The Master of Education degree in Student Development in Higher Education prepares entry-level professionals for positions in postsecondary student affairs. The program provides solid theoretical and practical grounding for student services jobs in increasingly diverse and technologically advanced colleges and universities. Students come to understand institutions of higher learning as complex organizations, with classes focused on student development, socio-cultural identity differences/diversity, ethical professional practice, research, and technological competence. In addition, many students explore the practical implications of coursework through internships and graduate assistant positions in a variety of UMaine campus offices.
The 36-credit hour master's program is designed around guidelines established by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education, and consists of three major components:
- Student development in higher education core (18 credit hours) provides a base of knowledge about colleges and universities and student development as a field.
- Research core (6 credit hours) provides a basic understanding of assessment, research design and statistical methods for conducting and/or interpreting research.
- Individual concentration (12 credit hours) covers an area of emphasis specific to the student's interests. Options include: educational leadership; women's, sexuality or gender studies; and an individualized option.
Applicants to the MEd are encouraged to provide GRE scores if their undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.2.
The Educational Specialist (EdS) program is also offered and is individually planned by the student and his or her advisor. A minimum of 30 semester hours past a master's degree is required to earn the EdS. Candidates must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours in professional education coursework at the 500 and/or 600-level at the University of Maine. A master's degree in the EdS subject matter is required for admission.