Degree Programs and Licensure

The School of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is an NCATE-approved comprehensive professional school providing specialized preparation in diverse areas of education. The School offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is offered in School Psychology. The School also awards a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.). Graduate programs in the School provide opportunities for advanced study and research in education and foster the development of innovative responses to challenges in the field of education. They can be designed to meet licensure guidelines, licensing requirements, professional association recommendations, School and University requirements, and individual student goals. As a research-oriented Land-Grant institution, the School of Education recognizes its responsibility to offer two types of graduate academic programs: programs that prepare educational scholars to further educational theory, policy, and research; and programs that prepare educational practitioners for roles in public education.

Doctor of Education

The Doctor of Education degree program is designed to prepare leaders who will advance educational theory, practice, and policy through scholarship and disciplined inquiry. Graduates assume leadership roles in university, educational agency, and K-12 settings. Within the framework of the School requirements and with the advice and approval of a doctoral guidance committee, candidates plan a program of study commensurate with their academic needs and professional goals. Such programs usually involve at least three years of course work beyond the bachelor's degree. Students are expected to spend at least two consecutive semesters in full-time study, participate in research, become familiar with contemporary problems in education, and take a comprehensive exam prior to writing a dissertation.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is granted to those who successfully complete the American Psychological Association (A.P.A.) accredited School Psychology Program. All courses in the A.P.A. program must be graded with the exception of the practicum and the internship.

Master of Education

The Master of Education degree program is designed to further the professional development of early childhood/elementary and secondary school teachers and other school-based practitioners in the various fields of education, and to train educational specialists in a variety of the School's areas of concentration. Within the framework of the requirements and with the guidance of a faculty adviser, M.Ed. candidates must complete a minimum of 33 graduate credits. Eighteen of these must be graded, 12 must be at or above the 600 level, and a minimum of 21 must be taken in the School of Education. The School Psychology and School Counselor Education programs of study are exceptions to the 33-credit requirement; candidates must complete a 48-credit program of study.

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.) is offered to provide an intensive, cohesive program of professional development for educational specialists beyond the master's level. It requires an academic-specific specialty area, without the extended commitment and formal examination of the doctoral program. It is not a University degree program but a School of Education certificate program. The certificate is awarded upon completion of a 30-credit-hour program of study beyond the master's degree. All 30 credits must be taken at the University within a four-year period, and at least 15 credits must be taken in the School of Education. A minimum of 18 credits used toward fulfillment of the C.A.G.S. requirement must be at or above the 600 level.