COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Learn more about the Master of Education in Advocacy and Organizational Development.

About the Program

The interdisciplinary MEd program in Advocacy and Organizational Development is led by faculty trained in anthropology, education, law, psychology, sociology and other fields. Coursework is based in social science, conflict theory, and quantitative and qualitative research that develops students' skills in:

• diagnosing issues in organizations and communities;
• developing interventions;
• promoting community or organizational well-being;
• managing conflict and conducting negotiation or mediation;
• preparing schools, communities and organizations to advocate on their own behalf;
• building diverse and inclusive relationships and teams; and
• conducting research for an organization or community.

The goal of the program is to develop civic-minded individuals who support organizations, communities and nonprofit organizations through community engagement; informed research; organizational dynamics; and theory and skills, including rigorous study of advocacy. Classroom instruction and assignments draw on students' experience along with training in conceptual, theoretical and methodological applications.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 5 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Interdisciplinary Study: The program has a strong interdisciplinary focus. In addition, the coursework concentrates on empowering and engaging all individuals in and out of formalized organizations, whether for-profit or nonprofit.

Areas of Specialization: The program features coursework in three areas:

• adult learning and training, which concentrates on developing and teaching instructional/training programs for adult personal and professional development;
• organizational and team development, which develops assessment, planning, facilitation and consulting skills to help teams and organizations design and implement change; and
• conflict management and dispute resolution, which involves developing models and best practices for positive conflict cultures and third-party interventions.

Job Prospects: The MEd degree in Advocacy and Organizational Development prepares students for applied positions focusing on advocacy, engagement and development within educational, community and organizational settings.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Students may take up to, but not more than, 9 credits of graduate study in the program before being admitted to the program. The credits transfer into the program, if the student is admitted. Students completing non-matriculated courses before being admitted to the program are NOT guaranteed admission.

Financing Opportunities: Financial support opportunities may include scholarships, tuition remission, and other financial aid such as grants, loans and federal work study.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: March 1
Spring: November 1

Applicants should submit all required admissions documents by the application deadline to receive priority consideration for admission and financial support.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference: 
Number Required: 2
From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained to provide insight regarding the applicant's academic competence. References from college/university faculty are recommended.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A bachelor's degree is required. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is expected.

International applicants must also submit an official document, including a course-by-course evaluation conducted by a NACES-accredited organization, that validates completion and conferral of a degree, diploma and/or certificate. While not required, international applicants are encouraged to submit transcript(s) to World Education Services (WES) for evaluation.

Statement of Goals: In 500 to 1,000 words, outline your interest in seeking a master’s degree with a specific focus on the career to which you aspire, your interests, and your academic and job-related experiences that are relevant to the program.

Standardized Test Scores:
Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

• TOEFL iBT: 79
• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 53

Resume: Current resume required.

Other Requirement: Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all accredited institutions attended and/or from which credit was earned must be submitted.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 36

Required Courses:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Core Courses
AOD 5301	People-Centered Community Development	3
AOD 5302	Introduction to Mission-Driven Organizations: Theory and Practice	3
AOD 5402	Negotiating Conflict	3
AOD 5404	Organizational Development	3
AOD 5524	Sociocultural Dynamics	3
AOD 5527	Training Design and Delivery	3
EDAD 5201	Action and Collaborative Research Seminar	3
EPSY 5551	Introduction to Program Evaluation	3
URBE 5417	The Urban Environment	3
Electives 1		9
Total Credit Hours		36

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In consultation with their academic advisor, students select three approved College of Education and Human Development courses at the 5000 level or higher as electives. Suggested electives include AOD 5516, EDAD 5303, EDUC 5262 and URBE 5516.

Culminating Event: Successful completion of coursework is required to earn the Advocacy and Organizational Development MEd degree.

Contacts

Department Contacts: