are related to capacity development of the faculty members, management of student affairs, and administrative work of the higher education institutions;
• critically analyze and interpret current research findings and make use of the findings for the institutional development;
• critically analyze institutional issues and strategically propose alternative solutions based on theories, practices and empirical findings;
• analyze and interpret documents of higher education legal instruments to be implemented at the institutional and national levels; and
• build character and moral performances to work professionally, creatively and collaboratively.
   

Vision

The D-HEDM's vision is to be the leading national center for research, training, and policy development in higher education management. We aim to cultivate a cohort of sophisticated, ethical, and innovative professionals capable of guiding Cambodian higher education institutions toward regional and international standards of excellence in governance, quality assurance, research, and institutional development.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Higher Education Development and Management is to:

1. Provide specialized graduate-level programs that equip future and current HEI leaders, managers, and policymakers with advanced theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and analytical tools necessary for effective higher education governance and administration.

2. Conduct relevant and critical research into the dynamics, challenges, and policy issues of the national higher education system, generating evidence-based findings to inform institutional practices and governmental reforms.

3. Offer consultancy and professional development services to public and private HEIs, helping them improve their strategic planning, quality assurance mechanisms, capacity building initiatives, and overall institutional effectiveness.

Goals

The primary goals of the Department of Higher Education Development and Management include:

• Producing Expert Graduates: To ensure that all graduates demonstrate a deep understanding of educational leadership, institutional management, and policy analysis specific to the higher education context.

• Driving Institutional Improvement: To actively contribute to the capacity development of faculty and administrative staff within Cambodian HEIs, helping them navigate complex issues like curriculum reform, quality accreditation, and internationalization.

• Generating Knowledge for Policy: To become a key contributor to national policy formulation by producing high-impact research and policy briefs that address critical issues and constraints faced by the higher education sector.

• Promoting Quality and Standards: To encourage and support HEIs in achieving and maintaining national and regional quality assurance standards through training, monitoring, and advisory services.