Higher Education in Prison
HIGHER EDUCATION IN PRISON
In partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Correction, TUPIT provides accredited college courses through Tufts University and Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC). Students can earn an associate degree in Liberal Arts from BHCC and a bachelor’s degree in Civic Studies from Tufts University’s School of Arts and Sciences—the same degree offered on Tufts’ main campus. After seven years at MCI-Concord, TUPIT now operates at MCI-Shirley and Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center to support students moving from maximum to lower security.
Students are admitted through a selective process run by Tufts faculty and staff. Applicants with a high school diploma or equivalency submit a written application, including textual analysis, and some are selected for an interview with Tufts staff. All admitted students demonstrate readiness to succeed in Tufts-level liberal arts coursework and meet the standards required for entry into an associate degree program.
Associate Degree in the Liberal Arts
Bunker Hill Community College awards the associate degree (AA) to students who complete the 20 courses over two and a half years at MCI-Shirley. Courses, taught by Tufts professors and covering a wide range of disciplines, meet rigorous liberal arts standards. These first 20 courses become part of the BA program once a student has been admitted to Tufts.
Bachelor’s Degree in Civic Studies
The Tufts bachelor’s degree (BA) generally takes 4 ½ years of successful coursework in prison. In the final semester of the AA, students apply to the Tufts BA program through Tufts’ Office of Admissions. Accepted students complete two additional years of coursework (about 20 more courses). Students completing the degree on Tufts’ Medford campus may extend their timeline to degree completion if studying part time.
Education has kindled a fire in me and allowed me to see myself
in a way I couldn’t before this Tufts program began.
I now have hope for my future…
I can’t wait to see who I become.
Nate, TUPIT Student
TEACHING WITH TUPIT
Professors from across Tufts University and from partner universities make up the faculty for TUPIT programs. Courses are planned at least a year in advance and selected based on program needs, faculty expertise, and availability.
Faculty members who teach with TUPIT receive a stipend, commit to weekly travel to and from the prison, and participate in ongoing group training sessions before and throughout the semester.
Interested in applying to teach with TUPIT?