<p>Does anyone have any experience with applying to M.Ed. programs at Curry? I graduated from UVA's undergrad school with a 3.6 GPA and a B.A. in Sociology and Government. I haven't taken the GRE yet, but I want to try for the program in Social Foundations with an emphasis on Research. I don't have any teaching/education experience, but I work in a social services agency that works closely with schools. Will a lack of school/education experience hurt me if I am applying for a program aimed at future employment doing research and policy work?</p>
<p>Education programs do not necessarily require specific experience, but it certainly helps the applicant a lot. Have you done any research at the undergraduate level? If not, then this could be a detriment.</p>
<p>I did not do any undergrad research; as a transfer, taking summer classes to catch up, adding a 2nd major at the beginning of 4th year, and working part-time I just could not fit it into my schedule without getting myself in over my head. However, I have taken undergraduate research methods and statistics courses.</p>
<p>And like I mentioned in my OP, my agency works pretty closely with schools and to a certain degree I have experience with the policy decisions made by schools, state education departments and the effects they have had on my students. Would this “outsider” perspective possibly be seen as beneficial since it shows the relationship between the school and the greater community?</p>
<p>I would love to explore opportunities within a school district or working more closely in relationship to schools than I am at present, but I am somewhat limited by my current financial situation (I live in a semi-rural/borderline suburban area where schools, and specifically employment opportunities are HIGHLY politicized and because of some debt I currently have I am unable to move somewhere else with better opportunities.)</p>
<p>ThePhilosopher: Research for a M.Ed.? Most of my friends who got that degree had either excellent grades in an education undergrad or had work experience. No research.</p>
<p>The OP doesn’t have any specific education experience. If the OP had research experience in the field of education relating to the OPs majors, then that would show a serious interest in education. As she has good work experience through the agency, however, this is sufficient. </p>
<p>In addition, statistics and research methods is a good addition to the application. These will be relevant to courses taken.</p>
<p>At the master’s level, no.</p>
<p>At the PhD level, a lack of research experience would hurt you.</p>