Below you will find some frequently asked questions about the application process for domestic and international students for the Student Development in Higher Education master’s program. Don’t see your question on this list? Contact us at hed@maine.edu.

What type of support is available for international students at UMaine?

International students can find helpful resources at the Office for International Programs website. You can learn more about funding opportunities using these links:

• https://umaine.edu/graduate/funding/
• https://umaine.edu/international/

What are some of the funding options available?

Students admitted to our program are eligible to apply for Graduate Assistantship (GA) positions at the university. GAs receive a stipend to help cover the cost of tuition, room and board, and other expenses. Applications for GA positions occur through a separate process. When an applicant is admitted to the program, we work to connect them with hiring managers who are seeking to fill open GA positions.

When is the deadline for application for the Fall semester?

The application deadline for the M.Ed. is April 1 for fall enrollment. Those seeking graduate assistantships should apply to the University of Maine Graduate School no later than Dec. 1 to receive priority consideration for admission and Graduate Assistantships (GA) opportunities. Applications received after December 1st may also be eligible for GA positions.

What does an “academic writing sample” mean?

Your writing sample should be an academic paper you have written for a previous course that demonstrates your experience and ability to review research literature and cite sources. If you do not have such a paper, you can select a topic of your choosing related to student development in higher education and write a short (3-5 double-spaced pages) review of literature relevant to that topic. Please submit your writing sample with your application.

What type of academic background is required for the Higher Education Program?

Our master’s program is focused on preparing practitioners to work in colleges and universities in professional roles that serve to support college students in their learning and development outside the classroom (e.g., academic advising, student activities, residence life, health and wellness). More information about the program and program requirements is posted here.

While we do not require a particular undergraduate major or field of study for admission to our program, we do expect that applicant’s current academic goals and professional aspirations will align with our program focus. Students from many different undergraduate majors have been successful in our graduate program.

What are the housing options at your university if I attend?

The University of Maine offers two options for on-campus housing for graduate students in Stodder Hall and in University Park. The Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Programs offers a searchable list of off-campus housing options.

I accepted my offer of admission, but I need to defer to a future term. What should I do?

If you have already confirmed your offer of admission through the applicant dashboard, complete this form to request an admission deferral. We will forward your request along to the admitting program for their review and approval before we change your admission date.

How long do I have to accept an offer of admission?

The Council of Graduate Schools suggests applicants searching for fall admission have until April 15 of the given year to confirm the offer of admission.

When can I expect a decision regarding my application?

This will depend, in part, on when your application is submitted. However, in general, for those who submitted their materials by the December 1st priority deadline, admission decisions and offers are made in late January and February prior to the HED Hello event. Application reviews continue in March and April with rolling admission offers for the following Fall semester matriculation.

What is the HED Hello?

Higher Ed Hello is a two day event where admitted students to the HED program can meet other admitted students and the core faculty. The first day entails ice breakers, meeting with your assigned faculty advisor, a social justice component, and more information about the program. The second day is interviews with various campus departments for a graduate assistantship (the interview schedule is predetermined before HED Hello).

What is a Statement of Purpose (SOP) ?

A statement of purpose is a personal statement you write that tells the admissions committee who you are, what your academic and professional interests are, and how you’ll add value to the graduate program you’re applying to. A statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words, readable size (12-pt Times New Roman).

Important Note: The SOP is distinct from the academic writing sample described in #3 of these FAQs.

Is it necessary to secure a supervisor or a professor before applying to the program?

It is not necessary to secure a supervisor or a professor before applying! If you are accepted into the program, you will automatically be assigned a faculty member as an academic advisor and then if you receive a graduate assistantship, you will then be assigned a supervisor.

What resources are available to support graduate students?

As graduate students you will have the same access to resources as undergraduates at the University of Maine. Some of them are the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, Office for International Programs, Financial Aid, Student Wellness, Title IX Services, and more.