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Degree Programs and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies

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:

Our graduate programs 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.


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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.


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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 Counselor Education program of study is an exception to the 33-credit requirement; candidates must complete a 48-credit program of study.


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Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) 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 CAGS requirement must be at or above the 600 level.

The School of Education offers two highly structured Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) programs leading to licensure as a School Psychologist and as a Special Education Administrator. The School Psychology licensure program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and leads to state licensure. The Special Education Administrator program has a distinct focus on the skills that leaders need to address the growing demands in the field and of an increasingly diverse group of students.

The School of Education also offers educational practitioners the opportunity to pursue an organized, post-Master's course of study which will prepare them for the role of Master teacher and enhance their ability to be leaders in educational reform. This course of study leads to a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS). CAGS students may select a focus for their professional study from any of the School's concentrations or may pursue an Interdisciplinary program of study consisting of advanced courses in pedagogy and advanced courses in the Arts and Sciences.


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