Graduate Studies at McDaniel College

The McDaniel College / Target Community & Educational Services, Inc.             Master’s Degree Program in Human Services Management (HSM)

The graduate program in Human Services Management at McDaniel College educates and prepares leaders for non-profit businesses serving children and adults with developmental disabilities.

In 1983, the year of its founding, Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. (Target) started a unique and innovative partnership with McDaniel College. Working hand in hand, Target and McDaniel College developed a Master’s Degree Program in Human Services Management. This program, designed to train individuals for leadership positions in community-based human services programs, has become the core of Target's Community Living Program.

Individuals hired by Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. to serve as Community Living Managers (CLMs) must complete the two-year, 33 credit-hour masters program while they work as live-in house managers in one of Target's homes or in the apartment program. While they are working, students are provided an annual graduate stipend, full health benefits, room and board, and 75% of their McDaniel tuition, paid by a scholarship held at McDaniel College. 

This partnership between Target and McDaniel College has many benefits, but two are paramount. First, the CLMs working in one of Target's homes or apartments gain both an academic degree and practical experience that will prepare them to assume roles as leaders in human services organizations around the country. Second, Target.'s residential clients benefit from having motivated and highly-educated house managers who will remain in their homes or apartments during their two-year academic program.

The Laurence J. Adams Endowed Chair in special education supports the academic program with scholarships and includes the salaried position of Target's President and CEO and academic adviser. This endowment was the first Endowed Chair to be awarded at McDaniel College and is currently held by Dr. Thomas J. Zirpoli.

For more information about the McDaniel College / Target Community & Educational Services, Inc.’s Master’s Degree Program in Human Services Management in Special Education, please contact Dr. Tom Zirpoli, President/CEO, at tzirpoli@mcdaniel.edu or 410-848-9090, ext. 12.