masters and doctoral programs combined in education

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Combined M.A. and Ph.D. Educational Psychology

The combined masters and doctoral degree in Educational Psychology is research intensive, with anticipation that students will work closely with an advisor on research. Students should expect research involvement and appropriate authorship throughout their graduate training. The combined MA/PhD training follows an apprenticeship model where students learn the process of conducting research through collaboration with their advisor and affiliated researchers in a productive research environment. Through convenient access to coursework and close work with your advisor, you will engage in:

• a research-based curriculum covering basic concepts and theories in educational psychology as they relate to learning and instruction.
• an integrated sequence of courses and other learning experiences that will ensure the development of a clear basis for understanding the connection between teaching, learning, and assessment.
• a rigorous training sequence in educational statistics and research methodologies that will allow graduates to evaluate and conduct educational research in a variety of contexts.
• a variety of opportunities, especially in research, that will prepare you for your future professional endeavors.

The PhD. in Educational Psychology is built for you! You can tailor your elective coursework to meet your goals by emphasizing either practitioner-oriented courses or researcher-oriented courses. You should expect to work closely with your advisor on scholarly projects as well as authorship opportunities throughout your graduate degree.

Plus, earning an advanced degree is a factor that determines pay grades in many school districts, organizations and corporations. This degree will strengthen the knowledge and practices for a variety of professions. Get started today!

Meet the Faculty

Read about our Alumni

Kira J. Carbonneau, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Educational Psychology Washington State University Degree earned through the UNM EDPY program: Ph.D.  

“The EDPY program helped me develop a strong research foundation that has allowed me to utilize my applied knowledge of teaching to develop a robust research agenda that is pertinent to today’s classrooms.”

Hear from more EDPY Alumni

Program Requirements

The combined Master's and Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology requires 73 credit hours plus 18 dissertation hours, for a total of 91 hours. Students develop advanced skills in one or more research methodologies. They acquire hands-on research experiences through research internships.

Given the research demands of the program, we strongly encourage MA/PhD applicants to enroll as full-time students. To encourage full-time study, we will try to offer support in the form of teaching assistantships or graduate assistantships for the 4-5 years that it will take to complete the PhD. Assistantships include tuition remission, health benefits, and a stipend.

Students in the combined program would typically be expected to take the options for a written master’s thesis and comprehensive paper over the comprehensive exam requirement for the MA.

PhD in Educational Psychology Program from the UNM Catalog

Educational Psychology Ph.D. Program of Study

Graduate Student Handbook

Apply Today!

To apply, you need:.

• Minimum grade point average of 3.0 as an undergraduate or 3.3 as a graduate student.
• Official Transcripts
• Letter of Intent
• 3 Letters of Recommendations
• Writing Sample

Current Application Instructions

Submitting your application:

• Collect all your documents.
• Indicate you are applying for the combined MA/PhD program in your letter of interest.
• indicate which faculty member(s) may have potentially similar research foci in your letter of interest.
• Complete an online application at: www.unm.edu/apply
• Upload your documents with your online application.

Educational Psychology Combined M.A. and PhD. Deadlines

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Joint and Dual Degree Programs

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With more than 100 graduate degree programs, the University of Chicago is uniquely able to offer students the advantages of combining opportunities through interdisciplinary work or by pursuing multiple degree programs. The details vary from program to program, and in most cases require applications to both programs. Please review the information provided by both departments to determine the application and course requirements for each pair of degrees.

Definitions:

• Dual degree—completing requirements for two separate degrees, including, for Ph.D., producing two dissertations. Degrees may be within the same academic unit or across academic units.
• Joint degree—completing requirements for two degree programs with possibly overlapping or coordinated degree requirements. Degrees may be within the same academic unit or across academic units.

Joint/Dual Programs

Biological Sciences Division

• ISTP (MD/PhD ) – Interdisciplinary Scientist Training Program
• MD/MPH – Master of Public Health degree

Chicago Booth School of Business

• MBA/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy
• MBA/JD –  Law School
• MBA/MD –  Pritzker School of Medicine
• MBA/MPCS –  Master’s Program in Computer Science
• MBA/AM – Crown Family  School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
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• MBA/AM in Area Studies ( Eastern Europe/Russia ,  Middle East ,  South Asia ) –  Social Sciences Division
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Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice

• AM/MBA –  Booth School of Business
• AM/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy
• AM/MDiv –  Divinity School – Chicago Theological Seminary ,  Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago ,  McCormick Theological Seminary ,  Meadville/Lombard Theological Seminary , and the  Catholic Theological Union

The Divinity School

• MDiv/AM – Crown Family  School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
• MDiv/JD –  Law School
• MDiv/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy

Harris School of Public Policy

• MPP/JD –  Law School
• MPP/AM – Crown Family  School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
• MPP/MDiv –  Divinity School
• MPP/MBA –  Booth School of Business
• MPP/AM (Middle Eastern Studies) –  Social Sciences Division
• MA/MA (International Relations) –  Social Sciences Division

Humanities Division

• Doctoral Joint Degree Program

The Law School

• Law School Dual Degree Overview
• JD/MBA –  Booth School of Business
• JD/PhD  – Booth School of Business and Social Sciences Division
• JD/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy
• JD/MDiv –  Divinity School
• JD/MA (International Relations) –  Social Sciences Division

Pritzker School of Medicine

• MD/MBA – Booth School of Business
• MD/MA in Public Policy – Harris School of Public Policy
• MeSH (MD/PhD) – Medicine, the Social Sciences and Humanities
• MSTP (MD/PhD) – Medical Scientist Training Program
• GDDTP(MD/ PhD ) – Growth, Development and Disabilities Training Program
• MD/MS – Biomedical Informatics

Social Sciences Division

• JD/MA (International Relations) – The Law School
• MPP/MA (Middle Eastern Studies) –  Harris School of Public Policy
• MBA/MA – International Relations with Booth and CIR
• MBA/AM in Area Studies ( Eastern Europe/Russia ,  Middle East ,  South Asia ) – Booth School of Business
• MA/MA (International Relations) –  Harris School of Public Policy
• PhD in Anthropology and Linguistics – Humanities Division
• PhD in Cognition and Linguistics – Humanities Division
• PhD in Financial Economics – Booth School of Business
• PhD in Psychology and Business – Booth School of Business
• JD/PhD – Law School
• PhD in Social Thought and Classics – Humanities Division
• PhD in Social Thought & Philosophy  – Humanities Division

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Area Chair: Matt Diemer , Professor of Educational Studies

The Combined Program in Education and Psychology (CPEP) is a full-time, interdisciplinary doctoral program offered under the auspices of the Horace B. Rackham Graduate School. The program is focused on psychological approaches to studying and addressing issues relevant to education and improving education. In this program, students and faculty work together as a community of scholars in research projects focused on processes in development, learning, and motivation in the context of schools, families, and communities.

Use this link to access the  Combined Program in Education & Psychology Handbook , which features departmental resources for faculty, graduate students, and staff.

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Degrees and Programs

Residential Master's in Education

Immersive campus experience for aspiring and established educators, leaders, and innovators, with five distinct programs to choose from.

Online Master's in Education

Part-time, career-embedded program, delivered online, for experienced educators looking to advance their leadership in higher education or pre-K–12.

Doctor of Education Leadership

Preparing transformative leaders to have the capacity to guide complex organizations, navigate political environments, and create systemic change in the field of education.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Training cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines, generate knowledge, and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

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Combined Program in Education and Psychology

Degrees & certifications.

The Combined Program offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education and Psychology. Through coursework in education, psychology and methodology, you will build the knowledge base to apply in research apprenticeships with diverse faculty across areas of theory and practice.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Psychology

This full time, interdisciplinary doctoral program will train you as a scholar in the creation and implementation of psychological research designed to build understanding and address educational issues relevant to learning and development in the context of schools, families, and communities.

Our program follows an apprenticeship model of graduate training and mentoring. Within this model, students are matched with faculty advisors based on complementary research interests and work closely with their advisors to refine their scholarly interests and research capabilities. Because of our program's interdisciplinary focus, students often have the opportunity to work with different faculty members during their graduate careers. In addition, students take a sequence of courses in both psychology and education during the first two to three years of the program. The courses are intended to provide theoretical foundations in psychology and education, as well as grounding in research methodology. Students work with their advisors to customize their coursework to best meet their professional goals.

CONCENTRATIONS

CPEP is an interdisciplinary program known for its scholarship focusing on how social contexts (such as schools and classrooms) interact and affect the developmental trajectories of student identity, cognition, motivation, and well-being. The program has a strong national reputation (e.g., CPEP currently is ranked #1 in the U.S. News and World Report).We recognize the importance of considering, both conceptually and methodologically, the interplay between individual (e.g., social and cognitive) attributes, and classrooms, schools, families, communities, contexts, cultures, and racial/ethnic histories– within the United States and internationally. This approach allows us to continue to be at the forefront in the field in advancing understanding of variation in learning, achievement, and adaptation across and within different racial, ethnic, social and cultural groups as well as to identify practices and strategies for improving learning and developmental outcomes for all students.

Our students are trained to think analytically and to excel at scholarship and research that has important educational implications. As part of an interdisciplinary unit, our doctoral students have access to an integrated set of resources in education and psychology. Our unique and interdisciplinary structure allows for an exciting synergy of conceptual and methodological perspectives and approaches among our faculty and students.

I am excited that you are interested in our program and hope you find our online home informative about what we have to offer!

An Exceptional Program

Currently ranked #2 by U.S. News and World Report, the Combined Program in Education and Psychology is an interdisciplinary unit within the university's Horace B. Rackham Graduate School, supported and co-sponsored through a collaboration between the Department of Psychology in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and the Marsal Family School of Education. The program has been known in the past two decades for its focus on scholarship exploring how the social context (schools and classrooms) interacts and affects the developmental trajectories of student identity, cognition, and motivation.

Combine diverse disciplines

Our unique structure allows for an exciting synergy of conceptual and methodological perspectives and approaches among our faculty and students—the ways our faculty connect across disciplines and deploy shared ideas and resources have allowed us to make a remarkably large impact on the field.

Advance equity and inclusion

Research conducted by program faculty with diverse ethnic, racial, and social class groups has yielded new theories and methods for articulating how individuals form social identities, navigate social marginalization, and challenge inequitable social structures.

Make research matter

We nurture translational and applied research through curricular design and operational practices that provide bridges for applying educational and psychological research dedicated to the improvement of student learning and performance in K-12 and higher educational contexts.

Give to CPEP

Your support can help us create transformative leaders and educators who have the theoretical framework and practical skills to address the many urgent challenges in education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet our community

Germine Awad

Michelle J. Bellino

Rona Carter

Tabbye M. Chavous

Kevin Cokley

Kai Cortina

Matthew Diemer

Myles Durkee

Barry J. Fishman

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Nicole Gardner-Neblett

Maisie L. Gholson

Lorraine gutierrez.

Daniel Hartlep

Justin Heinze

Leslie Rupert Herrenkohl

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Jamaal Sharif Matthews

Kevin F. Miller

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Allison M. Ryan

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Christina J. Weiland

Marc Zimmerman

Jennifer Randall

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(734) 763-0680 [email protected]

610 E. University Avenue Room 1413 Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1259

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Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

2024 Best Online Masters PhD Combined Programs

Masters and PhD combined programs are designed to help you study two different majors.

These dual degree programs typically combine complementary courses from the two different majors so you can equip yourself with broad but targeted expertise.

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If you’re after a career with complex professional demands, dual masters and PhD online programs may be an intriguing option.

Universities Offering Online Masters and Doctorate Dual Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a dual degree program for students interested in obtaining both a master’s and a doctorate in a field.

Applicants must meet the admissions requirements for the second degree program while maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students may choose to study Business Administration, Public Administration, Health Science, Psychology, Public Health, or Pharmacy and Health Science.

Fairleigh Dickinson University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

George Mason University

George Mason University offers a dual degree program for those interested in receiving a Juris Doctorate and a Master of Business Administration.

The program can usually be completed in 3 years when studying full-time or 4 years when studying part-time. Applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores and 2 letters of recommendation and may be required to complete an interview when applying.

George Mason University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Mercer University

Mercer University offers a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master of Science in Health Outcomes dual degree program. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose and a resume to apply.

Students in the program are given academic advice from the program director and a graduate advisor to help guide them through their thesis or capstone project. A GPA of 2.75 in the Doctor of Pharmacy courses and 3.0 in Health Outcomes must be maintained to graduate.

Mercer University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University

National University offers a dual degree for those interested in obtaining both a Master of Arts in Sport Psychology and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. The program offers both full-time and part-time options and allows students to take the courses for the master’s degree online.

Applicants can apply year round and may have the GRE score requirements waived depending on their GPA. A team of advisors is available to help applicants through each step of the admissions process.

National University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

New York University

New York University offers a number of dual degree programs for students interested in obtaining either two master’s degrees or a doctorate and a master’s degree.

Applicants must submit additional test scores when applying. Those interested in getting a doctorate and a master’s may get a Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration or a Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master of Business Administration.

New York University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University’s College of Health Care Science offers a dual degree program for those interested in obtaining Master and Doctor of Health Science degrees.

The program can typically be completed within 7 years. Both programs require students to have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores, and prior health care experience.

NSU  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Rutgers University

Rutgers University offers a dual degree program for those interested in a Master and a PhD in Social Work. The program can usually be completed in 4 years.

Those interested in the program may apply directly to the program or after their first year of study in the Master of Social Work program. Official transcripts, GRE scores, 2 personal statements, and 3 letters of reference must be submitted when applying.

Rutgers  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University’s School of Law offers a number of dual degree programs. Students may receive a Juris Doctorate with a master’s degree in a variety of business, science, engineering, sports management, or government fields.

Applicants interested in a dual degree program may contact the law faculty advisor to learn more about their program of interest.

Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of St Thomas

The University of St. Thomas School of Law offers a dual degree program for those interested in receiving a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration.

The program can typically be completed in 4 years, but students may also choose to take the program part-time or online. Applicants must submit LSAT scores, their undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

The  University of St. Thomas  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Widener University

Widener University offers a dual degree program for a Master in Criminal Justice and a Doctor of Psychology.

The program can typically be completed in 5 years and offers a clinical experience through practicum training, field placements, and internships. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible. Though having a major in psychology may help with admittance, it is not required.

Widener University  is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Online Masters and PhD Combined Programs

Just as some universities offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelors and masters at the same time , there are some doctoral programs that allow you to get a masters as you complete your doctorate. The masters degree serves as a gateway, or an optional exit point, on the longer path to completing the doctoral degree.

In this article, we’ll talk mostly about blended or dual degree programs. These types of programs allow students to work toward simultaneously earning a masters and doctoral degree in two different but complementary majors, such as business and medicine or business and law.

Here are some advantages of combined masters and PhD programs:

• Combine complementary courses from two distinct graduate degree majors
• Allow you to earn two degrees within a reasonable time frame
• Help prepare you for a specific professional niche

The following are some disadvantages of combined masters and PhD programs:

• Can take longer to complete than a masters degree program alone
• Can include very different specialty courses designed for distinct majors
• Might involve coordinating a study plan with two independent departments

Most dual masters and doctorate degree programs online are designed to help you earn the two degrees in a reasonable time frame.

Common Masters and Doctorate Combined Programs

Many combined degree programs culminate in a professional doctorate and are designed to equip students to work in complex professional settings. A professional doctorate tends to emphasize more practical skills for the workplace.

MBA / Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

In this dual program, you’ll learn business administration fundamentals while you gain expertise in a range of concepts, practices, and regulatory standards related to nursing.

This combination can help position you for senior management roles or for positions on HR teams with large hospitals or managed care networks.

MBA / Doctor of Medicine (MD)

This graduate degree combination can qualify you to practice medicine while also providing you with lots of business administration skills.

Professionals with these qualifications might work in governance roles at a hospital, help design and manage innovative managed healthcare business models, or work in the development and sale of medical technologies.

MBA / Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Dual masters and PsyD programs combining a specialization in industrial and organizational psychology with a masters degree in business administration can open doors to a range of senior management opportunities in large organizations.

Alternately, professionals might specialize in psychotherapy and use their clinical qualifications and business savvy to manage or develop psychotherapy service networks. They may also fill executive leadership roles with mental health service providers.

MBA / Juris Doctor (JD)

Students in this dual degree program often specialize in business law, accessing and blending course offerings from both MBA and JD graduate programs.

This combined program can create an advanced business law degree pathway for future jobs in the business sector or in private law firms.

Master of Public Policy (MPP) / Juris Doctor (JD)

Legal hurdles and legislative complexities can make or break public policy initiatives. A dual MPP and JD program can be a strategic way to develop expertise doing legal analysis work with regard to developing or improving public policy.

With this double-edged expertise, you might pursue any number of roles in public interest law, legislative work, or public policy analysis and advocacy.

Master of Science (MS) / Medical Doctor (MD)

With preparation in an MS and MD combined degree program, you can equip yourself to practice medicine while also learning specialized science research skills.

Depending on your areas of specialization, you might be positioned to work in medical research and development or with organizations engaged in testing, evaluating, monitoring, or regulating new medical practices or products.

Master of Public Health (MPH) / Medical Doctor (MD)

In this blended degree program, you can access a range of graduate courses in the field of public health as you train to become a medical doctor.

If you have an interest in specializing in infectious diseases, preventive medicine, epidemiological research, or public health policy and advocacy roles, this combined degree program can give you advanced training.

Master’s and PhD Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements will vary by school and program, but most dual masters and PhD programs online require criteria similar to these:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Satisfactory college GPA
• GRE or GMAT scores (if required)
• LSAT or MCAT scores (for JD and MD programs, when required)
• Letters of recommendation

Depending on the major, graduate degree programs may also require the completion of specified prerequisites in math or science as well as other academic or professional requirements.

Accreditation

It can be beneficial to stick with fully accredited schools and programs. If you anticipate pursuing careers in fields that involve professional licensing, accreditation may be a precondition for licensing. Fields that typically require licensing include law, medicine, psychology, nursing, education, and public health.

Accreditation can also be a precondition for some forms of financial aid. Organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) have more information about accreditation and finding accredited schools.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many graduate students rely on financial aid for help with tuition and other upfront costs. If you plan to apply for need-based aid, you can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

Common forms of aid include state and federal education grants. If you’re eligible, you can also  apply for any number of need-based or merit-based scholarships. Some employers also offer tuition assistance programs.

Many financial aid offers also include student loans. Terms of loan offers and other awards can vary, so it’s helpful to review all financial aid offers carefully.

Can You Get Your Masters and PhD at the Same Time?

Yes, in most programs you’ll pursue your masters and doctorate together, taking courses that are part of an already blended curriculum or enrolling in courses that straddle two departments.

If you’re in the type of program where you’re pursuing just one major, you’ll typically fulfill your masters requirements first as a qualifying step for proceeding with the PhD requirements.

When you’re pursuing two complementary majors in a dual degree program, you’ll generally be working toward both degrees at the same time.

Can You Leave a PhD Program with a Masters?

You can leave a PhD program with a masters if you fulfill the required academic and administrative steps for doing so. These requirements can vary by school and program.

Some single-track PhD programs make earning a masters degree programmatic for their PhD candidates, usually awarding the masters after comprehensive qualifying exams. In dual programs, your masters and PhD courses can belong to complementary but distinct academic disciplines, which may complicate matters.

In these cases, you may want to talk to an academic advisor about options that would allow you to exit the doctoral track while still earning a masters in the other major.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD?

There are many PhD programs that do not require any prior master’s degree for admissions.

If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, you may find options to enroll in online master degree, PhD, or dual degree programs . Admissions requirements can vary by school and by major in some cases. Some PhD programs offer you the opportunity to earn a masters along the way.

Does Your PhD Have to Be the Same as Your Masters?

If you are applying to a PhD program after earning a masters, your masters does not typically have to be in the same academic discipline. Requirements can vary, though, by school and program.

What will matter are the more general admissions requirements or prerequisites. You may have more admissions hurdles to overcome if you don’t have the right prerequisite training before you apply, regardless of what kind of masters degree you have.

Holding a masters degree, even if it’s in another discipline, may still help you demonstrate that you’re a motivated and capable PhD candidate. There are also many joint masters and PhD programs that combine separate but complementary disciplines.

What Can You Do with a Joint Master and PhD Degree?

Receiving training from dual graduate programs can give you a strong foundation for senior research, management, or leadership positions. There is a vast range of career paths you can take, depending on your specializations and degree combinations.

For example, graduates who pair a masters in public health or science with an MD may pursue positions as epidemiologists or medical scientists respectively. Those interested in business law may want to combine their JD with a Master of Business Administration, making them more marketable for prospective future clients or firms.

Getting a PhD can also qualify you for jobs in postsecondary teaching and research. You may join a PhD in your desired field with a masters in education or teaching to boost your credentials.

Professional doctorates are often designed for professionals who want to enhance their practical skills and advance in their field. They may even pursue top executive roles.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Combined Masters-PhD Degree Online?

It’s common for a dual program to take 4 to 6 years to complete. Time to completion can vary significantly by program, especially when it comes to dissertations, other capstone projects, or supervised field work requirements.

All that said, many of today’s combined masters and doctoral programs online have highly targeted course programs to help you finish more quickly. Some dual masters and doctorate online programs are designed to help you complete most or all of your requirements in as little as 3 to 4 years if you study full-time, year-round.

Is a Masters and PhD Dual Degree Worth It?

Yes, a masters and PhD dual degree is worth it for many students. A dual degree program can help equip you with credentials for jobs that require complex management, consulting, or leadership roles.

When considering a dual program option, you may want to plan backwards. In other words, you might ask yourself if the careers that most interest you require specialized knowledge across two different domains.

Some examples include business law or healthcare management. Business law straddles business and law, and a career in healthcare management benefits from knowledge of both business administration and healthcare practices and services.

Dual degree programs can be especially beneficial if your sights are set on careers requiring combined skills.

Getting Your Masters / PhD Combined Degree Online

Dual degree programs allow you to get creative when it comes to choosing the right kind of masters and PhD combination for your individual career interests and goals.

Regionally accredited schools and programs offer a range of dual degree programs online. Their creative curriculum design options are tailored to today’s complex professional landscape.

You may even try designing your own ideal graduate degree program for the niche you want. There’s a chance that program is already out there and just waiting for you to find it!

Combined Degrees

Earn two degrees in less time by pursuing a combined degree program

Contact the Combined Degree Program staff

79 John F. Kennedy Street Littauer Building Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

Broaden your insight with a second discipline

Our combined degree programs allow you to explore how to address the world’s most pressing challenges at the intersection of public policy and business, law, medicine, or design.

You will earn two degrees in less time through reduced coursework and residency requirements. For example, it would take four years to complete an MPA and MBA separately—two years for each degree. Combined degree candidates earn both degrees in three years.

Embarking on two degree programs can be rewarding but also challenging. Combined degree students commit to two programs at two institutions and graduate upon fulfilling the requirements for both degrees.

“By spending three years deeply exploring the public and private sectors, you’ll gain a unique agility to operate across sectors. It’s an incredibly holistic education that adds value to nearly any career path.” — Brandon Moore MPP/MBA 2025

About our combined degree programs

Joint degrees (mpp and mpa/id).

MPP  and  MPA/ID  students can pursue a joint degree involving carefully crafted and integrated coursework. You can choose between an MBA at  Harvard Business School  (HBS) or a JD at  Harvard Law School  (HLS).

HKS/HBS Joint Degree Program

As an HKS/HBS student, you spend your first year at HKS, your second at HBS, and split your final year between the two campuses. You must apply to HKS and HBS separately and be admitted to both in the same admissions cycle.

If you are interested in getting a first-hand account of the HKS/HBS joint degree student experience,  complete this brief form  to connect with a current student.

HKS/HLS Joint Degree Program

As an HKS/HLS student, you spend your first two years completing core courses at HKS and HLS—one year at each school. After that, you will be based at HLS and will take courses at HKS to complete your MPP or MPA/ID degree requirements. You can apply to both schools at the same time or apply to one while enrolled in the other. 

Capstone Seminar

Students in both joint degree programs must complete a capstone seminar, involving the  Policy Analysis Exercise  or  Second Year Policy Analysis  for HKS/HBS students and the Integrated Written Project for HKS/HLS students. 

Concurrent Degrees (MPP, MPA/ID, and MPA)

MPP ,  MPA/ID , and  MPA  students can pursue a concurrent degree in business, law, medicine, design, or another field—as long as it is:

• A professional degree (for example, an MBA, MD, or JD; not a PhD or an academic master’s degree)
• At least a two-year program
• Completed at a partner institution (see our list below)

As a concurrent degree student, you:

• Weave together the two halves of your learning experience on your own
• Study at HKS and your other school throughout your degree program
• Must complete at least three semesters at HKS
• Cannot complete the course requirements for one degree before beginning coursework for the other
• Have reduced coursework and residency requirements, but the number and type of courses will depend on your degree program

Partner Institutions

Concurrent degree students pursue a second graduate degree at one of our partner institutions.

• Harvard Divinity School (HDS)
• Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD)
• Harvard Medical School (HMS)
• Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM)

If you are an HKS/HDS or HKS/GSD student, you spend a full year at each school in the first two years and one semester at each school for your final year. If you are an HKS/HMS or HKS/HSDM student, you spend a full academic year at HKS; after that, you will be based at HMS or HSDM and will take courses at HKS to complete your MPP, MPA/ID, or MPA degree.

Other Partner Institutions

• MIT Sloan School of Management
• Stanford Graduate School of Business
• Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth
• Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania
• Berkeley Law, University of California
• Columbia Law School
• Duke University School of Law
• Georgetown Law
• New York University School of Law
• Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
• Stanford Law School
• University of Michigan Law School
• University of Pennsylvania Law School
• Yale Law School

United States-based Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accredited schools.  See the school list here . 

When to Apply

For most concurrent degree programs, you can apply to HKS and the partner institution simultaneously or apply to one school while enrolled in your first year at the other. If you are applying to the concurrent degree program with MIT Sloan School of Management, however, you must apply for both schools in the same application cycle. If you are already in medical school, you should apply to HKS during the admission cycle before you would like to enroll. 

Splitting Your Time

Concurrent degree program with mit sloan school of management.

All students enrolled in the concurrent degree program with MIT Sloan School of Management spend their first year at HKS. 

All other concurrent degree programs

MPP and MPA/ID students spend a full academic year at HKS completing the core curriculum during the first or second year of the combined program, then split the final year between the two programs. 

MPA students can decide to split either their first or final year at HKS. If you split your first year, you must be in-residence at HKS for the fall semester.

Dual Degree (MC/MPA)

MC/MPA students can pursue a dual degree with the Geneva Graduate Institute.

You will spend your first year at the  Geneva Graduate Institute  studying in the  Master in International and Development Studies  Program. Your second and final year is spent at HKS in the  Mid-Career Master in Public Administration  Program, where you are part of an extraordinary cohort of accomplished and forward-looking professionals—all sharing the same commitment to public service.

You may apply to both programs at the same time or apply to HKS while enrolled at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

Featured combined degree stories

Fighting for equitable policies in health care.

LaShyra Nolen MPP/MD 2024 steps into the ring to fight for equitable policies in health care.

Designing the future of cities

Jorge Silva MPA/MUP 2018 focuses on the role of housing policy to create cities that thrive.

Seeking justice

An indefatigable defender of the powerless, Bryan Stevenson MPP/JD 1985 worked for decades to bring justice via the courtroom. 

Applying to a combined degree program

How to apply.

You must apply and be admitted to HKS and the partner institution. Being admitted to one program does not guarantee you admission to the other.

A complete application to HKS includes: 

• Online application
• Three letters of recommendation
• If you are an HKS/HLS applicant, you may submit LSAT scores only if you are a first-year at HLS; however, you must submit a written request to the HLS admissions office to have your LSAT scores sent to HKS.  You must submit GRE or GMAT scores if you are an applicant not enrolled at HLS.
• If you are an HKS/HMS applicant, you may submit your MCAT score rather than the GRE or GMAT; however, you must submit a written request to the HMS admissions office to have your MCAT scores sent to HKS. Contact the HKS admissions office if you are applying from medical schools other than HMS and do not have valid GRE or GMAT scores.
• The MPA/ID Program does not accept LSAT or MCAT scores.
• Academic transcripts
• $100 application fee or waiver

Read more about how to apply .

The application for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available in September 2024.  There is one admission application deadline and one start date for each degree program per year. You may apply to only one master’s degree program per admissions cycle. 

Tuition & Fees

As a combined degree student, you will be charged HKS tuition and fees for the semesters you are enrolled at HKS. 

The cost of attendance for the 2024-2025 academic year is outlined in  Funding Your Master’s Education  to help you plan financially for our master’s degree programs. Living expense costs are based on residence in Cambridge. The 2025-2026 academic year rates will be published in March 2025. HKS tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. 

Financing your education is a partnership—we are here to help guide you. You are strongly encouraged to explore all  funding opportunities . If you are awarded financial assistance from HKS, this funding can only be applied while you are enrolled at HKS. 

Learn more about the HKS community

Student life, admissions & financial aid blog.

Teaching and Teacher Leadership

Contact Information

Connect with program staff.

If you have program-specific questions, please contact the TTL Program Staff .

• Connect with Admissions

If you have admissions-related questions, please email [email protected] .

Admissions Information

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• Download Brochure

A groundbreaking approach to teacher education — for people seeking to learn to teach, for experienced teachers building their leadership, and for all educators seeking to enhance their practice and create transformative learning opportunities.

Teachers change lives — and at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, you can be part of the change. The Teaching and Teacher Leadership (TTL) Program at HGSE will prepare you with the skills, knowledge, support, and professional network you need to design and lead transformative learning experiences, advance equity and social justice, and generate the best outcomes for students in U.S. schools.

The program’s innovative approach is intentionally designed to serve both individuals seeking to learn to teach and experienced teachers who are deepening their craft as teachers or developing their leadership to advance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and districts. 

And through the Harvard Fellowship for Teaching , HGSE offers significant financial support to qualified candidates to reduce the burden of loan debt for teachers.

Applicants will choose between two strands:

• Do you want to become a licensed teacher? The Teaching Licensure strand lets novice and early-career teachers pursue Massachusetts initial licensure in secondary education, which is transferrable to all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Licensure candidates have two possible pathways — you can select a preference for either the residency fieldwork model or the internship fieldwork model . The residency model is for people ready to make an immediate impact as a teacher; the internship model offers a more gradual path.
• Do you want to focus on the art of teaching, without licensure? The Teaching and Leading strand will enable you to enhance your own teaching practice or to lead others in transforming learning in classrooms, schools, and other settings. Candidates can pursue a curriculum tailored toward an exploration of teaching practice or toward teacher leadership.

Note: Ideal candidates will come with the intention to work in U.S. schools.

“At the heart of TTL is helping teachers reach all students. Whether you are preparing for the classroom yourself or are an experienced teacher preparing to improve teaching and learning on a wider scale, our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to lead others in learning.” Heather Hill  Faculty Co-Chair

After completing the Teaching and Teacher Leadership Program, you will be able to:

• Leverage your knowledge and skills to lead others in joyful, equitable, rigorous, and transformative learning.
• Analyze instruction for the purpose of improving it.
• Foster productive inquiry and discussion.
• Identify, understand, and counteract systemic inequities within educational institutions.

The Harvard Fellowship for Teaching

HGSE is committed to investing in the future of the teaching profession — and minimizing the student debt that teachers carry. We offer a signature fellowship — the Harvard Fellowship for Teaching — to qualified candidates. The fellowship package covers 80 percent of tuition and provides for a $10,000 living stipend.

This prestigious fellowship is prioritized for admitted students pursuing the Teaching Licensure Residency model. Additional fellowships may be awarded to qualified candidates admitted to the Teaching Licensure Internship model and the Teaching and Leading strand. Fellowship decisions are determined during the admissions process. Fellowship recipients must be enrolled as full-time students.       HGSE offers a range of other  financial aid and fellowship opportunities to provide greater access and affordability to our students.

Curriculum Information

The TTL Program is designed to help you gain the knowledge and practice the skills essential to leading others in learning — and will create pathways to success that will allow you to thrive as an expert practitioner and mentor in your community. A minimum of 42 credits are required to graduate with an Ed.M. degree from HGSE.

The main elements of the curriculum are:

• Commence your Foundations studies with How People Learn, an immersive online course that runs June–July and requires a time commitment of 10–15 hours per week.
• You will continue Foundations with Leading Change, Evidence, and Equity and Opportunity on campus in August. 
• Your Equity and Opportunity Foundations experience culminates in an elected course, which will take place during terms when electives are available.

To fulfill the program requirement, students must take a minimum of 12 credits specific to TTL.

• The TTL Program Core Experience (4 credits), is a full year course where all students come together to observe, analyze, and practice high-quality teaching.
• Teaching methods courses (10 credits) in the chosen content area, which begin in June. 
• A Summer Field-Based Experience (4 credits), held on site in Cambridge in July, allows you to begin to hone your teaching practice. 
• Two courses focused on inclusivity and diversity in the classroom (6 credits). 
• Field experiences , where students in the Teacher Licensure strand will intern or teach directly in Boston-area schools.
• Individuals interested in enhancing their own teaching practice can engage in coursework focused on new pedagogies, how to best serve diverse student populations, and special topics related to classrooms and teaching.  
• Experienced teachers may wish to enroll in HGSE’s Teacher Leadership Methods course, designed to provide cohort-based experience with skills and techniques used to drive adult learning and improve teaching.
• Candidates can take elective coursework based on interests or career goals, which includes the opportunity to specialize in an HGSE Concentration .

Advancing Research on Effective Teacher Preparation 

As a student in the TTL Program, you will have the opportunity to contribute to HGSE’s research on what makes effective teacher preparation. This research seeks to build an evidence base that contributes to the field’s understanding of effective approaches to teacher training, including how to support high-quality instruction, successful models of coaching and mentorship, and effective approaches to addressing the range of challenges facing our students.

TTL students will be able to participate in research studies as part of their courses, and some will also serve as research assistants, gaining knowledge of what works, as well as a doctoral-type experience at a major research university.

Explore our  course catalog . (All information and courses are subject to change.)

Note: The TTL Program trains educators to work in U.S. classrooms. Required coursework focuses on U.S. examples and contexts.

Teaching Licensure Strand

Students who want to earn certification to teach at the middle school and high school levels in U.S. schools should select the Teaching Licensure strand. TTL provides coursework and fieldwork that can lead to licensure in grades 5–8 in English, general science, history, and mathematics, as well as grades 8–12 in biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, and physics. In the Teaching Licensure strand, you will apply to one of two fieldwork models:

• The residency model – our innovative classroom immersion model, with significant funding available, in which students assume teaching responsibilities in the September following acceptance to the program. 
• The internship model – which ramps up teaching responsibility more gradually.

In both models, you will be supported by Harvard faculty and school-based mentors — as well as by peers in the TTL Program, with additional opportunities for network-building with HGSE alumni. Both models require applicants to have an existing familiarity with U.S. schools to be successful.  Learn more about the differences between the residency and internship models.

Summer Experience for Teaching Licensure Candidates

All students in the Teaching Licensure strand will participate in the Summer Experience supporting the Cambridge-Harvard Summer Academy (CHSA), which takes place in Cambridge in July 2023. Through your work at CHSA, you will help middle and high school students in the Cambridge Public Schools with credit recovery, academic enrichment, and preparation for high school. Students in the Teaching Licensure strand will teach students directly as part of the teaching team. This is an opportunity for you to immediately immerse yourself in a school environment and begin to practice the skills necessary to advance your career.

Teaching and Leading Strand

The Teaching and Leading strand is designed for applicants who want to enhance their knowledge of the craft of teaching or assume roles as teacher leaders. Candidates for the Teaching and Leading strand will share a common interest in exploring and advancing the practice of effective teaching, with the goal of understanding how to improve learning experiences for all students. The program will be valuable for three types of applicant:

• Individuals interested in teaching, but who do not require formal licensure to teach. This includes applicants who might seek employment in independent schools or in informal educational sectors such as arts education, after-school programs, tutoring, and youth organizations. 
• Experienced teachers who wish to deepen their practice by learning new pedagogies and developing new capacities to help students thrive.
• Experienced teachers who seek leadership roles — from organizing school-based initiatives to more formal roles like coaching and professional development.

As a candidate in the Teaching and Leading strand, your own interests will guide your journey. If you are seeking a teacher leader role, TTL faculty will guide you to courses that focus on growing your skills as a reflective leader, preparing you to facilitate adult learning, helping you understand how to disrupt inequity, and teaching you how to engage in best practices around coaching, mentoring, and data analysis. If you are seeking to learn about the craft of teaching, our faculty will similarly direct you to recommended courses and opportunities that will meet your goals.

Students in this strand can also take on internships within the TTL Program (e.g., program supervisor, early career coach) or the HGSE community, and at surrounding schools or organizations. And you can customize your learning experience by pursuing one of HGSE's six Concentrations .

Note: Applicants in the Teaching and Leading strand should expect a focus on leadership within U.S. schools.

Program Faculty

Students will work closely with faculty associated with their area of study, but students can also work with and take courses with faculty throughout HGSE and Harvard.  View our faculty directory for a full list of HGSE faculty.

Faculty Co-Chairs

Heather C. Hill

Heather Hill studies policies and programs to improve teaching quality. Research interests include teacher professional development and instructional coaching.

Victor Pereira, Jr.

Victor Pereira's focus is on teacher preparation, developing new teachers, and improving science teaching and learning in middle and high school classrooms. 

Rosette Cirillo

Sarah Edith Fiarman

Noah Heller

Eric Soto-Shed

Career Pathways

The TTL Program prepares you for a variety of career pathways, including:

Teaching Licensure Strand:

• Licensed middle or high school teacher in English, science, math, and history

Teaching and Leading Strand: 

• Classroom teachers
• Curriculum designers 
• Department heads and grade-level team leaders 
• District-based instructional leadership team members 
• Instructional and curriculum leadership team members 
• Out-of-school educators; teachers in youth organizations or after-school programs
• Professional developers and content specialists 
• School improvement facilitators 
• School-based instructional coaches and mentor teachers
• Teachers of English as a second language
• International educators seeking to understand and advance a career in U.S. education

Cohort & Community

The TTL Program prioritizes the development of ongoing teacher communities that provide continued support, learning, and collaboration. Our cohort-based approach is designed to encourage and allow aspiring teachers and leaders to build relationships with one another, as well as with instructors and mentors — ultimately building a strong, dynamic network. 

As a TTL student, you will build a community around a shared commitment to teaching and teacher development. You will learn from and with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, levels of expertise, and instructional settings. To further connections with the field, you are invited to attend “meet the researcher” chats, engage in learning through affinity groups, and interact with teaching-focused colleagues across the larger university, by taking courses and participating in activities both at HGSE and at other Harvard schools. 

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Teaching and Teacher Leadership experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Donors Invest in Teachers, Reaching Key Milestone

The $10 million Challenge Match for Teachers, now complete, will expand scholarships for students in Teaching and Teacher Leadership

HGSE Honors Master's Students with Intellectual Contribution Award

Berkeley School of Education

Ma and phd programs, about our ma and phd.

Earning a Master’s of Arts degree (MA) or doctorate (PhD) from Berkeley’s School of Education often leads to a career as an educational scholar and researcher in schools, colleges, and universities; non-profits and think tanks; and corporations.

In your application, we encourage you to describe your research interests as well as your desire to study with particular faculty in their application materials. If you wish to study educational topics outside those framed in the list below, we still encourage you to apply to earn your MA or PhD because we want innovative thinkers among us.

During the first semester, all students build a plan of study in consultation with their advisor(s). This plan is revisited, updated, and revised yearly thereafter.

What Doctoral Students Can Expect

During the first two years of study, the Berkeley PhD in Education introduces you to research on current issues in education, theories of learning, human development, and inequality, educational policy, and research methods. Students proceed through the program during the first two years in a cohort, taking core courses together.

The degree program’s structure ensures that you have a broad understanding of important topics in education and that you begin developing the research expertise needed to carry out independent research projects. You will also begin to take elective courses within and outside the BSE in your expected areas of expertise.

By the third and fourth years of study, you are expected to develop greater expertise in your research specialties in close consultation with your faculty advisors. You also take advanced seminars; engage in independent studies and research apprenticeships; and complete an oral exam.

The concluding part of your doctoral studies is preparation of your dissertation proposal and the research and writing of your dissertation.

What Master's Students Can Expect

As a Master’s student, you join the Berkeley community for one academic year, affiliating with a cluster of specialization. MA students often complete courses and their Masters projects during the summer. You are required to complete 24 semester units, which equals seven to eight classes, depending on how many units are awarded for each class.

You will have access to your faculty advisors, an MA Coordinator, and Student Services staff within the School of Education.

Learn more about the core requirements for earning a Master's in Education .

Our faculty’s interests span a range of critical topics and issues that are crucial for the attainment of educational equity and greater impact in schools and communities. The broad clusters of our faculty’s expertise are listed below. Click on any of the titles to see faculty who are engaged in this research.

Critical Studies of Race, Class, and Gender

• Critical Social and Cultural Theories
• Globalization, Immigration, and Migration
• Race & Social Inequality in Urban Education
• Domination and Resistance across Educational Settings
• Social Identities in Educational Contexts
• Language, Literacy, and Digital Media

Language, Literacy, and Culture

• Sociocultural aspects of language use and development across the lifespan
• Linguistic and cultural diversity in language and literacy education
• Intersections of disability and language and literacy learning
• Race and inequality in language and literacy education
• Bi/multilingualism and translanguaging in schools and communities
• Indigenous language maintenance and education in local and global contexts
• Literacy in a Digital Age
• Literacy in and out of School

Learning Sciences and Human Development

• Cognitive, Human, and Social Development 
• Mathematics and Science Education
• Teacher Learning and Education
• Technology and Digital Media

Policy, Politics, and Leadership

• Leadership in Educational Organizations
• Policy Analysis and Program Implementation
• Politics of Education Advocacy
• School Improvement

Social Research Methodologies

• Data Science
• Design-Based Research
• Measurement
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Statistics and Econometrics

School Psychology

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School of Education

Educators are liberators because knowledge is transformative.

Master's Programs

Master's degree programs.

Ranked among the best graduate schools of education by U.S. News, the master's degree programs at the School of Education prepare students to become leaders, educators, researchers, advocates, and scholars who promote excellence and equity in every area of education.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) plus Credential

The California Teaching Commission (CTC)-accredited dual M.Ed. and credential programs prepare students for careers in teaching. By the time you complete the program, you will have earned a master's degree and a credential to teach K-12 in California, a designation that is widely accepted in other states and gives you access to career options. The programs begin in the Summer. The Bilingual Authorization and Ethnic Studies Pathway can be earned simultaneously through additional coursework.

Choose from two programs:

• M.Ed. in General Education with Single Subject or Multiple Subject Credential
• M.Ed. in Special Education with Education Specialist Credential

Admissions & Deadlines

Request Information

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

The Master of Education is a professional degree designed to prepare students for careers in the K-16 environment. Students in the M.Ed. program participate in weekly, late afternoon classes (4-7pm) on campus in Riverside, and the degree can be earned in 1-2 years. GRE is not  required.

Choose from three specializations:

• Education Policy Analysis and Leadership
• Higher Education Administration & Policy
• Racial Justice

Master of Arts (M.A.)

The Master of Arts is a research degree that prepares students for careers in an educational setting, or to pursue a doctoral program –– almost all coursework transfers from the M.A. to the Ph.D., minimizing the time to degree. Students in the M.A. program participate in weekly, late afternoon classes (4-7pm) on campus in Riverside, and the degree can be earned in 1-2 years, at your own pace. No GRE required.

Choose from five specializations:

• Education, Society, and Culture
• Educational Psychology  
• Neuroscience and Education
• Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics
• Special Education and Autism

" I think the best part about the Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics program is its flexibility and interdisciplinary nature. I am gaining a deeper understanding of quantitative methods, and have been pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy learning about other fields such as sociology. The faculty and staff are very supportive of your goals and are prompt in their responses if you have questions. During this time, I have been able to prepare myself for the next graduate program I wish to pursue. " -- James Zoucha, M.A. '21

 " Prior to even beginning my program, I quickly noticed the resources and value SOE could offer me. Leading up to orientation, SOE had already sent me relevant student job postings, and directed me to teaching assistant positions, which I eventually applied for and was accepted. It was because of these experiences that I felt I had an edge over other applicants when I entered the job market. Not only did I gain a deeper insight into higher education, but I also gained the practical skills to help me flourish in a full-time role. " -- Mark Banderas, M.Ed. '20

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• PsyD vs PhD

List of Combined Master’s and PsyD Programs

Earning a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree is an important educational step in becoming licensed to practice psychology. But for many people, just getting their Psy.D. won’t provide them with the specific training they want to practice in certain niche areas. And some PsyD programs include an M.A. or M.S. within the Psy.D. program by design, which many other students may prefer for academic reasons.

The good news for both groups is that there are several options for programs that combine master’s and other advanced degrees with Psy.D. training. Let’s take a look at these programs and important information students should know about each one.

Widener University — MBA/PsyD, MEd/PsyD, MCJ/PsyD

Chester, Pennsylvania 

Widener University has by far the most extensive options for students who want to pair Psy.D. education with training in another area. Not only does the school offer several degree pairings, but it also includes multiple focus areas that allow students to tailor their education specific to their career goals.

Here’s a look at what’s offered at Widener:

• MBA/Psy.D.: Two possible tracks are offered that pair a Master of Business Administration with a Psy.D. One is a general MBA/Psy.D. path, while the other combines a Psy.D. and an MBA in healthcare management
• MEd/Psy.D.: The combination Psy.D.-Master of Education has a programmatic focus on human sexuality education , preparing the graduate for a career as an educator, therapist or sexual health professional.
• MCJ/Psy.D.: Pairing a Master of Criminal Justice degree with a Psy.D. can help prepare graduates for psychology jobs within legal settings.

University of St. Thomas, MA/PsyD

Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Psy.D. track at the University of St. Thomas includes an option for students who want to first complete a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology before earning direct admission to the school’s counseling psychology Psy.D.

Prospective students to the St. Thomas Psy.D. must have a master’s degree in counseling psychology before applying.

Loyola University (Maryland), MS/PsyD

Chicago, Illinois

Loyola University (Maryland) includes a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology that students earn midway through their second academic year in the Psy.D. program. Students who already have master’s degrees may be able to shorten their Psy.D. track at Loyola, but not all courses will transfer, so applicants need to do their due diligence.

John F. Kennedy University, MA/PsyD

Pleasant Hill, California 

A unique dual degree focus on sports psychology is one of the primary offerings at John F. Kennedy University. The school’s Master of Arts in Sport Psychology leads into a clinical Psy.D., allowing graduates to work in clinical settings with athletes. The degree is also offered in a hybrid format, further distinguishing it from the pack.

Appalachian State University, MA/PsyD

Boone, North Carolina

Appalachian State gives students a chance to earn a Master of Arts in Psychology en route to their Psy.D., and applicants who already have a master’s degree may be able to shorten the time it takes to earn their Psy.D. degree .

Joint PhD Programs

Another option for those who want to seek professional licensure in psychology is to pursue a Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy. This is a more traditional, academic-oriented degree, but for students hoping to complete a dual degree program, pairing another type of education with a Ph.D. may be more common since Ph.D. programs overall are more common than Psy.D. tracks.

Here’s a look at a few of the options out there for dual Ph.D. in psychology programs:

• Drexel University: JD/PhD in Law & Psychology
• University of Arizona: JD/PhD in Psychology
• University of Nebraska: JD/PhD, Law-Psychology
• University of Pennsylvania: JD/PhD in Psychology
• University of Chicago: Joint PhD in Psychology and Business
• NOVA Southeastern University: MBA/PhD in Psychology

Earning a doctoral degree in psychology, whether a Psy.D. or Ph.D., is a huge commitment of time and energy. So if there’s a specific area in which you want to practice, it may pay to invest just a bit more time and energy (and probably money) into making sure that the degree you earn will give you the tools you need to succeed in a niche career. Dual-degree programs can be an important resource that goes way beyond just choosing a few electives.

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• Joint MA/JD in Law and Education

Joint MA in Education/JD in Law

The School of Law and the Graduate School of Education offer a three-year joint program leading to a JD degree from the Law School combined with an MA degree from the Graduate School of Education. Knowledge of the law and the tools of legal analysis are imperative to crafting educational policy and school reform strategies. Educational policymakers, administrators, and practitioners increasingly turn to lawyers as they negotiate an ever-more complex policy environment, in which state and federal agencies are involved in local decision making in unprecedented ways. In turn, lawyers must understand how schools function as complex organizations and must master the basic tools policy analysts use when tackling social problems. Stanford’s joint JD/MA in education program prepares leaders and scholars to address these challenges. JD/MA students begin their course of study in the School of Law. A number of courses taken in either the Law School or the Graduate School of Education may count towards the JD and the MA.

For additional information please contact the JD/MA Program Advisor, Professor William Koski, at [email protected] .

Candidates to the MA/JD Joint Degree Program are required to submit the Application for Admission to the Joint Degree Program with the Graduate School of Education (GSE).

Academic requirements

Application Requirements

Forms for current students

Master’s Handbook

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Dual Doctoral and Master's Degrees

Graduate students who are enrolled in a doctoral program in one department/program may enroll concurrently for a master's degree in a related area. Examples would be a doctoral student in PHYS enrolling concurrently for a masters in MATH or a doctoral student in ECON enrolling concurrently for a master's in BMGT.

The following rules govern the dual-enrollment process:

• The student must be in good academic standing.
• Both graduate departments/programs must agree to the dual-degree enrollment.
• The full degree requirements must be met in both programs.
• The same course cannot be applied to both programs.
• A written plan for the dual enrollment must be worked out between the two departments/programs regarding credits, advising, semester loads, etc. Copies of this plan must be placed in the student's file in each program and a copy sent to the Graduate School to be included in the student's records.
• Students must complete the Dual Master's and Doctoral Program form and submit to the Graduate School for final review. 

Once the written plan is filed with the Graduate School, the student's doctoral program will be designated as the primary degree and the masters program will be designated as the secondary degree. Students and advisors should bear in mind that our present computer system has no way of knowing towards which degree a given course grade should be applied for purposes of computing the GPA. Therefore, students enrolled in dual-degree programs will only have an overall GPA, which reflects their combined performance in the two programs. We are unable to provide separate GPAs for the masters and doctoral components of the two programs. Students therefore should be advised that poor performance in their masters program would affect their overall GPA as it is calculated on their transcript.

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Combined Masters and PhD Programs in the US

I was asked by a reader if one can opt for a joint master and PhD program in the United States right after an undergraduate degree. My answer to that question would be YES. Most universities in the US accept students into their PhD programs right after a bachelors degree. US universities work according to the credit system. Each degree requires that the student earns a certain amount of minimum credits. In an integrated program, once you finish your master’s coursework (in 2-3 years) and earn the requisite credits/grades you can dive into full time research and the PhD portion coursework.

What are the entry requirements of MS + PhD programs?

The entry requirements are essentially the same that the school asks from its masters and PhD applicants. Undergrad grades, test scores, letters of recommendation and work experience are taken into account. Yes, your profile must be strong enough to be considered for such a position. An applicant must prove that he/she has a strong inclination for research and can continue in the program for 7-8 years. And if English is not your native language, you will likely have to prove your English ability by taking the TOEFL or another English exam. Admissions offices need to know that you can function in an English-only environment.

Masters students are usually offered only partial scholarships, depending on the availability. Many schools at least try that the international students receive some tuition waiver/scholarship. If chosen as a combined masters-PhD candidate it’s likely that the school will offer a fellowship and offer a TA/RA position. If not immediately, the RA/TA position comes in after the first semester or even the first year. Please note, this funding is entirely on the discretion of the department and it’s best to ask admissions/graduate coordinators about such policies when applying.

The advantages of such programs

If someone is absolutely sure that a doctoral degree is his/her ultimate goal, I would strongly advice opting for a combined degree. It’s a good career move to set on the research and PhD path right after an undergraduate degree. You’re set once and for all without the hassles of applying again. Additionally, the cost of applying to schools twice- once for masters and then for PhD- can be saved. Test scores are valid for a limited period of time and if it expires before the PhD cycle of admissions, an applicant is expected to appear for it again.

Combined programs are rigorous as there is a lot to learn before embarking on research. An undergrad is a novice when considering the demands of higher research. When choosing such a program be prepared to venture on a demanding, long and tough journey.

On the flipside, it’s completely alright if you want to pursue a doctoral program after completing your masters. Separate masters and PhD degrees offers you the flexibility to change schools, specializations/area of research and the option to work/research for a few years before heading for your PhD.

Best of luck in deciding which way you are headed after your undergrad!

Omanjana is the Magoosh TOEFL Student Blogger. She is a graduate student from India moving to the US in the fall to pursue her doctoral studies in Environmental Science at Rutgers. Each week, she writes posts about her experience with the TOEFL and US admissions!

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47 responses to “Combined Masters and PhD Programs in the US”

In a combined MS+PhD program does the student receive masters certificate if he/she doesn’t continue the PhD program after completing the masters?

Typically yes, this is the case that a student earns the MS or MA qualification along the way, but it is not always in the subject matter of the PhD itself. These are questions that should be clarified with an individual university department. 🙂

Can you provide the list of colleges which offers combined masters and PHD course or how to discern from the official website of the college if it offers the above mentioned course ?

It’s hard to compile a full list of these kinds of programs, for a few reasons. For one thing, universities don’t always make it obvious that they have a combined grad program. If you see that a university offers a Master’s and PhD in the same subject, there’s a chance that their program combines the two degrees. But you may need to contact the school to find out. It’s also possible that a school may offer a Masters in one subject, a PhD in another, but combine these two grad degrees into one double-major program.

Specific kinds of joint degrees are easier to find lists for. Some types of combined Masters/PhD are very popular and very specific, so that lists of all such programs are available. This is definitely true of the combined JD/MBA. Many different websites have lists of JD/MBA programs. I personally like Wikipedia’s JD/MBA list .

To find a list of combined Master’s/PhD programs that’s useful for you, search just for the subject area (or areas) you intend to study. That should help you come up with a good list of your options.

Hi, I am mechanical engineer, soon I will have my Meng degree. I have two years of work experience and zero research papers. Can you please tell me do i have chance to get accepted and get assistantship at MS+PHd program in Management/Marketing (because of my engineering background)? I haven’t had any connection with bussines-related fields but I am 100% sure I want to study this! Thank you so much!

Hi Zerina 🙂 Unfortunately we don’t have any expertise in admissions chances. You’re welcome to discuss here in the comments, but we can only help you prepare for the exams you need. I recommend reaching out to your schools of interest to ask what admissions standards they use.

What’s the total duration for an integrated masters and PhD course. ?

There is no single answer for this. The masters coursework typically takes 1.5-3 years and then you progress to the PhD portion, which honestly can take a decade sometimes, but typically is a 5-6 year endeavor.

I did only one semester in one of the Universities in the UK in English and then I have withdrawn the course, and I would like to do this Combined Masters and PhD Programs in the US.

Do I need to provide TOEFL or IELTS to get the offer?

Or it is enough to provide a proof from the university that I have withdrawn from?

because I do not want take IELTS again.

If you have just one semester complete in an English speaking environment, most American universities will still want to see an English proficiency exam of some sort.

Whether or not you need to take the TOEFL or retake the IELTS depends on how long ago you took the last test. If you took the IELTS less than two years ago, you don’t need to retake it. US universities accept both the IELTS and the TOEFL, so long as your scores are less than two years old at the time of application. (Or sometimes they need to be less than two years old at the time you start your studies— contact the schools you’re applying to if you need to check the exact policy.)

However, if your IELTS scores are more than two years old, and you don’t have newer (less than two years old) TOEFL scores, you’ll need to either retake the IELTS or take the TOEFL.

Hope this helps! 🙂

Hi can we pursue joint ms phd programme in bionformatics after doing a year in master’s from india

There is no way to answer that as it will depend on individual universities and your school’s accreditation. Reach out to the schools you want to attend and see what they say! 🙂

Hello, In case of these programs where I will apply for a direct PhD program(combined masters and Phd) will i earn a ms as well as phd degree or will I receive certificate of only the Phd degree at the end of the course? Samalee

Hi Samalee,

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions and academic advice, but I think that in most cases, the school will award you a master’s before you continue onto the PhD coursework and research. My recommendation would be to research schools and programs that interest you in order to determine their requirements and schedule 🙂

Hi, Typically, what are the achievements in the resume of a student that gets selected for the MS + PhD course?

That can be a little hard to predict, since grad programs look at many different factors. That being said, relevant work experience is always a plus. If you have presented at any academic conferences or gotten a subject-related paper published in an academic journal, that helps as well. Past research or TA experience is good too, of course!

Hello, I am currently in my first year of Masters and am looking to apply for an integrated MS-PhD program. For such a program, is a subject change possible for PhD? I mean, if I do my MS in Biological Sciences, can I switch to another related subject like Immunology for my PhD? Thank you!

That depends on a lot of factors, so you should ask the departments you would be part of. Some would allow this type of thing and others would not. Unfortunately, we are not experts in this type of thing, so the best source of information is the schools themselves. Good luck!

Hi. My wife has done MCA in india and has IT experience of 5 years. Planing to do PHD but her GRE scores are less than 300. We are hoping to choose combined MS+PHD as they are colleges who would allow her MS without GRE. However, would you know if GRE has to be written again once she complete her MS or does this depend on universities? Thanks for your reply

This really does depend on the standards of each university. With a lower, sub-300 GRE score, you wife probably can get into some PhD programs. But can she get into the specific ones she’s most interested in? For the answer to that, she should check the policies of her specific target schools.

First of all thank you so much for such a nice information. i have done two years graduation and afterwards i graduated in Law with 3.8 CGPA. I am fairly keen in master+ Ph. D program in USA and Canada. Could you please recommend some universities who offering full bright scholarship in the said program.

Kindly reply me soon.I will be really great full if you E-mail me.

Kind Regards, Sadia.

i m having a score of 289 in gre i m having plans for ms as well as phd…i m looking for a teaching proffession in US. Any advices?

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice, so I’m afraid I can’t provide you much more information than what we give in this blog post! I would recommend, however, that you consider retaking the GRE. This depends on your program of study and target schools , but in my experience many graduate schools, especially PhD programs, are looking for minimum scores of 300 or higher. I may be a bit biased here, but if you’re looking for an affordable and high quality test prep program, I highly recommend Magoosh 🙂

Hey i need guidenss for preparation of ilets can u help. And i want to know that is it compulsory to give both GRE (general and subjective) or do we have option in that?

Hi Gulmina,

We have many resources to help you prepare for the IELTS! Our IELTS blog provides you with study support and study schedules, and our comprehensive Premium IELTS program will provide you with all of the information and practice you need to excel in the IELTS! The GRE requirement varies by school and program. Most graduate schools require that you take the General GRE Test. Some programs also recommend or require a GRE Subject Test. You’ll have to research the requirements of your target schools for more information 🙂 You can start your search with some general information about the GRE General and Subject tests on our GRE blog 🙂

Which test is to be written to get into an integrated Phd program?

This depends on your course of study, and you should check the admissions requirements for some of your target schools for the most accurate information! Most schools will require the GRE for graduate studies, along with an English language test like the TOEFL or IELTS .

Do we need work experience for this joint venture?? And how many letter of recommendation is required? What about GRE do we need to take GRE?

As Omanjana mentioned, work experience is taken into consideration. However, work experience is not necessarily a requirement some combined Masters/PhD programs will require work experience, but others may accept applicants who don’t have work experience. Policies on experience vary from program to program.

Policies for letters of reference also vary from program to program, although you should assume that all programs will want at least one reference letter, usually more.

Policies for GRE vary as well. Most combined Masters and PhD programs at top ranked universities will require the GRE. However, some top programs may require the GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, or another graduate exam, depending on the program type. Mid-tier programs are not asl likely to require GRE scores if their focus is humanities or teacher training. However, the GRE is commonly asked for if you are applying to a mid-ranked combined Masters or PhD that’s very science oriented.

What about work permit after completing PhD in USA?

There are a different ways to get a work permit after your PhD if you are an international student. If you can get an American employer to give you a long-term job and sponsor your visa, that’s one way to stay on and work. To get such a job offer and visa, you need to have unique, advanced skills that few other job applicants have. But with a PhD, you just might.

You can also find short-term work (that could eventually become long-term work) after receiving a degree through a special kind of work status called “optional practical training” (OPT). With an OPT work permit, you can work at a job or do voulunteer work that is relevant to the degree you’ve just completed. So for example, if your PhD is in law, you may be able to get some short-term work through OPT if you work at a law firm.

For more information about OPT, I recommend checking out Magoosh’s interview with Othman Zaimi , an international student services specialist at the University of St. Thomas. I would also recommend contacting the international education offices of the schools you’re applying to. International student regulations can change as time passes, and different schools have their own different work requirements and restrictions. So the offices of your target schools are your best source of accurate, up-to-date information about work after your PhD. But again, the interview with Othman is a great place to start! 🙂

Hi,I want to Ms and phd integrated course in mechanical abroad. Which university offer this type course.

Hi Raviraj!

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions and academic advice, so unfortunately, we can’t offer you very much help with this. With that said, this website may be a good place to start your search. From there, you can contact the schools directly for more information on their available programs. 🙂

How can we change our area of research after ms and before PhD? Because since our ms was in a different field won’t our chances of getting rejected increase??

Hi Chirag! That’s a great question, but one that would have to be answered by a specific program. I can only say that it varies. Some programs like students with a diverse background and some might want students who have stuck to one track. Be sure to reach our to your programs of interest and see what sorts of students they look for 🙂

Hi, can you please guide me to US universities that offer integrated Phd in biomedical science or biotechnology? Appreciate your help.

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice or school specialties, so I’m afraid we aren’t the best people to answer this question! I recommend using this post as a starting point, and reaching out to your target schools for more information.

Thanks for the above information. I have few more questions 1)I heard that the MS+PhD program is 5 years course, Is it true? or it will take more than 5 years.

2)if i join master’s in one university and then transferred to another university which offers combined program, Do i need to start from scratch or some subjects get waived in new university.

3) you are mentioning that there are different requirements to get combined program admit depends on university, What are basic requirements for any university, If i want to apply from India.

Thanks in advance

Hi Srikanth,

These are all good questions, but I’m afraid we aren’t the best people to answer them. Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice. As we mention in this post, everything depends on the program and school you are applying for. A combined program could take more or less than 5 years, and whether your master’s degree transfers depends on the degree and the program. Each program has it’s own requirements, but generally you would have to take standardized tests (likely the GRE and TOEFL), write essays, provide your transcripts and fill out any supplemental material for the school. I recommend reaching out to an admissions counselor for more information 🙂

Does having a work experience considered as a disadvantage or advantage to apply for MS+PhD programme?

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice, so we aren’t the best people to answer this question. In my experience, work experience is almost always a positive thing in the application process, but you should contact your target schools directly for more information.

Do we have to pay tuition fees for MS-PhD integrated programs in USA?

Hi Kashmira, I’d recommend reaching out to your target schools for more information on tuition and financial assistance offered in these kinds of programs.

Hi, 1) I initially wanted to pursue my masters from abroad but due to some reasons I couldn’t so I completed my M.Sc. in Biochemistry from India. I now want to pursue my PhD from abroad but since its very tough to get PhD positions in foreign universities, I am wondering if I should try for integrated M.Sc and PhD now ?

2) I also have a question that whether its okay for someone to do M.Sc. Immunology after completing M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences as they had very much interest in it since the beginning ?

Hi Akanksha! If you’re looking for admissions-specific advice, I’m afraid we don’t offer any admissions consulting services ourselves (we focus mainly on test prep!), but here are some other companies whose services we recommend:

Stacy Blackman Consulting

We have worked with them for several years and recommend them highly.

We also have an admissions section on our blog where our partner companies often address common student admissions questions:

GRE Admissions

GMAT Admissions

TOEFL Admissions

I hope that helps at least a little!

Hi, do we need a thesis paper published during our graduation period to be eligible for MS/PhD program in USA?

Hi Vaidehi,

Great question. This depends on the kind of program you’re applying to, since different schools will have different requirements. On average, most people that pursue a PhD degrees have their Masters in the same or similar subject, thus they already are coming in with research experience and potentially a published paper. Another thing to note is that research experience doesn’t mean that you need to have a published work; projects like final thesis or volunteering for faculty can also count as research, depending on the field.

Hope that helps!

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College of Education grad program ranks in Top 40 among U.S. public universities

The Purdue University College of Education ranks #48 in 2024 Best Education Schools – Graduate  Education , according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings released Apr. 9. This is an increase from #49 in 2023.

Education is among the five top-ranked academic disciplines at Purdue ranked by the USNWR .

“We are #2 in Indiana, and in the top 19% nationally,” said Wayne E. Wright , College of Education associate dean for research, graduate programs, and faculty development.

This ranking places Purdue’s College of Education graduate program in the Top 40 among U.S. public universities, at #37.

“While this is a very small improvement over our ranking last year, it is evidence that our graduate programs are strengthening — especially in the area of research,” said Phillip J. VanFossen , interim dean of the College. “In fact, the College has one of the highest levels of research productivity at Purdue.”

“We are thrilled to see our graduate program move even higher in the 2024 U.S. News and World Report Rankings,” Wright said. “We truly have outstanding programs and faculty who are dedicated to teaching and providing our students with highest quality education.”

U.S. News & World Report is a recognized leader in ranking colleges, programs, and graduate schools. Each year, Purdue’s College of Education strives to continually improve its programs and relies on the rankings to help promote and serve as a recruiting tool for prospective students seeking a quality online educational experience.

U.S. News and World Report rankings of the 2024 Best Graduate Schools – Education programs https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/purdue-university-main-campus-06068   

Source: Wayne E. Wright, [email protected]

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USF College of Education continues to rise in rankings for top graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report

• April 9, 2024
• College of Education News

The University of South Florida (USF) College of Education is once again recognized for its graduate education programs and has climbed five spots to no. 38 for public universities in the 2024 rankings released today by U.S. News and World Report. Several factors are evaluated in ranking the 255 education institutions including faculty credentials, admissions and graduation rates and research activity.

Dr. R. Anthony Rolle, Dean of the College of Education remarked, “The faculty, staff, and students in the USF College of Education – along with its vibrant and innovative instructional, research, and community partners – are quite excited to learn that when U.S. News & World Report compared us to our outstanding peer public colleges of education across the U.S. that USF is ranked #38! And, among all peer colleges of education nationally, we are ranked #48. As dean of this college, I must say that I am extremely proud of the work efforts conducted by all involved. This college is an example for what can happen when a college is mission-focused on creating academic, economic, and social justice service opportunities for all its professional communities.”

The College of Education offers more than 45 masters and doctoral degree programs across numerous areas of study, such as curriculum and instruction, instructional technology, educational leadership, exercise science and school psychology. USF’s graduate education programs prepare students for careers in various settings, including PK-12 teaching, school administration, higher education, educational policy, research and curriculum development. 

Home to seven research institutions, our master’s and doctoral students turn their research into innovation that benefits students, educators, businesses, and the community – both locally and globally.

For more information about the U.S. News and World Report's Best Graduate Education Programs rankings, visit the U.S. News and World Report website . 

About the USF College of Education: Home to more than 2,600 students and 130 faculty members, the University of South Florida College of Education values high-quality education and excellence in research, teaching and learning. The College of Education is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and its educator preparation programs are fully approved by the Florida Department of Education.

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As the home for more than 2,200 students and 130 faculty members across three campuses, the University of South Florida College of Education offers state-of-the-art teacher training and collegial graduate studies designed to empower educational leaders. Our college is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and our educator preparation programs are fully approved by the Florida Department of Education.

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Demystifying Graduate Degrees: Comparing Master’s vs. Doctorate

You want a graduate degree — to continue exploring your passions, make discoveries or advance your career — but how do you turn that decision into a plan?

It starts with understanding the difference between a master’s and a PhD in your field. They differ in length, intensity, curriculum and career paths, so you’ll also need a clear idea of why you want to pursue a graduate degree to determine which one you should get.

What Is a Master’s Degree?

If you’ve completed your undergraduate degree, it might be time to ask, “What’s next?”

That’s where Master’s degrees can come in.

Whether you want to specialize in a particular area or get advanced skills in your profession, a master’s degree can help you get there in 1-2 years.

The most common types of master's degrees include:

• Master of Arts (MA),
• Master of Science (MS),
• Master of Business Administration (MBA),
• Master of Education (MEd),
• and Master of Fine Arts (MFA). 

What do you learn in a master’s program?

The short answer? A lot.

Master’s degree programs are designed to build on the foundational knowledge gained during your undergraduate studies, and the curriculum focuses on advanced knowledge and skills in a particular field.

Here’s what you can expect to encounter in a master’s program:

Advanced coursework:  Master's programs provide advanced courses that build upon the foundational knowledge gained during your undergraduate studies. These courses delve deeper into specific topics within your field and often explore the latest research and developments. 

Specialization:  One of the primary goals of a master's program is to allow you to specialize in a particular area. Whether pursuing a Master of Arts, Master of Science, or a professional degree like an MBA, you can focus your studies on a specific subfield or concentration within your discipline. 

Research and analysis:   Many master's programs require you to engage in research projects and analytical work. This could involve conducting independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor or participating in group research projects with fellow students. Through these research experiences, you’ll develop critical thinking and analytical skills, learn how to gather and evaluate relevant data and draw meaningful conclusions.

Practical applications and internships:  Some master's programs incorporate practical training opportunities like internships, practicums, or field experiences; hands-on experiences allow you to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to real-world settings.

Collaboration and networking:  A Master's program is a rich collaboration and networking environment. Collaborative projects, group discussions, and professional events allow you to exchange ideas and build connections within your field, often leading to long-lasting professional relationships and potential career opportunities.

Thesis project:   Outside of building skills like project management, problem-solving, project management, and effective communication, thesis projects in master's degree programs serve as a cornerstone for building advanced skills, expanding professional networks, and contributing to the body of knowledge in your respective field. 

Why get a master’s degree?

Career advancement: One primary advantage of getting a master’s degree is an edge in the job market. Employers value the specialized knowledge and advanced skills that come with a master’s degree, opening up new and exciting career opportunities.  The cherry on top? Individuals with a master’s degree often earn more than those without an advanced degree — you can take that to the bank, especially if you set yourself up for financial success during your studies. Flexibility: Another aspect to consider is the flexibility that a master’s degree offers. Many programs offer part-time or online options, allowing you to balance your studies with work or other commitments.  This flexibility can be particularly helpful if you’re already established in your career but want to gain additional qualifications.  Growth opportunities: Depending on your field, a master’s degree can be a stepping stone toward a PhD or other doctoral programs. It gives you a solid foundation in research methods and academic rigor — a boon if you want to pursue a career in academia or conduct advanced research.

What is a Doctoral Degree or PhD?

A doctoral degree is a terminal degree — it represents the pinnacle of academic achievement and is the most advanced degree you can attain. Doctoral students want to become authorities in their chosen fields and develop the skills to conduct independent and original research. 

Doctoral programs usually span 3-6 years of full-time study, during which students complete advanced coursework, pass comprehensive examinations, engage in extensive research and ultimately produce a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field. 

There are several types of doctoral degrees based on different academic and professional aspirations, including:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD),
• Doctor of Education (EdD),
• And Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), among others. 

What do you learn in a doctoral program?

When you successfully defend your dissertation and complete your degree, you also become an expert in your field — but it doesn’t happen overnight. Here's what you can expect to encounter in a doctoral program:

Advanced research: If you’re looking for a hard emphasis on research, a doctoral program is the place to be. Over several years, PhD students engage in extensive research activities — including conducting independent research, producing scholarly publications, and contributing to the knowledge base of their field through original research contributions.

Theoretical and conceptual frameworks:  PhDs are an incredible opportunity to deepen your understanding of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in your field of study. You'll critically analyze existing theories, evaluate their applicability, and develop your theoretical frameworks to advance knowledge and understanding in your chosen area of research.

Advanced methodological training:  Because a dissertation is an original research project, you’ll gain advanced training in research methodologies and data analysis techniques, like designing robust research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing valid and reliable conclusions from your research findings.

Critical thinking and intellectual independence: Both academia and industry employers highly value independent thinkers and workers. Doctoral programs foster critical thinking and intellectual independence by challenging you to evaluate existing research, identify gaps in knowledge, and propose innovative research ideas. Teaching and Mentoring Experience: Being a teacher or mentor is a great opportunity to share your hard-earned knowledge, and universities agree. Doctoral programs often provide opportunities to teach and mentor undergraduate students, develop effective pedagogical skills, and contribute to the academic community.

Dissertation project:  Your dissertation is the culmination of years of hard work within your field. By enrolling in a doctoral program, you’re also given the chance to participate in a significant and original research endeavor that demonstrates the expertise you’ve worked so hard to cultivate.

Why Get a Doctorate?

Having a doctorate doesn’t just open doors; it can kick them down. A doctorate might be right for you if you’re looking for a door to these things:

Expertise and specialization:  Doctoral degrees can be a labor of love. They help you delve deeper into a specific subject area, gaining expertise and specialization.

Research opportunities:  Extensive research training, opportunities for conducting original research, and contributing new knowledge to the academic community — these three things make a doctorate coveted by students, universities, and employers.

Salary potential and career advancement: In some fields, having a doctorate can lead to higher earning potential and increased salary opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , doctoral degree holders made an average of $1,885 per week in 2020, while master’s degree holders made an average of $1,545 per week.

Contribution to society:  Doctoral research often addresses pressing societal issues, contributing to advancements in technology, healthcare, education, and other areas for the benefit of society — for many students, contributing to the greater good is just as rewarding as career advancement or personal development.

What’s the difference between a dissertation and a thesis?

You might have heard “thesis” and “dissertation” used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same. Here are the general distinctions to consider:

• A thesis is usually associated with a master's degree program. Students undertake a research project in the final stage of their degree.
• It typically involves conducting original research or analyzing existing research to answer a specific research question.
• The length of a thesis varies based on the field and program requirements, but it’s usually shorter than a dissertation.

Dissertation:

• A dissertation is typically associated with a doctoral degree program. It is an extensive, in-depth research project that marks the culmination of a doctoral program.
• in-depth exploration of a research topic
• comprehensive literature review
• methodology section
• data collection and analysis
• substantive discussion of findings and conclusions.
• Dissertations are usually longer than theses and may take several years to complete.
• Once you’ve completed your dissertation, you participate in a formal defense of the research, where you’ll present your findings to a committee of experts in the field.

Key Differences: Master's vs. PhD

Deciding between master's vs. phd programs.

“Should I get a master’s degree or a PhD?”

Answering that question can be exciting — and a bit intimidating. You must consider long-term career objectives, personal interests, and the time you can commit. Plus, the level of specialization you wish to achieve based on your career path is also a factor. Typically, a PhD is a prerequisite for those aspiring to research careers in academia, while professional roles in various industries may require only a master's degree. 

It’s still worth noting that students have the option of completing a master's degree first and then, based on their experiences and career aspirations, deciding whether to pursue a PhD.

Find the right graduate degree at SMU 

A graduate degree is a big investment, so investing in the right program is important.

SMU offers a diverse array of master's and PhD programs tailored to align with your unique interests and career goals, and personalized support, from the applicant to the graduate, is always available. 

Whether you're interested in pursuing a PhD in Chemistry or are almost finished with your MBA, we can help you find the right advanced degree.

This could just be the beginning of your journey. Get a closer look at applying to graduate programs of your choice with our guide, How to Get a PhD: A Guide to Choosing and Applying to PhD Programs .

Learn More About

Doctoral degrees at SMU, and how you can choose the right program and thrive in it, in our Guide to Getting a PhD.

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Mills College

Early childhood education.

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education with Early Childhood Special Education Preliminary Teaching Credential prepares students to work in early intervention, preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten education settings with infants and young children (ages birth through 5) who experience a range of disabilities.  This program’s equity-centered approach to praxis advances social justice and increases access and opportunity for all children. 

In your clinical experiences, you will have an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of effective early intervention and preschool special education. These clinical experiences total more than 900 hours, exceeding the 600 hours of fieldwork required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education with Early Childhood Special Education Preliminary Teaching Credential prepares students to work in early intervention, preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten education settings with infants and young children (ages birth through 5) who experience a range of disabilities. 

This 42-credit, two-year program’s equity-centered approach to praxis advances social justice and increases access and opportunity for all children. 

• The program’s experiential learning experiences aim to be the global standard; it prepares practitioners to lead in their professions as early childhood educators and leaders in California public schools.

Through collaboration with families, graduates of the program will support young children with disabilities, from birth through kindergarten, to live up to their potential.

Most courses in the MA in Early Childhood Education program meet CCTC standards, utilizing a strengths-based approach, which teaches students to approach early childhood with an appreciation of the diverse capabilities and resources children and families offer. The MA in Early Childhood Education program focuses on social justice and equity, centering on a disability studies approach. Students examine how societal systems set limitations based on “othered” identities, and how their instruction, interaction, and advocacy can create equitable and accessible learning opportunities.  The degree is conferred by Mills College at Northeastern University, and the teaching credentials are presented by CCTC. 

The Early Child Education (ECE) department maintains the belief that coursework and fieldwork must be integrated. Therefore, courses have assignments requiring engagement in educational settings, and students will be placed in experiential learning/educational fieldwork every semester of the two-year program. During a student's first year, they will be placed at the Mills College Children's School, where they are closely mentored by experienced and knowledgeable early childhood professionals. Students participate in weekly reflective circles with team members, where they discuss instructional decisions and interventions, receive feedback, and identify the next steps for supporting children and families. During the second year, student teaching will take place in an early intervention setting and a preschool-kindergarten setting.  

In their field placements, students have an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of effective early intervention and preschool special education. These experiential learning experiences total more than 900 hours, far exceeding the 600 hours of fieldwork required by the CCTC. Throughout the course sequence of the MA in Early Childhood Education program, students will compile a digital portfolio, including course assignments, such as reflection pieces, presentations, and papers. The portfolio will provide us with assessment evidence of varied experiences, depth of knowledge, and critical reflection around instruction gained during the program. A description of clinical experiences is  available here .

More Details

Unique features.

• The program meets the CCTC Preliminary Education Specialist, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) teaching credential.
• Our academic coordinator and credential analyst is available to guide you through the  CCTC  aspects of the application, orientation to the degree program, and completion of the program. 
• Gain clinical experience every semester for two years.
• Secure placement at our celebrated  Mills College Children’s School  and other schools/districts.
• Develop instructional competencies and personal disposition with seasoned mentors who are ECE professionals.

Program Objectives

• Complete 42 total credits
• Acquire 600 minimum hours of fieldwork
• Gain clinical experience every semester for two years
• Prepare to apply to the CCTC for a Preliminary Education Specialist credential with a specialty area of early childhood special education.
• Prepare to work with children with special needs in early intervention programs, preschool, transitional kindergarten (TK), kindergarten, and inclusive/special education classrooms.
• Achieve readiness to assume leadership positions within early childhood education as program directors or within policy or research institutions.

Career Outlook

The state of California is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in ECE. By 2025, all four-year-olds must be offered a placement in TK, resulting in the need for 11,000–16,000 new ECE teachers, including those with a specialty in working with students with disabilities.

The ECSE program director, Jaci Urbani, has participated in multiple state-led web conferences about the current and future needs for educators, specifically for special education and preschool-third grade (P-3). Specifically, discussion has focused on bringing diversity to the workforce by offering collaborations with community colleges (which the ECE department already has in place) and supporting those already working in the field without a teaching credential, such as teacher aides/assistants. 

Information on the ECE plans for the state is available in the following resources: 

• Learning Policy Institute:  Building a Well-Qualified Transitional Kindergarten Workforce in California: Needs and Opportunities  
• News release, Gov. Gavin Newsom:  Master Plan for Early Learning and Care: California for All Kids  
• Master Plan for Early Learning and Care: California for All Kids

Testimonials

—jaci urbani, director, early childhood education program, mills college at northeastern university, —debra brown, head of the mills college children’s school, —jenny bond, assistant head of the mills college children’s school at northeastern university, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education Ask about scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and external funding resources.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Application
• Application fee
• Letters of recommendation (2-3)
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Personal statement
• TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo exam scores for applicants whose native language is not English

Prerequisites and Application Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution 
• Completed at least one course in child development, early childhood education, developmental psychology, or child psychology
• Completed at least 40 hours of volunteer or paid work in a school or other educational setting, specifically with young children, prior to enrollment. We encourage prospective students to complete these hours as early as possible so that we may consider their experience during the application review process.  
• Passed all portions of the  California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)  for compliance with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing 

Basic Skills Requirements

• All candidates are required to have satisfied the  Basic Skills Requirement (CL-667) .  
• About the requirement:  All Mills College at Northeastern University credential program applicants must satisfy the  Basic Skills Requirement  before program admittance. 

What to submit:  The applicant must upload proof of meeting the Basic Skills Requirement for the credential analyst to review and approve when submitting the application for admission.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers..

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

The program’s experiential learning experiences aim to be the global standard; prepare practitioners to lead in their professions as early childhood educators and leaders in California public schools.

In their field placements, students have an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of effective early intervention and preschool special education. These experiential learning experiences total more than 900 hours, far exceeding the 600 hours of fieldwork required by the CCTC. Throughout the course sequence of the MA in Early Childhood Education program, students will compile a digital portfolio, including course assignments, such as reflection pieces, presentations, and papers. The portfolio will provide us with assessment evidence of varied experiences, depth of knowledge, and critical reflection around instruction gained during the program. A description of clinical experiences is  available here .

• Our academic coordinator and credential analyst is available to guide you through the  CCTC  aspects of the application, orientation to the degree program, and completion of the program.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Jaci M. Urbani

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Examples of jobs graduates may hold:

• Preschool teacher
• Kindergarten teacher
• Preschool director
• Director of early intervention services
• Director of special education services
• Education consultant

Skills acquired:

• Design differentiated and inclusive environments.
• Collaborate and consult with families, educators, and service providers.
• Assess young children for Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Implement evidence-based practices within a positive behavior support approach.
• Demonstrate respect for various cultures, languages, and other identities to facilitate an asset-based learning environment.
• Promote language and communication development.
• Commit to ongoing professional development and serve as an advocate for young children with disabilities and their families.

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School of Education

High rankings reflect strong graduate programs at the iu school of education.

By Catherine Winkler

Tuesday, April 09, 2024

The IU School of Education has been recognized again as one of the best graduate schools in education across the country by U.S. News and World Report’s 2024-2025 “Best Graduate Schools .”

Overall, the IU School of Education is ranked #34, two spots higher than last year, with eight graduate specialty programs ranked in the top 20. All specialty programs rose in rankings compared to last year.

“Our graduate programs contribute groundbreaking research and work that advances education around the world, and these rankings are evidence of both that hard work and our dedication to these programs,” said IU School of Education Dean Anastasia Morrone .

“Graduate programs across the School of Education are held in very high regard, which is a reflection of the stellar research, education, and outreach done by our faculty and alumni around the globe,” said Thomas Nelson Laird , Associate Dean for Graduate Studies.

• Student Counseling and Personal Service - #3
• Elementary Education - #5
• Higher Education Administration #9
• Secondary Education - #8
• Curriculum and Instruction - #14
• Educational Psychology - #18
• Educational Administration and Supervision - #14
• Education Policy - #18

Graduate programs at the School of Education prepare students for careers that make a difference through education fields or other professions. From working in schools and public institutions to jobs in government, corporate environments and technology companies, our graduates affect change and make the world a better place through their work. Many of these programs are also offered online, making them a flexible option for professionals looking to further their education.

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U.S. News released its graduate school rankings. Here's where UT-Austin's programs landed

The University of Texas at Austin is in the news once again for its academic successes, this time with its graduate programs.

U.S. News & World Report partially released its rankings of the best graduate programs at colleges and universities nationwide. U.S. News has yet to release its engineering, medicine and clinical psychology rankings.

Several of UT's graduate programs ranked among the country's best, with the College of Education landing in the top 10.

More: UT-Austin will again require SAT or ACT test scores for admission. Here's why.

Three UT-Austin programs claim top rankings

Three of UT's graduate programs ranked first in the country among similar programs, though only one ranking has been updated for 2024-25. The university's accounting program ranked first, alongside its Latin American history and sociology of population programs, neither of which has been revised for the current year, according to a news release from the university .

"These rankings are striking and reflect our ability to continue to attract exceptional faculty and students," Jay Hartzell, UT's president, wrote on Instagram. "Our talent is what puts UT at the leading edge of discovery in AI and robotics, life sciences, population research, and many other disciplines that are at the forefront of solving many of the world’s most pressing problems and bettering society."

Is Austin the next boomtown? Investor Jim Breyer, UT leaders talk AI and medicine

Five of the university's graduate schools also landed in the top 10 in their rankings. In total, the university claims 42 graduate schools and programs that have ranked in the top 10 when combined with previous years.

UT will join the Southeastern Conference this summer, and it ranks third among those schools for academics, slightly behind Vanderbilt University at No. 1 and the University of Florida at No. 2, according to U.S. News’ latest 2024 College Rankings .

Sources: UT lays off at least 60 employees previously in DEI-related position, closes DCCE

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Graduate programs

The College of Engineering provides a range of graduate programs that are both traditional and interdisciplinary. The programs are designed to foster a maker ecosystem where students and faculty from different disciplines collaborate to create solutions to complex problems in industry, government, and academia.

Graduates of these programs have excellent prospects in various fields, including industry, government, academia, and the corporate world. The college’s global alumni network is transforming the engineering profession by using an authentic interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving, which is the hallmark of Carnegie Mellon. Every day, our engineers are making a significant impact.

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Master’s of Artificial Intelligence​ Engineering

The​ Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence​ Engineering degrees (MS AIE) take AI and embed it into engineering frameworks, including engineering representations, applications within engineered systems, and discipline-specific interpretations of system outcomes. Within these frameworks, students will learn to invent, tune, and specialize AI algorithms and tools for engineering systems.

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Dual-degree Ph.D. program with Howard University

Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering and Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture jointly offer a dual Ph.D. program that grants doctoral degrees from both institutions. This unique program provides students with two academic advisors and access to an extensive range of courses and research facilities. Moreover, students benefit from being part of vibrant research communities in two major metropolitan areas: Pittsburgh, PA, and Washington, DC.

Learn more about the Howard Dual-degree program

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Engineering design, innovation, and entrepreneurship

First-year students are ready to to pursue a new additional major in Engineering Design, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.

Students in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department Junior Projects course worked with a team of local professionals to develop plans to transform the four-block span of Craig Street between Fifth and Forbes Avenues into a great college town street.

Integrating the built, natural, and information environments

Conrad Tucker named new director of CMU-Africa

Conrad Tucker has been named the next director of Carnegie Mellon University Africa. In his new role, Tucker will also serve as the College of Engineering’s Associate Dean for International Programs in Africa.

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Chop, chop: Improving food prep with the power of AI

Researchers at CMU combined two vision foundational models—models trained on large visual data sets—to help a robot arm recognize the shape and the type of fruit and vegetable slices.

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Dowd Fellowship encourages ambitious student research

Four Ph.D. students in the College of Engineering have received funding to pursue research on valuable, relatively unexplored topics.

CMU celebrates Alan Magee Scaife Hall grand opening

The Alan Magee Scaife Hall and Gordon E. Moore Engineering Quad bring energy and vibrancy to the heart of Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering.

Scaife Hall to transform research and education at CMU

Carnegie Mellon hosts grand opening of reimagined Scaife Hall.

Researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering used fossil evidence to engineer a soft robotic replica of pleurocystitids, a marine organism that existed nearly 450 million years ago and is believed to be one of the first echinoderms capable of movement using a muscular stem.

450-million-year-old organism finds new life in Softbotics

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Curing cancer is not enough

Colette Bilynsky pursues both cancer research and health policy to ensure that potential cures are affordable and accessible to all.

Liquid crystals and the hunt for defects

Civil and environmental engineering researchers are creating tools to help unlock the secrets of liquid crystals.

A new course for prosthetics care

Between his studies, a teaching opportunity, and nonprofit work, mechanical engineering Ph.D. student Jonathan Shulgach looks to reimagine the experience of receiving medical care by bringing patients closer to the process.

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Industrial robots building with Lego® bricks at Mill 19

New testbed at Mill 19, that will test and advance robotic assembly and disassembly using Lego® bricks, will also be used to study other robotic functions in manufacturing.

A group of Engineering and Public Policy graduate students took home the award for Best Presentation on behalf of the NASA’s Gateways to Blue Skies: Clean Aviation Energy Competition.

CMU team wins Best Presentation Award at NASA competition

Mindfulness may help engineering students’ experiences with stress

Chris McComb and collaborators at Penn State, found that mindfulness based interventions (MBI) had an impact on students in an introductory engineering design course.

Relationships are key to the research and the researchers

Zeynep Ozkaya’s work in Jana Kainerstorfer’s biophotonicslab has helped her to better understand the signal processing principles she is learning in her electrical engineering courses.

So tricky, a robot can do it

Carnegie Mellon Researchers have taken inspiration from geckos to create a material that adheres to wet and dry surfaces, even on an incline.

Small particles research reveals benefits of interaction

Undergraduate research opportunity gave Kelby Kramer the chance to explore topics and gain skills outside his chosen field.

Virtual reality partners become real world neighbors

In July, the YKK AP Technologies Lab opened at Mill 19. Their focus on the development of a virtual factory is well aligned with the digital twin work underway at the Manufacturing Futures Institute.

Nevada Today

College of education and human development prepares secondary school educators to teach collegiate courses, college expands to offer a new online master of education with an emphasis in continuing educator improvement program.

College of Education & Human Development faculty welcome the first cohort of educators.

The College of Education and Human Development at the University of Nevada, Reno, continues its commitment to excellence in education by introducing a new online Master of Education, M.Ed., in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Continuing Educator Improvement program. Last year, the College added a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and an online Master of Science in Instructional Technology and Learning Design .

The Secondary Education CEI program is designed for licensed teachers who want to extend and deepen their knowledge base and improve their pedagogical skills with the goal of becoming better teachers. Teachers’ approaches continually grow and change in response to local, state and national education initiatives; students’ needs and interests; and new innovations and research in teaching. This program is designed to support teachers in developing their approaches to best meet the needs of their students while also attending to the landscape of education beyond their classrooms.

One initiative that is growing quickly in Nevada is dual-credit courses. The University of Nevada, Reno, Collegiate Academy is an example of this work. In the Collegiate Academy program, courses are taught by high school teachers in their classrooms, but the content is developed by university faculty and provides university credit.

Through these courses, students can graduate from high school having already completed some of their university courses, making a college degree more affordable and accessible. This CEI program helps teachers bridge the gap between high school and collegiate-level instruction

“As more dual-credit opportunities are available to high school students, we will need more highly-prepared teachers who can teach those courses in K-12 schools,” Jessica Gallo, Ph.D. , associate professor of secondary education said. “While our CEI program is designed to support practicing teachers’ growth as professionals in many ways, we are particularly focused on those teachers who are interested in teaching dual-credit courses.”

Designed with the realities of full-time educators' lives in mind, the CEI program is offered in an online format, delivered in a cohort model. This approach fosters a collaborative learning environment where teachers progress through the program alongside peers.

“We chose a fully-online program built in a paced cohort model so that the teachers could move through the program together, learn with teachers who share similar concerns and challenges, and have thought partners to apply course concepts to actual classrooms,” Gallo said. “By the end of the program, we hope that teachers will be better prepared to conduct classroom research, adapt their instruction to students’ needs, respond to changes in education, and collaborate with one another and the educational community.”

The inaugural cohort, welcomed in Spring 2024, comprises dedicated educators representing a diverse array of subjects from across Nevada, including math, foreign language, special education, sciences and history, among others. The educators take two online courses per semester during the fall, spring and summer semesters and are anticipated to graduate in December 2025.

The program aims to make advanced education accessible to a broad spectrum of educators. Students are funded through the Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship, which pays 75% of tuition and fees per semester for the duration of the program. Furthermore, a commitment to teacher retention and professional development is demonstrated through incentives that reimburse participants for remaining tuition expenses after completing the program and three years of teaching in Nevada after graduation.

Last month, the College of Education & Human Development hosted a welcome reception for the first cohort of students. “We are thrilled to be able to offer a fully-online program for practicing teachers all over Nevada, and this program was designed with teachers’ busy lives in mind,” Gallo said. “However, we also want to build a sense of community and collaboration that can be harder to create and maintain in online courses.

“The teachers in each cohort will be taking nearly all of the same classes together, collaborating with one another, and working with University’s secondary education faculty for the entirety of the program, so this welcome event is a chance to get to know one another outside of the formality of a classroom setting. It is also a chance to share some of the many resources the campus has to offer while the teachers are enrolled in the program. “

“The face of high school is shifting with over 3 million high school students (9-12 graders) taking AP or some form of dual college-level courses,” Dean of the College of Education & Human Development Donald Easton-Brooks, Ph.D ., said. “With this, students from low-income families are approximately 25% more likely to go to college when taking concurrent/dual credit courses in high school. The College of Education and Human Development is excited to be able to offer educators an online master’s degree program designed to assisting teachers in creating the skills necessary to meet the need of this new generation high school student.”

Looking ahead, the College will launch the program's second cohort in the spring of 2025. Secondary educators interested in joining the program are encouraged to complete an interest form or contact Jess Gallo, Ph.D., at [email protected]  for more information.

Education & Public Service

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A brilliant light of leadership shines at the University of Nevada, Reno | Una brillante luz de liderazgo brilla en la Universidad

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