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The highly ranked Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–Student Affairs Concentration, Ph.D. program offers a dynamic pathway for aspiring scholar-practitioners to lead transformational change in higher education. With a focus on social justice, diversity and rigorous research, students delve into advanced coursework and engage in mentorship opportunities with experienced faculty. Through personalized concentrations and teaching experiences, graduates emerge equipped to address complex issues in student development, administration and policy, making meaningful contributions to transform education for good.

As a nationally recognized graduate program, the Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–Higher Education Concentration, Ph.D. program is designed to address the critical importance of higher education. Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge, fostering critical thinking and promoting social mobility. Through a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experience, students delve into the complex issues facing colleges and universities, such as access, equity, diversity, organizational change and leadership. By preparing students for faculty positions, leadership roles in higher education administration, and policy analysis, this program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to transform education for good. Focus areas include: -Policy and Finance -������Ů and Student Experiences -Leadership and Organization -Academic Professions

The highly ranked Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–International Education Policy Concentration, M.A. program is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for an interdisciplinary understanding of today's educational policy and practice. We examine the relationship of education to economic, political, and social development in both developing and developed countries at local, national, regional, and global levels. If you're a forward-thinker eager to tackle complex challenges, collaborate with diverse communities, and drive positive social impact, then our program may be a great fit. Connect with a passionate group of faculty, staff, students, and alumni as you work to better yourself and transform education for good.

The Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–Student Affairs Concentration, Master of Education program underscores the vital role of student affairs professionals in shaping inclusive, supportive campus environments that foster academic achievement, personal growth and social justice. Through the curriculum, students come to understand the complexity, challenges and inequities that are endemic throughout student affairs and higher education. This is a rigorous program, driven by research and scholarship. We don’t stop at “what’s wrong.” We encourage students to envision how the world could be different, and push for change where it’s needed. The M.Ed. program does not require a thesis. Instead, it has options for a seminar paper or a seminar project. We also offer an M.A. version of this program with a thesis option.

Ranked as one of the best in the nation, the Human Development, Master of Arts (M.A.) program equips students with foundational knowledge and advanced research skills essential for admission to top-tier doctoral programs or employment in diverse academic and professional settings. Studying Human Development is crucial to shaping effective educational policies, mental health services, and positive developmental outcomes. The ideal student is passionate about advancing knowledge in human development and making meaningful contributions in academic, applied, and professional settings.

Ranked as one of the best in the nation, the Human Development, Master of Education program equips students with foundational knowledge and advanced research skills essential for admission to top-tier doctoral programs or employment in diverse academic and professional settings. The ideal student is passionate about advancing knowledge in human development and making meaningful contributions in academic, applied and professional settings, and to shaping effective educational policies, mental health services and positive developmental outcomes.

The highly ranked Human Development, Ph.D. program focuses on preparing students for research careers in educational psychology and developmental science. Emphasizing the importance of understanding human development across the lifespan, it addresses critical issues such as cognitive and emotional growth, social relationships and educational practices. Students engage in rigorous research, learn diverse methodologies, and participate in professional development seminars. This program is ideal for those passionate about advancing knowledge in human development and education, and who are eager to collaborate with a diverse, scholarly community. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in academia, research, public policy and related fields.

The material covered in the Quantitative Methodology: Measurement and Statistics, Master of Science (M.S.) program is crucial in today's data-driven world, where the ability to analyze and interpret data is in demand across many industries. Ideal for individuals with a passion for research and a strong aptitude for mathematics, this program attracts students who are analytical, detail-oriented, and critical thinkers. Students in this program learn to harness the power of quantitative methods to address pressing issues and challenges in fields such as education, healthcare, finance and public policy.

By focusing on generating and disseminating new knowledge in quantitative methodology, the highly ranked, research-oriented Quantitative Methodology: Measurement and Statistics, Ph.D. program prepares students for impactful careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies and industry, where the ability to analyze and interpret data is in high demand. Through a customizable curriculum and interdisciplinary opportunities, students engage in scholarly research activities, hone teaching skills, and collaborate on diverse projects. Ideal candidates possess strong quantitative abilities and a passion for advancing the field through original research and effective communication of findings.

By equipping passionate educators and school counselors in training with the necessary skills to transform schools through their leadership, advocacy, equity, and data-driven interventions, the School Counseling, Master of Education (M.Ed.) program trains individuals to close opportunity gaps and promote inclusive educational opportunities. School counselors are unique professionals within the school building who collaborate with stakeholders to develop interventions that target academic, personal/social and college/career needs in schools. They play a vital role in shaping a future in which all students have equitable access to a quality education and the support they need to thrive. This is a cohort model program, meaning students are accepted into a cohort group and take all of their classes together in a sequence.

The highly ranked School Psychology Ph.D. program prepares individuals to tackle the numerous mental health, academic, and social challenges faced by students. Our faculty bring diverse expertise in areas such as emotions in education, bullying prevention and cultural resilience. They mentor students in rigorous research methodologies and evidence-based practices, preparing them to excel in academia, research institutions, and clinical settings dedicated to improving educational outcomes and mental health services for students and schools.

Note: This program is not currently accepting applications. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, Specialty: Early Childhood Birth to Age 5, Shady Grove (MSPEC) is a 30-credit, 10-course curriculum that addresses the developmental and learning needs of our youngest ages birth-5. Graduate work addresses the developmental and learning needs of our youngest ages birth-5 including those with physical, sensory (e.g., deaf-blindness, cortical visual impairment, etc.), and multiple disabilities. The program focuses on providing the graduate student the knowledge, skills and abilities that support efforts to achieve equitable developmental and academic achievement for all. The program is designed for professionals who already hold an early childhood special education teacher license/certification, professionals interested in expanding their knowledge, skills, and abilities with those with special needs from Birth-Age 5, and for professionals interested in working in an early childhood special education context outside of the classroom.

This 30-credit hour Special Education, Master of Education (M.Ed.) Specialty Autism Spectrum Disorders (ONLINE) program is designed for professionals interested in increasing their skills and expanding their knowledge to better serve the increasing number of students with ASD with high intensity needs. This M.Ed program is interested in recruiting members from underrepresented groups, including applicants with disabilities, multilingual applicants and applicants from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds.

The Special Education - with Certification, Master of Education (M.Ed.) program enables aspiring educators to be functional in classrooms where students have diverse needs. To ensure preparation for diverse classroom settings and needs, faculty embed self-reflection, advocacy, critical consciousness and cultural competence throughout the program of study. Teacher candidates will be prepared to teach students with support students at-risk, students in need of intervention, and students with mild to severe disabilities, across disability categories. M.Ed. programs are practitioner focused programs that focus on in-classroom experiences and prepare educators for working with students. A bachelor's degree in any field is required.

NOTE: This program is not open for admissions. The ISECY in the Counseling, Higher Education and Special Education Department (UMD) offers an EdD in Special Education Leadership to increase the number and capacity of leaders of special education services. This Ed.D. prepares our future leaders in the following areas: (1) Leadership and Management skills in Special Education including professional development and supervision; (2) Oversight and evaluation of evidence-based instruction, to ensure positive learning outcomes; (3) Policy issues in Special Education; (4) Methods to build positive partnerships with families of students with disabilities to ensure high expectations for students; and (5) Data-based evaluations and research skills. This program is offered in two locations: Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland and in Brussels, Germany in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense. The Germany cohort is located in Brussels, Germany and consists of special education teachers, related service professionals, principals, and special education administrators employed by the Department of Defense Dependent School System (DoDDS).

With increasing awareness of diverse learner needs, Special Education teachers are in demand, and the Special Education with Severe Disabilities Endorsement, Master of Education program caters to this demand through 30 credit hours of intensive coursework focused on birth through grade 12. This option is ONLY for teachers with a special education certificate. Coursework and field experiences are offered to obtain Maryland State Department of Education certification in severe disabilities. This MEd program is available only when the applicant has Maryland Special Education Certification in one or more age-based areas (i.e., Early Childhood; Elementary; or Secondary/Middle). Prior to admission to the program, a copy of a valid MSDE Generic Special Education Certificate must be provided in the application. M.Ed programs are practitioner focused programs that focus on in-classroom experiences and prepare educators for working with students.