The University of 浪花直播 College of Education is offering students new chances to specialize in topics such as applied linguistics and language education, and education policy, equity and justice, as well as to pursue academic honors opportunities.
Applied Linguistics and Language Education Master of Arts Program
The College of Education鈥檚 Master of Arts program in Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership鈥揂pplied Linguistics and Language Education (ALLE) Specialization allows students to explore language-related, real-world questions that connect to social justice, antiracist orientations and research at the intersection of multilingualism and education.
鈥淭his program [is] strong for educators and [people in] administration roles who are interested in understanding more about the theories and underlying instructional methods for language programs,鈥 said Sarah C.K. Moore, assistant clinical professor of applied linguistics and language education and faculty advisor for the program.
The ALLE Master of Arts program is ideal for aspiring scholars and promotes theoretical and empirical research aimed at elevating the well-being of linguistically diverse students, families and communities.
The two-year, 30-credit program includes both in-person and virtual instruction.
Education Policy, Equity and Justice Minor
This minor allows students to study the intricate intersections between education, social justice and equity and further examine the role that schools play in ensuring a fair and equitable society. The program is a collaboration between the College of Education and the School of Public Policy.
鈥淭his minor reaches students from across the university who may not have immediate interest in becoming preK-12 teachers but who are aware of the central role education plays in society,鈥 explained Moore, who serves as program coordinator for the minor.
The 15-credit minor suits a wide array of students, including those interested in pursuing a career in local politics, nonprofit leadership or administrative policy. The minor is adaptable and may look very different depending on each student鈥檚 educational and professional aspirations. All participants can expect to master skills in analytics, problem solving, critical thinking and advocacy.
鈥淎ny student who graduates with this minor will be equipped to articulate the fundamental challenges that pervade our systems of schooling and [create] strategies to overcome barriers,鈥 said Moore.
Students can submit an application . Applications are reviewed monthly.
Human Development Honors Program
The Human Development Honors Program is a new opportunity for undergraduates majoring or double majoring in human development. Developed for students entering their junior year, the program gives undergraduates the chance to pursue high-quality research, gain access to professional development and establish lasting relationships with mentors. Three themes in the program include open science, global science and diversity science, which stress the importance of investing in collaborative, accessible and equitable research.
Participants in the program can work with graduate student mentors, dedicated faculty mentors and the program director, Distinguished University Professor Melanie Killen, to construct research projects and formulate research questions to pursue for their thesis. The program specializes in topics on child and adolescent development that focus on bilingualism, math cognition, moral development, the origins of prejudice, developmental neuroscience, racial and ethnic socialization, cognitive development, family involvement and research on school-based programs. It offers professional development opportunities like resume building and cover letter workshops and access to a broad network of resources for students to enhance their academic and professional skill set.
鈥淟ittle is known among 浪花直播 undergraduate students about what it means to work in a lab, and unfortunately, for a lot of students, their expectation is that you鈥檙e alone in a room typing data into a computer,鈥 said Killen. 鈥淚n fact, working in a lab is a highly collaborative and cooperative experience, one that we promote in the Human Development Honors Program. The type of research we offer reflects a model that encompasses community and engagement as key aspects of the program.鈥
In addition to exploring research topics in human development, educational research and developmental science, students enroll in an honors seminar, which features readings and discussions on contemporary issues, led by the program director.
Students interested in pursuing the honors program should contact Killen at coehdhonors@umd.edu for more information.
The deadline for is May 10. Sophomores (and juniors who contact the director in advance) are encouraged to apply.
Photo: Human Development Honors Program Director Melanie Killen (second from left) and current students at a recruitment event. Photo by Riley N. Sims Ph.D. '23
