Gail Walter, MAPSS ’25

Gail Walter hails from Minnesota, and in their year in the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS), they focused on developmental and educational psychology, exploring how cognitive development influences educational practices and how children learn.

“I chose MAPSS because it is a rigorous, one year master’s program that balances coursework research well, giving students access to unique opportunities,” they note. In addition, the MA Career Development team, as well as UChicago’s academic reputation, were important factors.

Through MAPSS, Gail strengthened their writing, research methods, and data analysis skills. After completing the program, they started a position as a job coach for young adults with disabilities. Additionally, they are volunteering for educational programs at the public library and applying to PhD programs.

Gail encourages prospective students to reflect on how their experiences have prepared them for graduate study and how MAPSS can help them achieve their academic and professional goals. “What experiences have you had, and how have they helped you grow as a scholar and a person? How can graduate school help you continue this growth and prepare you to make a difference in your field? While your plans may change during the program, it is helpful to have an idea of how the graduate program you’re applying to fits with your life,” they say.