Why our program?

Alan Bloomgarden, Doctoral Student -- "I have found the Higher Education program to be a great way to explore the many questions about the theories, policies and practices shaping my institution and my work as a college administrator supporting faculty development and civic engagement. EPRA's high-quality faculty and accommodating class schedule (late afternoons and evenings) made the learning process truly enjoyable, and I am emerging now with key research and evaluation skills, national presentations and publications as a result of supportive advising and supervised independent study projects."

Regina Kaufman, Ed.D. '07 -- "The program in Education Policy and Leadership at UMass did not require that I check my professional background at the door.  As a mid-career physical therapist and educator, I valued the invitation to tailor my program to my unique professional interests and experience.  The faculty were actively engaged in my efforts to explore matters relevant to my field.  With their support and guidance, I crafted a dissertation project that makes a real contribution to my discipline."

Claudine Keenan, Doctoral Student -- "There are three reasons I chose the Higher Education program at UMass: 1) I wanted to study the evolving roles of faculty as the forces of change impact higher education - and there was Dr. Kerryann O'Meara; 2) I wanted to study higher education as a unique type of organization - and there was Dr. Joe Berger; and 3) I wanted to study these topics by asking qualitative questions, and there were Gretchen Rossman and Sharon Rallis. What more could I ask for in a program that knows how to support higher education professionals in a cohort model that offers the best in University research and excellent teaching?"

Kathy Mangano, Doctoral Student -- "For me, this program was extremely beneficial because of the course requirement structure, and the opportunity to specialize in my area of interest - higher education/leadership. I really enjoyed taking a balance of courses in each of the four core areas: Policy Studies, Leadership and Management Studies, Foundations/Theory/Paradigms, and Research and Evaluation Methods. The common course, Educ 791Q: Introduction to Policy Studies, is also a great foundation course - - my cohorts were a great support!  EPRA faculty - - reputable and supportive!"

Dawn Rendell, M.Ed. '05 -- "The Higher Education program at UMass Amherst couldn't have better prepared me to enter the field!  While much of my on the job training took place at my assistantship and internship, the academic program taught me how to critically analyze research and publications that we use in the field, form an educated opinion, and back up the work that I do with sound research and reasoning.  Looking back on the work that I did, I definitely became a stronger writer and communicator.  I've been able to apply what I learned in the classroom as I have helped develop a new programming model, write proposals, and evaluate the work that I do.  I truly put what I learned in the program to use in my day to day work with students!"

Pamela Stawasz, Master's degree candidate -- "I entered the master's program after over 10 years of professional experience in higher education. I was attracted to UMass in part because of the ability to integrate courses from other departments, such as social justice education, into my program. I have enjoyed building on my practical experience and have found that my academic work has informed my professional practice. Through this program I have had the opportunity to explore new fields within higher ed, such as community-based learning, and it has helped me to discover a new direction for my career."