College of Education Debuts New Master’s Degree, Minor, Honors Program

The University of Maryland College of Education is offering students new chances to specialize in topics such as applied linguistics and language education, and education policy, equity and justice, as well as to pursue academic honors opportunities.

The Master of Arts program in Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership–Applied Linguistics and Language Education (ALLE) Specialization allows students to explore language-related, real-world questions and research at the intersection of multilingualism and education. The two-year, 30-credit program includes in-person and virtual instruction.

“This program [is] strong for educators and [people in] administration roles who are interested in understanding more about the theories and underlying instructional methods for language programs,” said Sarah C.K. Moore, assistant clinical professor of applied linguistics and language education and faculty adviser for the program.

The Education Policy, Equity and Justice minor, a collaboration with the School of Public Policy, allows students to examine the role that schools play in ensuring a fair and equitable society.

“This minor reaches students from across the university who may not have immediate interest in becoming preK-12 teachers but who are aware of the central role education plays in society,” said Moore, who serves as program coordinator for the minor.

The 15-credit minor suits a wide array of students, including those interested in pursuing a career in local politics, nonprofit leadership or administrative policy. Participants can expect to master skills in analytics, problem solving, critical thinking and advocacy. Applications are reviewed monthly.

The new Human Development Honors Program gives majors entering their junior year the chance to pursue high-quality research, gain access to professional development and establish lasting relationships with mentors.

The program specializes in topics on child and adolescent development such as bilingualism, math cognition, developmental neuroscience and family involvement.

“Little is known among UMD undergraduate students about what it means to work in a lab, and unfortunately, for a lot of students, their expectation is that you’re alone in a room typing data into a computer,” said the program director, Distinguished University Professor Melanie Killen. “In fact, working in a lab is a highly collaborative and cooperative experience, one that we promote in the Human Development Honors Program. The type of research we offer reflects a model that encompasses community and engagement as key aspects of the program.”

The deadline for applications is May 10. Sophomores (and juniors who contact the director in advance) are encouraged to apply.