Master's Program Information

Master of Arts with Supervised Applied Experience

Students selecting the M.A. degree program with a supervised applied experience are expected to complete ten credits including the following five required courses:

Two theory courses (e.g.):

• Advanced Intellectual Development or other approved course in Intellectual Development
• Advanced Personal-Social Development or other approved course in Personal-Social Development
• Young Child's Development of Language or other approved course in Language Development

Please note that the two theory courses may be dictated by a particular concentration area. (Click here for more information on graduate concentrations.)

One research methods course:

• Problems in Research: Design and Methods
• Qualitative and Ethnographic Methods
• Program Evaluation may also count as a research methods course, if the student’s focus is on social policy.

*Note: The choice of a course for meeting the methods requirement should be consistent with the student’s overall program focus. For all master’s candidates, one of the three methods courses may be chosen upon consultation with the Program Advisor to be consistent with the student’s program or future goals. Students desiring to fulfill the requirements for a particular concentration must check those requirements.

Two approved courses culminating in a related applied experience. What follows are typical areas of specialization, with courses recommended for each.

Working at a center with emotionally disturbed children, the student might take:

• Children with Special Needs
• Emotional Problems of Young Children

Teaching early childhood education at the high school or community college level, the student might take:

• Seminar in Early Education
• Curricula for Young Children

Supervising visitation of parents with children in consultation with the courts, the student might take:

• Child Advocacy and Educational Rights
• Rights of Children to Social Services

Working at a child and family advocacy center, the student might take:

• Social Policy for Children and Families
• Seminar in Government and the Family

Working as an intern at a children's museum, the student might take:

• Curricula for Young Children
• Child Art

Students also are required to complete an Applied Internship Experience. The internship may be taken for one or two course credits. This internship is intended as the culmination of graduate study for M.A.-applied degree students and should be comparable in effort and rigor to the M.A. thesis.

The internship provides a student the opportunity to gain experience in a child- or family-oriented setting as preparation for postgraduate employment or advanced graduate study. Throughout this intensive experience, the student is expected to apply theory and research to practical situations in a reflective manner. The internship should extend a student's practical repertoire; a student who is currently employed in an appropriate field setting and wishes to conduct an internship within it must construct an experience in addition to the regular requirements of the position. Detailed procedures for the Internship are contained in the Student and Advisor Handbook available in the Department.

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