The Master of Education (M.Ed.) focuses graduate study on the advanced professional preparation of the classroom teacher. Courses, independent study and practicum experiences are available in many of the curriculum areas. Goals of the program are to encourage teachers to work more intensely with individuals, be more effective as classroom teachers, and make a broader contribution in the education field.

Licensed teachers with a bachelor's degree in elementary education or early childhood may pursue either the Master of Education or the Master of Science. Non-licensed individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree in a field of study other than education may only pursue the Master of Science.

Reading Education

These programs are designed for educator or other professionals interested in the study of individual readers and writers and reading/language arts curriculum and assessment. A unique feature of this program is that students become engaged in teaching literacy in a supervised practicum experience.

Licensed teachers with a bachelor's degree in education may pursue either the Master of Education or the Master of Science. Non-licensed individual who have earned a bachelor's degree in a field of study other than education may only pursue the Master of Science.

Admissions and Review Processes

Success in the graduate study of education is related to qualities of mind, motivation, literacy, and experience. Among the qualities of mind sought in candidates for admission to education programs are creativity, intelligence, independence of thought, willingness to take risks, openness to new ideas, openness to diversity, and flexibility of thought. Motivation is demonstrated by commitment to learners of all ages, professional growth, self-direction, and commitment to academic study leading to a graduate degree. Literacy is the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Experience may be demonstrated by diverse activities including work with children or adults in a variety of settings, foreign or domestic travel, and a liberal education. Each student brings a different mix of characteristics and strengths to graduate study.

In the admissions process, the applicant will develop a portfolio of materials which demonstrate the qualities of mind, levels of motivation and literacy, and quality of experience brought to study for an advanced degree. The portfolio will include the following items:

1. A completed Graduate School application form which includes a personal statement containing responses to the following three questions: (no less than one typed page for each)
   
   • Describe several personal and professional goals you would like to achieve in the next five years. Include in your description reasons why these goals are important to you.
   • What are the characteristics, attitudes, values, and/or skills that you think will make you a good candidate for your chosen professional role?
   • What have you already done professionally or personally of which you are proud?
     
2. Applicants for master's programs may supplement their portfolios with additional materials which represent their abilities.

Scholarly Tools

The scholarly tool requirement for the M.S. degree is an integral part of the graduate degree program. Since the purpose of the scholarly tool requirement in graduate study is to enable the student to read, understand and conduct research, the tools are to be directly related to the research interests of each graduate student. Achievement levels may be demonstrated by satisfactory completion of course work in the appropriate scholarly tool area(s) or by a proficiency examination. A minimum of five semester credits in appropriate course work for the M.S. degree is required.

There is no scholarly tool requirement for the M.Ed. or Ed.S. degrees.

Thesis and Independent Study Reports

All master's degrees culminate in a final paper or project. The thesis in the Master of Science degree earns 4-6 credits. Both the Master of Education and the Master of Science (non-thesis) degrees require a 2 credit independent study or final project instead of a thesis. The independent study requirement may be met by completing a formal master's paper. The final project requirement is met by completing a project that demonstrates critical analysis of a topic in a scholarly way and integrates information and experiences gained throughout the program of study. All theses, independent studies, or final projects must be based on an approved proposal. Note that the Department of Educational Leadership may have requirements that differ from those noted above.

Comprehensive Examinations

Master's students who have chosen to do an independent study, may take comprehensive examinations in the semester during which graduation is expected. Candidates may take comprehensive examinations after making formal application to receive the Master's and having been notified of eligibility in writing by the Graduate School. Students who choose the final project option meet the requirement for comprehensive examinations within the framework of the final project.