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Education Graduate Programs Lead to Opportunities | By Liz Schick
Many of today’s master’s degree programs offered by the area’s most renowned institutions are designed for people who already have successful careers. Whatever your area of expertise and current position, if you’d like to move ahead within your company or industry, delve deeper into your specialty or even change careers, it’s not only possible but even easier than ever to participate in a graduate studies program in the Boston area. Brandeis Graduate Professional Studies
philosophy,” Smith says, “is that adults who want to get ahead, who meet the requirements, deserve a chance.”
Brandeis University in Waltham offers strong liberal arts studies within a research context and has seven part-time, online, professional Master of Science degree programs designed for professionals at a midpoint in their career. “The programs evolved from suggestions of professional advisors,” says Sybil Smith, executive director of the Division of Graduate Professional Studies. “These advisors represent companies in the field, which is pertinent because employers supply tuition for many students.”
For more information, go to brandeis.edu/gps.
Brandeis master’s degrees are perfect for people working in IT-related fields who want to improve their professional credentials, bring more structure to their work experience or even change fields. In addition to learning, students network with each other and with appropriately credentialed instructors who are practicing professionals teaching in their areas of expertise.
Bristol Community College As a public community college, Bristol is where people turn when they find themselves out of work or needing to improve their skills to get ahead in their jobs. “While many start their educations at Bristol Community College, many people holding bachelor’s or master’s degrees enroll at Bristol to change careers or pursue new dreams,” says Sally Cameron, vice president of college communications.
“Online, or distance courses, last 10 weeks,” Smith says, “allowing students to work on their own schedules, each week. This empowers busy professional people to persist and succeed.”
With learning spaces in Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton and Attleboro and with online programs available, Bristol not only offers two-year degrees and one-year certificates that provide entry into careers and transfers to four-year colleges and universities, but it also fills a critical role in helping working people update their skills, change careers and pursue personal interests.
Admission requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and fluency in written/ spoken English, but no GMAT or GRE. “Our
Learners can find what they need at Bristol Community College through its credit programs in liberal arts and sciences, business
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and information management, engineering, technology, public safety and human services, and allied health, as well as its non-credit offerings of green technologies, adult literacy, corporate training, and personal and professional enrichment. And many of the college resources are open to the community. Residents have borrowing privileges from its libraries, and the GrimshawGudewicz Art Gallery is free and open to the public. Computer and Internet access is also available. In short, Bristol Community College connects with its community and makes the region a better place—learner by learner. For more information, go to bristolcc.edu.
UMass Dartmouth The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is one of UMass Dartmouth’s signature academic programs. It is specially designed for individuals seeking employment in state, federal and municipal governments; nonprofit organizations; and business, trade and labor associations.
The department offers a wide variety of graduate educational options, including a traditional and fully online Master of Public Policy (MPP) program, online graduate certificates in environmental policy and educational policy, and a joint JD/MPP program in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts School of Law. All the department’s programs of study emphasize the development of policy analysis, applied research, and public management skills. UMass Dartmouth’s Department of Public Policy offers students the opportunity to work with and learn from an interdisciplinary community of scholars who are actively engaged in the world of public policy and who regularly work closely with policymakers in federal, state and local government, and a myriad of non-governmental organizations. “With a master’s degree in public policy from UMass Dartmouth, you’ll have the analytical and management skills required of the people who are going to lead our governmental and nonprofit organizations in the future,” says Dr. Michael Goodman, department chair and director of the Master of Public Policy Program. For more information, go to mpp.umassd.edu or call 508.999.8604.
UMass Lowell “UMass Lowell’s master’s programs prepare scientists and engineers for leadership roles in industry and provide them with technical skills and business management and leadership training they need to succeed,” says Debbie White, director of graduate administration at UMass Lowell. To that end, the University has developed a suite of Professional Science Master’s Programs that allow scientists to add courses and skills that are critical enhancements for the professional side of their business: project management, communications, business fundamentals, leadership. White explains, “we call these ‘Plus Courses’ because they provide students an edge in advancing their careers.” All of the Plus Courses are available online. There is also a Leadership Option in the engineering program. Students in any of the engineering disciplines can receive the standard Master’s of Engineering degree. Or, by choosing to graduate with the Master’s of Engineering with the Leadership Option, students can learn business skills to help them get ahead in the workplace. Plus courses include
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organizational behavior, advanced professional communications, financial accounting, and marketing fundamentals. A 350-hour internship in their field of study, providing real world experience, is key to both the Professional Science Master’s options and the Leadership Option in engineering. “The programs’ interdisciplinary degrees provide a highly competitive edge by integrating science, technology, and engineering and the world of business,” says White. For more information go to uml.edu/grad.
regis College This issue celebrates the “Best of Boston.” Clearly, for higher education, you cannot do better than the Greater Boston area. The best choice for graduate education for the health professions is Regis College, which offers the programs needed to start or advance a career in the health care industry. Noted as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education with AS, BS, MS and doctoral programs, Regis also offers degrees and certificates in regulatory
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and clinical management, biomedical sciences, health administration, medical imaging— nuclear medicine, gerontology, public health, integrative health and health informatics. In addition, the college also has master’s programs in communication and heritage studies, as well as elementary education, moderate special needs and reading in the learning fields. Regis College offers many “bests” for adult learners—small class environment, personal attention from faculty and staff and a nurturing culture. Based in Weston with a beautiful campus and free parking, Regis offers a wonderful location in Greater Boston. New student discounts and a GRE waiver program, coupled with evening, weekend and hybrid courses, make Regis an excellent choice for the working professional. To learn more, go to regiscollege.edu/grad or call 781.768.7330. Whether looking for a challenge or a career change, pursuing graduate education is a valuable option for those looking to get ahead. Connections, career opportunities, and practical research contribute to make a post-graduate degree an invaluable resource when planning for the future.