Community Engagement

Program Director: Audrey Falk, Ed.D.

 

The Master of Education in Community Engagement (M.Ed.) prepares students to be nonprofit leaders, social change activists, and leaders in the national service learning movement.

Students in the program are passionate about addressing pressing social issues and needs through community organizing and community partnerships. Students gain a broad understanding of civic engagement, including trends, theoretical models and best practices. This versatile degree prepares students for outreach and partnership work in schools, colleges, and community organizations.

There are two pathways to completion for the Community Engagement program:

• Full-time through the Community Engagement Fellowship program, which offers a full-tuition fellowship.
• Full-time or part-time as a traditional student, working closely with an academic advisor to plan your program of study and timeline to completion. Traditional students have the opportunity to participate in a field-experience assistantship.

The Master of Education in Community Engagement is a 36-credit program.

 

Admission Requirements:

• Merrimack College application
• Official copy of all college transcripts, including any graduate courses completed at another institution.
• Current resume
• Two letters of recommendation that speak to the candidate’s capacity for leadership, professionalism, and ability to succeed in the graduate program. Letters should be from a college professor and a direct supervisor in a nonprofit, higher education, or K-12 education setting. Letters should be on letterhead, signed by the recommender, and in PDF format.
• Personal statement that addresses:
• In your own words, what is community engagement? What theories, concepts, and experiences have shaped your understanding of community engagement? (500 words)
• What are your professional aspirations? How will the Community Engagement Program help you pursue your career goals?(500 words)
• Phone interview.

 

Program Requirements

The core of our program emphasizes social justice and the role that schools, colleges and communities can and should play in a democratic, pluralistic, and complex society.

All students complete a year-long capstone experience with corresponding coursework in fall and spring semesters.

• Fall semester: Research course
• Spring semester: Capstone

Fellowship and/or Electives (8 credits)

Fellowship students are assigned 4 credits for their fellowship on-site experience and seminar, and select 4 elective credits. Students who are not participating in the Fellowship program select 8 credits of electives. Electives may be in any of the graduate education programs: community engagement, higher education, and teacher leadership or teacher education. Your specific courses will be determined in consultation with your academic advisor.