SOPs for Masters Programs

[Panda7099]

Hello everyone, first-time poster here.  As I begin my third year in educational admin in a university, I have started to think about graduate school (I will be applying this upcoming fall) in higher education administration. Through research and discussions with colleagues, I am most interested in very practical-focused MA programs (preferably 1 year).  

 

My question is this: what types of things do you discuss when your program is not research focused?  Many of the SOP advice threads seem to discuss working with specific faculty members, etc. (which I know is important for someone interested in academia).

Thank you in advance for any insight.  

Panda

[hesadork]

Hi Panda, and welcome.  Great question.

 

When I wrote my master's SOP I was in the same place as you.  I talked about why I was interested in HEA and how my post-UG work experience related to what I wanted to do in the field moving forward.  No mention of faculty members or specific research interests.  I did tie in some current events in HEA (ie, something being reported in the NY Times), but only because it made sense to in light of my interests and work experience.

 

I focused on keeping it concise and well-written, more about showing off who I was as a person than about demonstrating intellectual firepower/research interests...

 

Best of luck!

[Panda7099]

Thanks, that makes me feel much better!  I have started working on my SOPs and the focus has been applying what I have learned as an employee thus far.  I considered applying to grad school right out of college, but am so glad I have waited!  I think it will be so much more meaningful for me with a few years of experience under the belt!