FARMINGTON – The University of Maine at Farmington is accepting applications for its Master of Science in Education degree program for summer 2009.

Developed by UMF faculty and local educational leaders, the program focuses on meeting the needs of in-service teachers in western and central Maine for quality and easily accessible graduate education.

Applications for the third cohort of the UMF master’s program were previously due in February 2009, but will now be reviewed beginning March 15 and continue until this year’s cohort of 22 is filled.

In addition to the extension, and given the uncertainties many families are experiencing financially, UMF will waive the application fee for the summer 2009 cohort and refund those fees already submitted.

The program is available to educators currently working for an educational agency, typically those in elementary, middle and secondary, early childhood and special education.

Two years of experience in education are a requirement for acceptance into the program; however some of the program’s elective courses may be taken prior to acceptance with their credit being transferred upon entry into the program.

The master’s program is structured to be completed during the summers and on selected weeknights and some Saturdays over the course of three academic years. The summer session will begin with two courses: a required course in philosophy, ethics and history and an elective course in technology, administration or literacy.

For more information, contact Philip Griswold, UMF assistant dean of education, at 778-7066 or e-mail at [email protected].