Application Requirements
1. Educational background and transcripts
2. Record of employment
3. Record of community involvement
4. Personal statement of community
5. Three letters of reference and contact information
6. Language strengths and English proficiency
7. Web-based connectivity
8. Full financial disclosure
9. Timely submission and signature
Educational background and transcripts
Applicants are to have completed the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an approved college or university. Preferably, their undergraduate work is in a field related to their focus of community-based research and training in the Master of Arts program. Applicants are required to submit an official transcript from each institution of higher education they have attended, both undergraduate and graduate. If the transcripts are not in English, original or certified (attested) copies in the original language plus certified English translations of all academic records are required.
Official transcripts must contain the institution’s stamp or some other form of certification that clearly indicates authenticity. If your institution does not make a practice of sending original transcripts, notarized copies of the original documents that have been certified by the issuing institution will be accepted.
Record of employment
It is expected that applicants are fully engaged in some significant form
of community-based work. An applicant’s field experience and specified
community-based experience are key requirements for admission. Applicants
must have at least three years of successful and relevant professional experience in the field. It is recognized that this experience may take a variety of forms.
Record of community involvement
Applicants must be currently - and throughout the length of the program -engaged in relevant community-based change and/or conservation work. An applicant’s community must be actively supporting the student’s program.
Personal statement of community commitment
Each applicant must submit a personal statement of community commitment. This statement serves as a letter of professional introduction. It should clearly articulate personal goals and objectives. This personal statement of community should address the following questions:
“What is your relationship to the community or communities with which you work?
"What are the implications of this Master’s program in terms of your personal goals, professional objectives, and community involvement? Why is this a good time for you to pursue applied graduate studies? As you contemplate your future in community work, what would constitute ‘success’ ten years from now?”
Creativity in style and format are encouraged for this personal statement of community. Make it as comprehensive as possible. Include this typed two-page, single-spaced essay with your application. Refer back to this statement again and again as you proceed through this graduate program.
Three letters of reference and contact information
Each applicant should arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly to Future Generations. These letters are to be from:
- A faculty member directly familiar with the applicant’s academic work and preparation at an educational institution that he or she attended.
- A community representative familiar with the applicant’s professional experience. This person should speak to the relevance of this program of study to the applicant’s role in community life. Importantly, this letter must also clarify the support of community for the applicant’s course of study. At a minimum, a community is expected to permit an applicant’s leave to participate in four month-long residential programs, to facilitate relevant community-based research, and to welcome critical analysis of a community’s well-being and future. Additionally, if a community is able to support some or all of an applicant’s costs in pursuing graduate studies, this letter of reference should offer this confirmation.
- A community member or development practitioner familiar with the applicant’s present community involvements. This person is invited to reflect on how this applicant is received in communitybased work and on the relative value of the applicant's community services and insights.
Language strengths and English proficiency
The admissions committee seeks to ensure language equity and learning for every member of the Master’s program.
Non-native speakers of English are to demonstrate a level of Engish language competency through institutional tests. As needed, they are to complete additional interactive online language work prior to or during their graduate studies. If an applicant’s first language is not English, he or she must submit an official report of results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based test or 90 on the Internet-based testis required from the TOEFL, or a band of 6.5 on the IELTS. Forward an official TOEFL score to Future Generations by submitting our institutional number 0086. Applicants who have received a degree from an English-based curriculum at an accredited university may be exempted from this testing requirement. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request a TOEFL or IELTS score from any applicant at the committee’s discretion.
Web-based connectivity
Interactive online courses and applied practicum work are fundamental components of the program. Both require ready and reliable Internet and email connectivity. Students must have the ability to access the internet on a regular basis. Ensuring this access is each student’s responsibility. Students must own or enjoy full-time use of a laptop computer. These are essential in their field situations as well as during the residential-based studies of this Master’s program.
Full financial disclosure
Admissions and financial aid are a four-step process. In steps 1 and 2, we decide whether your application is complete, you meet our admissions standards, and you have a community setting for applied study and research. In steps 3 and 4, we work with you to determine how the cost of your graduate education will be met. Limited scholarships are available on the basis of merit and need. Once you provide full financial information, we will discuss financial options and agree upon our mutual obligations. Your Application asks, therefore, that you provide personal, family, community,
sponsoring organization, and other outside sources that could contribute to the costs of your graduate education.
Timely submission and signature
The application deadline for admission into the 2009-2011 Master of Arts degree program is March 2, 2009. An application is not considered final until all of the admissions requirements outlined above have been met. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all of the required documents and letters have been received by the application deadline.
Nondiscrimination policy
Future Generations admits students of any race, gender, sexual orientation,
religion, creed, and national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students enrolled in the program. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, creed, and national or ethnic origin in administration of its education policies, admissions policies, finanicial aid, and other related programs.
Institutional policies/disclaimer
The information on this website is accurate at the time of publication. Future
Generations reserves the right to modify policies, schedules, tuition, travel
arrangements, and residential sites as needed. Changes necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of the program will be made with the approval of the Academic Council. Students enrolled in or under active application will be given notification of such changes. Any changes will be made with the approval of the Academic Council.
