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Master of Arts in Education

click to jump to thesis or specialization choice:

Thesis Track
Early Childhood Education
Teacher As A Leader

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Program Description

The program is designed to complement core proficiencies that are consistent across most National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certificates. The goal of this program is to increase teachers’ abilities to engage students in effective and efficient learning experiences that produce measurable gains in student achievement.

Students will select a program with a thesis that allows a student to explore an issue in depth through empirical research and will advance students toward doctoral study or they can select a specialization that will advance their practice.

Specialization areas are Teacher as Leader, designed for teachers who continue to teach but also mentor or supervise other teachers, and Early Childhood Education, designed for teachers, supervisors, and child care workers engaged with young children.

Both degree tracks engage students in case-based and problem-based learning activities and assignments that require them to implement and integrate strategies and techniques within their own classroom and engage in inquiry that assesses the outcomes and effectiveness of their efforts.

Coursework develops from beginning to advanced levels and focuses on core competencies and engages teachers in a community of learners to share ideas and research. Depending on the degree track chosen, degree completion will require either 33 (thesis) or 39 (specialization) credit hours.

Program Outcomes

The MAT program outcomes are based upon and aligned with National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) standards. Upon completion of the degree, graduates will be able to:

• Apply student performance levels to decision-making about curriculum, social support, and teaching strategies.
• Create and deliver integrated curriculum experiences that fit students learning and developmental needs.
• Manage instructional strategies and technical resources to meet diverse learning needs.
• Develop strategies to involve family members and community resources as active partners in children’s total development in diverse settings.
• Advance knowledge and improve professional practice individually and through collaboration with other professionals.
• Engage in research and in critical inquiry and reflection.

Audience

This degree program is designed for licensed, practicing PreK-12 classroom teachers and early childhood educators, who want to advance their knowledge and skills to improve their classroom practice and demonstrate their skill and qualifications as a master teacher or are seeking to advance their research skills as they study an area in the field of Education in depth.

Prerequisites

The program is open to all students who have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and who hold a current state license or credential in Early Childhood Education, Elementary and/or Middle Level Education, and/or Middle Level/Secondary Education or in Special Education. The program requires that all students in the program be practicing teachers.

Degree Requirements

Core Courses (required of all students in the degree program; 8 courses, 24 credits)

• FND 500 Teacher as a Learner and Reflective Practitioner
• EDP 500 Theories of Teaching and Learning
• EDP 510 The Developing Learner
• FND 510 Teaching Diverse Learners
• EDP 511 Classroom Management
• EDP 520 Strategies for Meaningful Learning and Motivation
• EDR 501 Applied Research Methods I
• EDR 504 Classroom Assessment for Improving Learning

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Thesis Track: 33 credit hours

Requirements (4 courses; 9 credits)

• EDR 502 Applied Research Methods II
• EDR 596 Thesis Research I
• EDR 597 Thesis Research II
• EDR 598:Thesis Research III

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Early Childhood Education Specialization: 39 credit hours

(In addition to the core courses)
Requirements (5 courses; 15 credits)

• ECE 500 Issues in Early Childhood Education
• ECE 510 Play in the Early Childhood Curriculum
• RLT 500 Turn on the Brain for Reading
• ECE 511 Mood and Learning in Early Childhood
• EDM 596 Capstone: Teacher as Professional

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Teacher As A Leader Specialization: 39 credit hours

(In addition to the core courses) Requirements (5 courses, 15 credits)

• EDM 596 Capstone: Teacher as Professional (required)

Select four of the five listed

• ELD 500 Introduction to School Leadership and Administration
• FND 521 School Law and Ethics
• ELD 530 Developing, Motivating and Supervising Teachers
• CUR 500 Curriculum Design and Development
• FND 560 Issues Facing Elementary and Secondary Teachers