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Lecturer Quan School of Hip Hop students gathered together.Learn and Serve in Your Community

Drive social change with a Master of Arts in community-based education from University of Michigan-Dearborn. 

In this unique field of study, you will develop the tools you need to be a teacher and leader in schools and education organizations, with a focus on equity and social justice. You’ll study the systems and processes that impact education and youth development. You’ll also learn how to conduct effective community outreach, raise funds and impact the policies that sustain community-based  educational programs. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to drive change, engaging local citizens and developing educational experiences that empower children and youth and the adults who mentor and support them.

Where a Community-Based Education Degree Will Take You

Graduating with a Master of Arts in community-based education can open a variety of career paths in two related professional fields:

  • Performing educational outreach with nonprofit organizations
  • Helping urban teachers build connections with the community as part of implementing place-based education strategies

While many of our students go straight into jobs upon graduating, others continue their studies in doctoral programs.
 

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$77,030 Median Salary

Social and Community Service Manager

Employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 16,000 openings for social and community service managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$60,560 Median Salary

Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers

Employment of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers is projected to decline 13 percent from 2022 to 2032.

Despite declining employment, about 4,200 openings for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$62,860 Median Salary

Health Education Specialist

Employment of health education specialists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 6,600 openings for health education specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$61,710 Median Salary

School and Career Counselor

Employment of school and career counselors and advisors is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 26,600 openings for school and career counselors and advisors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

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Tuition

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Application Deadlines

Starting for Fall 2025 admission, this program will only admit students starting in the fall term. Priority application deadline is March 15, and the hard application deadline is May 15.

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Graduate Scholarships

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The MA in Community Based Education will develop leaders who understand how issues of equity and diversity impact both schools and communities.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.

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