Student Development in Higher Education (M.Ed., Ed.S.)

About

A master’s degree in student development in higher education from the University of Maine prepares entry-level professionals for positions in postsecondary student affairs. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree provides solid theoretical and practical grounding for student services jobs in increasingly diverse and technologically advanced colleges and universities. Our 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.

We also offer an Education Specialist (Ed.S.), a terminal degree program for mid-career professionals that is individually planned by the student and their advisor.

Program Highlights

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Requirements

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Program Delivery

The 36 credit hour M.Ed. 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, designed in consultation with the student’s advisor; options include: academic advising, student wellness, transitions to college, disability studies and outdoor leadership.

All classes in the master’s are offered on campus and in-person, however students in the second year of the program can opt to take classes online, synchronously. This allows students who want to get a head start working in higher education to complete their program remotely while employed on a college or university campus. 

Since a major feature of the program is career-ready training, master’s students in the higher education program typically complete an internship between their first and second year. Faculty work to arrange internship experiences that align with students’ professional and personal goals.

In addition, M.Ed. students are eligible to apply for graduate assistantship (GA) positions at UMaine. GAs receive a stipend to help cover the cost of tuition, room and board, and other expenses. While not a program requirement, having a GA position is encouraged and every effort is made to facilitate professionally relevant GA experiences for master’s students. When an applicant is admitted to the program, we work to connect them with hiring managers who are seeking to fill open GA positions. Each year, the program holds a Higher Ed Hello event, where we invite prospective students to visit the University of Maine, meet faculty and current students, get a sense of the campus community, and interview for open GA positions for the next academic year.

For questions about the remote learning option, internships and graduate assistantships, email hed@maine.edu.

The Ed.S. in Student Development in Higher Education requires 30 semester hours beyond a master’s degree. Courses are offered on campus and in-person or online. The program of study is individually designed by the student and their advisor. Candidates must complete a minimum of 15 semester hours or 50% of professional education coursework at the 500 and/or 600-level at the University of Maine.

Advising & Support

The College of Education and Human Development provides students with academic guidance and personal support before they set foot on campus through graduation and beyond. Our graduate students work with faculty advisors, who build genuine relationships and provide timely information to help you navigate your program, your work in schools and communities, and whatever else is on your plate.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Student Development in Higher Education program learning outcomes are aligned with the UMaine Graduate School Learning Goals (GSLG):

  • Understand, interpret, shape, and augment the knowledge base.
  • Share disciplinary expertise openly, effectively, and accurately.
  • Demonstrate responsible and ethical practice.

At the completion of the program, graduates of the Student Development in Higher Education programs (M.Ed. and Ed.S.) will be able to successfully:

  • Compare and contrast the governance, operations, and complexities of higher education institutions in the larger socio-political landscape. (aligns with 1, 2 GSLG)
  • Recognize and communicate historical and contemporary issues of access, equity, and oppression in higher education. (aligns with 1 GSLG)
  • Apply critical frameworks, theories, and law to higher education contexts in order to better understand the experiences of minoritized students, staff, and faculty. (aligns with 1 GSLG)
  • Utilize appropriate theoretical frameworks, technology, and research to develop and assess effective higher education programming and policies. (aligns with 2, 3 GSLG)
  • Identify and apply social justice principles to support and advance accessible and equitable outcomes for all students. (aligns with 2 GSLG)
  • Develop and articulate a professional and ethical disposition that incorporates theoretical frameworks, social justice principles, relevant professional association standards, and rigorous higher education research. (aligns with 3 GSLG)

Careers

Our graduates have gone on to work in a number of positions in higher education at a variety of institutions of all sizes, from large, land-grant, research universities to small, liberal arts colleges. Possible jobs pathways include academic advising, campus activities and programs, student conduct, residence life, career services and more. In addition, our graduates are well positioned for careers in fields such as the nonprofit sector and K-12 education. 

For students wishing to continue on in graduate school, an M.Ed. provides an outstanding foundation for doctoral study in Higher Education, as well as related fields such as general education, STEM education and more.

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At a Glance

College of Education & Human Development


Degree Level

Master

Degree Earned

Master of Education in Student Development in Higher Education

Education Specialist in Student Development in Higher Education

Mode of Study

Online

time to Complete Degree

30-36 Credits

College of Education & Human Development


Degree Level

Master

Degree Earned

Master of Education in Student Development in Higher Education

Education Specialist in Student Development in Higher Education

Mode of Study

Online

time to Complete Degree

30-36 Credits

Featured Courses

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XXX 101

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XXX 101

Research Learning Experience

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Learn More about RLE Courses

Scholarships

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Learn More about Scholarships

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Accreditation

The College of Education and Human Development’s teacher preparation programs are nationally accredited by CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Contact

Education & Human Development

University of Maine Higher Education Graduate Programs

umaine.edu/edhd

P

207.581.2441

Admissions

Undergraduate

Estabrooke Hall, Room 115

go.umaine.edu

P

207.581.1561

F

207.581.1213

International

Chadbourne Hall, Room 122

go.umaine.edu/international-undergraduate-admissions/

P

207.581.3437

F

207.581.2920