MASTER’S PROGRAM IN STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
IN HIGHER EDUCATION
OPPORTUNITY
The Master of Education (MEd) in Student Development in
Higher Education prepares entry level professionals for
a variety of positions in student affairs in postsecondary
education in increasingly diverse and technologically advanced
colleges and universities. Master’s level academic
coursework provides solid theoretical and practical grounding
for understanding the student services profession in the
context of colleges and universities as complex organizations
including: student development, socio-cultural identity
differences/diversity, ethical professional practice, research,
and technological competence. The practical implications
of coursework are explored through class discussions of
application, internship experiences, and graduate assistantships
in a variety of campus offices.
The Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) degrees
allow proven students seeking a research-based masters
degree to complete a thesis in lieu of the Capstone Seminar. Students
may apply to transfer into the MA or MS program after completing
18 hours of coursework in the MEd program including EDS
510 and EDS 521. The application also requires a proposed
research focus and signatures of three faculty sponsors.
CONNECTION
Theory-to-Practice Internships provide the opportunity
for hands-on experience in a student affairs setting,
designed to provide a broad and in-depth perspective
of higher education administration. All students must
complete a minimum of one internship.
Intern opportunities are available in various offices on
the UMaine campus, in the community, and at other public
and private colleges and universities in areas such as
career development, student activities and community life,
admissions, residential life, student health, multi-cultural
programming, financial aid, tutoring and other student-centered
services and programs.
INVOLVEMENT
Students work collaboratively to enrich
their learning experiences and to promote their chosen
profession while making a meaningful contribution to
the campus and community. The Student Development Association
is an active organization that fosters professional growth
and national networking opportunities. For example, the
association and its members sponsor professional development
programs, attend professional conferences, and publish
in professional journals.
THE PROGRAM
The 39-credit hour graduate program centers around 21
hours of core courses emphasizing the latest theory,
contemporary issues and best practice in student development,
assessment and research. Twelve hours focus on individual
specialization, and six on assessment and research. All
students participate in a capstone seminar in student
affairs, which provides a culminating, integrating, research-based
experience.
The academic program encompasses all the components
of the CAS standards.
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT CORE – 21 hours
An area of emphasis specific to the student’s interests. Options include educational leadership, counseling, women’s studies, disability studies, and individualized areas that have been designed with the advisor, for example, around international programs, multiculturalism, athletics, theatre arts, and outdoor education.
The College of Education and Human Development provides
an option for a Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) providing
a cohesive program of professional development beyond the
master’s level for educational specialists. The program
of study is individually planned by the student and his or
her advisor. A minimum of 30 semester hours of work beyond
the master’s level is required to earn the C.A.S. 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. All work for the C.A.S. must be completed
within a six year period. A master’s degree in the
C.A.S. subject matter is required for admission to the program.
The program will typically include a concentration
of courses in the student’s area of interest and at
least two research courses.
