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
Core Courses (8 credits)
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.
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ED 691G
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Community Engagement: Theory and Practice
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4
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ED 640G
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Diversity and Social Justice
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4
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All students complete a year-long capstone experience with corresponding coursework in fall and spring semesters.
- Fall semester: Research course
- Spring semester: Capstone
Areas of Concentration and Electives (12 credits)
Community Organizations (choose from the following):
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CME 506G
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Community Organizing and Development
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4
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CME 521G
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Management and Leadership in Nonprofits
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4
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CME 540G
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Fundraising, Grants and Development
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4
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CME 545G
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The Politics of Community Engagement
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4
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PreK-12 Education (choose from the following):
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CME 525G
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School, Family and Community Partnership
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4
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CME 530G
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Social Policy for Children and Families
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4
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CME 550G
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Youth Development: Leadership and Mentors
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4
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CME 552G
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Positive Youth Development
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4
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Higher Education (choose from the following):
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ED 620G
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Student Retention and Success
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4
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ED 630G
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Higher Education in American Society
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4
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ED 667G
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University-Community Relations
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4
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ED 671G
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Theories of Adult Learning
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4
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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. Sample electives are listed above. Your specific courses will be determined in consultation with your academic advisor.
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CME 560G
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Community Engagement Fellowship Experience
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2
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