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Education; Late Fall School Guide; Specialized Programs Target Graduate Students

Posted on: Tuesday, 16 August 2005, 18:00 CDT

Salem State College's Graduate School has a long history of excellence. Offering more than 40 programs, it answers many career needs in an ever-changing job market. Whether switching from one profession to another or seeking professional development opportunities, graduate students at Salem State can find the programs to make - and keep - them competitive.

Most importantly, however, Salem State understands the needs of adult learners who have to fit school into their busy lives. The college's flexible, part-time, evening course schedule is ideal for those with daytime work and family obligations. In fact, many courses use students' valuable experience and knowledge as the foundation for their curriculum.

Among the new graduate degree programs available at the Salem campus are a certificate in geo-information science, a master of science in occupational therapy, an M.S. in criminal justice and a master of arts in teaching English as a second language.

In 1992, Salem State's Graduate School created the first master of science degree in geo-information science in the United States. This fall, it introduces a certificate in the program as well. The new certificate program introduces students to grounding in GIS data development, project implementation and spatial analysis. Five classes in length, the program is set up to be completed in one year. With many local governments in Massachusetts and elsewhere integrating GIS into their operations, graduates have a healthy employment outlook. For more information, contact Dr. Keith A. Ratner in the geography department at 978-542-6226 or at keith.ratner@salemstate.edu

Salem State College's master of science degree in occupational therapy is an exciting and innovative program designed for those who already have an occupational therapy assistant degree. The faculty in the occupational therapy department employs diverse teaching methods, including multimedia, clinical practice, interactive strategies, text-based discussions, community participation and online courses. This program is the only one of its kind in Massachusetts, as well as one of only a few in the country. For more information, contact Jean MacLachlan in the occupational therapy department at 978-542-6693 or at jean. maclachlan@salemstate.edu

Salem State College also has a new master of science degree in criminal justice. This program begins this fall and is intended to serve professionals in the criminal justice field, college graduates who want to enter the field and individuals who wish to pursue a doctoral degree. With three concentrations (administration, criminology and geo-information science), graduates of the program acquire advanced knowledge of current criminal justice theory, data analysis, policy and practice. The GIS concentration was developed in response to the widespread use of computerized mapping in crime analysis, problem solving and policy development. For more information, contact Dr. Anne Sullivan in the criminal justice department at 978-542-6485 or at anne.sullivan@salem state.edu

The master of arts in teaching English as a second language degree offers options for people interested in K-12 and adult education teaching opportunities. Program graduates have pursued careers both overseas and at home. The program features courses in theory and practice, including the principles, theories and methods of teaching ESL, methods of teaching adults, second language acquisition, foundations of linguistic theory, grammar for teachers of ESL and research into the teaching of English language learners. Within the program, there are master's, certificate, licensure and non-licensure programs. For more information, contact Dr. C. Julie Whitlow at 978-542-6595 or at julie.whitlow@salemstate.edu

Attend the Graduate School open house Aug. 25 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Charlotte Forten Hall on the fourth floor of the library to obtain more information on Salem State's programs. Meet faculty advisers and learn how Salem State's affordable and academically advanced programs can help you meet your career goals. For more information or to register, call 978-542-6323, e-mail graduate@ salemstate.edu or go to www.salem state.edu/graduate For directions, go to www.salemstate.edu/maps

- This report was provided by Salem State College.

Source: Boston Herald

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