Just because the degree is available doesn't mean those folks with the
degree would be more employable. People already in the field (without the
degree) will be doing the hiring and know what they are looking for in a
candidate. Having the degree would not be proof of aptitude, but would
indicate that a student showed enough interest to take some courses in in
the field. Currently,  most of us go to workshops and meetings to accomplish
the same thing. I suppose that eventually people with masters degrees in RA
could occupy enough of the "positions of power" that future research
administrators would be required to have the degree in order to enter the
field, but that would be a cultural transformation that would take a while
to evolve.

Roberta

Stephan Schaffrath wrote:

> But even Mr. Patton and Herr Rommel had to go to "soldier school" at
> one time of their career.  And I have a feeling that Rommel even had
> to attend several workshops on how to be a good little National
> Socialist.
>
> Charlie may have a point, though.  On the job training is perhaps more
> effective than a formal education when it comes to grant
> administration.  That's my gut feeling.  So, maybe the focus should be
> on offering to graduate students in administrative disciplines the
> option of focusing on grant administrative aspects.  Or what about
> internships?  independent studies?
>
> Just a few thought.
>
> Cheers,
> Stephan
>
> On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 09:16:47 -0400
>   Charlie Hathaway <xxxxxx@AECOM.YU.EDU> wrote:
> >Kris' comments left me thinking that creating a masters level program
> >may sound good, and follow the pattern of numerous disciplines, but
> >may be more feel good than do good.  What are the goals?  Increase
> >the talent pool?  Make research administration work better?  Or...use
> >a degree to attract and retain people?  Use the facade of a degree as
> >yet another substitute for competence?
> >
> >Has the MEd improved teaching?  Have most good journalists gone to
> >journalism school?  Do musicians get master's degrees in performance
> >so they can play better?
> >
> >When grant deadlines roll around, I think I would prefer to have an
> >office with more Pattons and Rommels than Freuds and Einsteins.
> >
> >Charlie Hathaway
> >
> >
> >At 07:05 PM 10/16/03 -0400, you wrote:
> >>Hi Carolyn - I'll be at SRA this year, will I by chance see you
> >>there?
> >>
> >>I am unaware of any Master's Degrees that have a significant focus on
> >>sponsored projects administration. Higher education administration is
> >>probably the closest customizable degree to fit the activities
> >>associated with leadership in sponsored projects administration.
> >> Public
> >>administration is probably the next best fit.
> >>
> >>SRA has discussed options for the collaborative development of such a
> >>program, but I don't think significant progress has been made on
> >>program
> >>creation.   There are training programs to assist individuals in
> >>mastering the skills associated with sponsored projects
> >>administration,
> >>SRA has the Department Administrator certification and passage of the
> >>CRA (Certified Research Administrator) exam is one measure of
> >>expertise
> >>in the field.  NCURA has the SPA II and FRA session which tend to
> >>focus
> >>on advanced topics in the field.  There are also a couple for-profit
> >>organization that also provide training.
> >>
> >>Being a CRA I'm biased, but I think the CRA is probably the best
> >>testament to skill in the field at this time, the next best would be
> >>an
> >>individual's experiences.
> >>
> >>Hope all is well in Texas!
> >>
> >>Kris
> >>
> >>__________________________________________
> >>Kris E. Rhodes, MS CRA
> >>Associate Director
> >>Office of Sponsored Programs
> >>University of Kentucky
> >>213 Kinkead Hall
> >>Lexington, KY 40506
> >>Phone:  859-257-4826; Fax 859-323-1060
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>-----Original Message-----
> >>From: Carolyn Pate [mailto:xxxxxx@TXSTATE.EDU]
> >>Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2003 6:18 PM
> >>To: xxxxxx@HRINET.ORG
> >>Subject: [RESADM-L] Master's Degree in Sponsored Programs
> >>
> >>
> >>I know there has been discussion at SRA regarding the development of
> >>a
> >>master's degree program in Sponsored Programs Administration. I've
> >>also
> >>heard discussion of developing an emphasis on sponsored programs
> >>administration as part of an already-existing master's program in
> >>Public
> >>Administration.  Do any of you know of any such programs anywhere in
> >>the
> >>country?  And if so, do you know any of the details?  Thanks.
> >>
> >>
> >>Carolyn Pate, Director
> >>Office of Sponsored Programs
> >>J. C. Kellam Bldg., Suite 489
> >>Texas State University-San Marcos
> >>601 University Drive
> >>San Marcos, TX 78666-4616
> >>512-245-2314
> >>512-245-3847 (fax)
> >>
> >>
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> >>subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available
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> >
> >
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>
> Stephan Schaffrath
> Grant Specialist
> Indiana University of Pennsylvania
> Office of Grants & Sponsored Research
> 107B Stright Hall
> Indiana, PA 15705
> (724)357-2167
> xxxxxx@iup.edu
>
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