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Professional Proficiency

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Article Abstract

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This exploratory study examined potential bias within holistic master’s admissions processes through interviews with multiple admissions professionals located in New England. Data analysis revealed three overarching themes within the professional experience that follow critical race theory’s five tenets (Hiraldo 2010). These themes are: differences in defining diversity, a lack of bias training, and colorblind admissions processes. Coded narrative from study participants suggests that bias exists within master’s admissions, and that the process differs from previously researched undergraduate and doctoral processes due to a lack of understanding surrounding types of bias at the reviewer and administrator level.

Author(s)

Alyssa Orlando, Ph.D., currently works as the Senior Director of Graduate and
Professional Enrollment at Clark University in Worcester, MA. Prior to Clark,
Dr. Orlando worked at numerous institutions in the New England area, serving
the GEM profession for the last decade. Alyssa earned her Ph.D. in Leadership
in Education in May 2024 from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Her
dissertation research focused on exploring the potential bias within holistic
master’s admissions processes. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism
from Ithaca College, and a master’s degree in higher education from Boston
College.

References

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