William Paterson University Introduces New Jersey’s First Masters Degree In Middle Level Education and a New Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration William Paterson University has introduced a new master’s degree in middle level education, the first in New Jersey and offered fully online, and a new master of arts degree in higher education administration designed to meet the occupational growth for education administrators. New master’s degree in middle level education “Throughout New Jersey and the nation, there is a growing need for teachers with advanced degrees in middle level education,” says Candace Burns, dean of the College of Education. “In response to that need, we developed the first master’s in middle level education program in New Jersey and one of only a few nationwide. We designed it as a fully online program to address the needs of working educators throughout the country.” The new master’s in middle level education is a 30-credit online program designed for practicing educators. The program prepares graduates to be effective middle school level educators and provides a solid foundation for doctoral level study. It offers active professionals substantial experience in the theory, research, and practice related to middle level education. The program will prepare graduates to achieve in the highly data-driven culture of school accountability and will be grounded in theory and best practice. New master of arts degree in higher education administration “The new master of arts in higher education administration offers a hybrid format of online and on-campus classroom courses,” says Burns. “The occupational outlook for higher education administrators is growing and this degree will prepare graduates for a variety of college and university administrative positions.” The new master of arts in higher education administration is a 36-credit program with a choice of four distinct specializations within higher education contexts: assessment and planning, academic administration, leadership studies, and student development. Each of these concentrations consists of 15 credits of coursework in addition to the 21-credit core. After completing the program, students will have mastered prescribed professional competencies in higher education administration and will be ready to start or advance a career in the following areas: student affairs, alumni affairs, residence life, career services, financial aid, admissions, academic advising, and institutional research. Career opportunities outside of higher education include educational foundations and federal and state government positions. For more information, contact the William Paterson University Office of Graduate Admission and Enrollment Services at 973-720-3641, visit wpunj.edu/graduate or email graduate@wpunj.edu. # # #
