Community Based Education

The Masters of Arts in Community Based Education program is designed to serve two related professional fields:

1. individuals working with, and for non-profit organizations engaged in educational outreach and
2. urban teachers who are working to build connections with the community as part of implementing place-based education strategies.

In the College of Education, Health, and Human Services, there is an ongoing effort to connect community organizations with education and health and human services. The program will develop leaders who understand how issues of equity and diversity impact both schools and communities. Graduates will be equipped to act as leaders capable of transforming communities, engaging local citizens, and developing and enacting educational experiences that empower children, youth and adults.

Admission Requirements & Application

Eligibility for regular admission includes:

• Completed application form
• $60.00 application fee
• Official transcript(s) from each college/university attended
• Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• 3.0 (B) undergraduate/graduate grade point average or better
• Three professional letters of recommendation using required form 
• Statement of purpose

Individuals who wish to apply for this program may initiate the application process online at: http://umdearborn.edu/gradapplynow/

Transfer of Credit

A limit of six (6) credit hours can be transferred from a non-University of Michigan school and 15 credit hours of University of Michigan credit that are applicable to the program of study and approved by the program coordinator. Only graduate course credit hours with a grade of B or better (3.0 on a 4.0 point scale) and earned in the five year period prior to acceptance into the program will be considered for transfer. Transfer credits may be requested only after admission to the Master of Arts in the Community Based Education program and successful completion of eight (8) credit hours of letter-graded program coursework. A Request for Transfer of Credit form and official course descriptions and course syllabi must be submitted. Non-letter grades, e.g. pass-fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory are not eligible for transfer credit. Courses cannot be transferred for credit if: a) they were not graduate level courses; b) they were already applied in whole or in part toward a degree; c) they were taken more than five years before beginning the M.A. in Community Based Education program; or d) a grade below B  (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) was earned. Enrolled students must obtain prior approval of the program coordinator to elect classes off campus.

Time Limits

All coursework toward the master's degree must be completed within five (5) consecutive years from the date of first enrollment in the Graduate School.

Program of Study

The Master of Arts in Community Based Education (CBE) is a 30 credit hour degree program. A minimum cumulative GPA of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained to continue enrollment in the program. The CBE requires successful completion of the following courses:

CBE Required Coursework

Contact the Office of Student Success at 313-593-5090 for additional information or consult the College of Education, Health, and Human Services web page at: umdearborn.edu/cehhs/cehhs_masters/