2014-2015 University Catalog 
  
2014-2015 University Catalog

Curriculum and Instruction, MEd


Banner Code:  E1-MED-CRIN

This master’s degree is offered to students preparing for initial teacher licensure, advanced teacher education, and ancillary educational programs.

An accelerated master’s option for specific concentrations is available to students in selected bachelor’s programs.  See Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Programs  for options and specific requirements.

MEd with Concentration


Each concentration description wholly describes the requirements for the degree and concentration.

Students may choose up to two of the following concentrations:

Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL) 

Assistive Technology

Early Childhood and Elementary Education

Foreign Language

International Education

Learning Technologies

Literacy/Reading

Secondary Education (6–12)

Transformative Teaching

Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL)


The ASTL concentrations are for teachers and other educators with one or more years of teaching or education-related experience who want to continue to grow professionally. The program offers advanced study in a specific concentration area; including Virginia’s Standards of Learning content areas, cohort classes, an innovative schedule, and the use of technology. The courses, aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, help teachers think and practice as board-certified teachers. The program develops teacher-leaders who practice reflection through action- research, problem-based learning, and self-inquiry, and teacher expertise in a concentration that will identify the teacher as a potential leader in that area.

Experienced teachers and other educators with or without a master’s degree may apply for the master’s degree program, which includes the 30- or 33- credit hour Core and areas of Concentration.   The program also provides an option for teachers with master’s degrees who want to gain a Reading Specialist or Gifted Childhood Education 21-credit graduate certificate.

▲Concentration in ASTL: Advanced International Baccalaureate (AIB)


This 18-credit International Baccalaureate (IB) concentration provides advanced professional development for teachers on the philosophy, elements, and assessments of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The course work focuses on the theory, pedagogy, and research under girding the International Baccalaureate programs.

▲ Concentration in ASTL: Early Childhood Education (AECE)


The 18-credit early childhood concentration provides advanced professional development in preschool through third grade content and includes three required courses and three electives. The concentration focuses on advancing the professional knowledge of practicing teachers who teach young children.

▲ Concentration in ASTL: Elementary Mathematics (AEMA)


The 18-credit elementary math concentration combines the study of mathematics content appropriate for kindergarten through eighth grade with the study of mathematics education research, curriculum, leadership, and assessment.

▲Concentration in ASTL: Foreign Language French (AFLF)


The 18-credit foreign language concentration provides advanced professional development and language study for practicing foreign language teachers. The 18 credits include a combination of modern language courses and targeted electives.

Course Work


Note:

Courses may be substituted with advisor-approved literature-related electives in French.

Language and Linguistics

Take 6 credits:

  • one advisor-approved 3 credit course in language and linguistics
Note:

Courses may be substituted with advisor-approved language and literature-related electives.

Total: 18 credits


▲ Concentration in ASTL: Foreign Language Spanish (AFLS)


The 18-credit foreign language concentration provides advanced professional development and language study for practicing foreign language teachers. The 18 credits include a combination of modern language courses and targeted electives.

Electives


Choose 9 credits from the following:

Note:

Courses may be substituted with advisor-approved language and literature-related electives.

Total: 18 credits


▲ Concentration in Gifted Child Education (AGCE)


The 21-credit gifted child education concentration provides advanced professional development through endorsement or master’s degree for teachers of gifted students. The concentration meets NAGC/CEC graduate standards and focuses on culturally diverse, multilingual, twice exceptional, and traditionally defined gifted students and programs.

Course Work


Total: 21 credits


▲ Concentration in ASTL: History (AHIS)


The 18-credit history concentration includes one geography and five history courses that are required. The concentration is designed for elementary, middle, and high school teachers who seek a foundation in the history courses that are taught within Virginia public schools.

Note:

Courses may be substituted with advisor-approved history electives.

Total: 18 credits


▲ Concentration in ASTL: Individualized (AATL)


The 18-credit individualized concentration is developed in concert with a student’s advisor to provide course work in a student’s specialized area that is not provided in other ASTL concentrations. The student works with the program director to design a program of study that provides individualized learning experiences in an area of expertise relevant to one’s professional educational setting.

▲ Concentration in ASTL: Literacy PK–12 Classroom Teachers (AP12)


This 18-credit concentration includes three required literacy courses and three approved electives in ESOL, special education, psychology, secondary and elementary education, early childhood, writing, and other areas. The course work includes theory and strategies in literacy and reading for teachers in any discipline, PK–12.

▲ Concentration in ASTL: Literacy: Reading Specialist (ALRS)


This 21-credit concentration is a state-approved sequence of courses leading to Virginia reading specialist licensure. Course work includes foundational knowledge, instructional and assessment strategies for individuals and groups, and preparation as a literacy coach and staff developer. Licensure also requires a master’s degree, passing of the Virginia Reading Assessment, and three years of teaching under contract.

▲ Concentration in ASTL: Secondary Mathematics Education, Grades 6-12 (AMT6)


This 18-credit concentration provides advanced professional development in mathematics teaching and learning for practicing middle and high school mathematics teachers. The course work focuses on current research in mathematics education, inquiry, technology, and a community of mathematics practice.

▲ Concentration in ASTL: Physical Education (APED)


The 18-credit physical education concentration provides course work in research design, curriculum development, collaborative supervision, research in pedagogy, and advanced adapted content. It is designed for practicing PE teachers seeking to improve their professional knowledge and teaching performance for improving student learning.

▲ Concentration in ASTL: Science K-12 (AS12)


The 18-credit science concentration provides advanced professional development in science teaching and learning for practicing elementary, middle, or high school science teachers. 

Electives


 Choose 6 credits of science course work with advisor approval.

Total: 18 credits


▲ Concentration in ASTL: Special Education (ASPE)


The 18-credit special education concentration provides advanced expertise for educators, administrators, and other professionals providing services to individuals with special needs. Students select one of the following areas of emphasis: applied behavior analysis; assistive technology; students with disabilities who access the adapted curriculum; students with disabilities who access the general curriculum; teaching students with autism; visual impairments.

Course Work


Total: 18 credits

Total: 18 credits

Total: 18 credits

Total: 18 credits

Teaching Students with Autism Emphasis

Total: 18 credits

Total: 18 credits

▲ Concentration in ASTL: Teacher Leadership (ATL)


This 18-credit concentration provides advanced professional development in school leadership. The educational leadership course work focuses on teachers as leaders in their classrooms, teams, departments, programs, and schools.

Assistive Technology


The Assistive Technology Program prepares educators and other professionals to work with individuals with disabilities, service providers, and family members. Graduates will use technology to assist individuals to function more effectively in school, home, work, and community environments.

Early Childhood Education


▲Concentration in Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners (ECDL)


This 30-credit program leads to a master’s degree for professionals who already hold an early childhood education teacher license or are interested in working in an early childhood education context outside the classroom. Students who wish to seek Early Childhood Education, PK-3 licensure are advised to consider completing the Early Childhood Education, PK-3 Licensure certificate program in conjunction with the MEd. Students may use their certificate coursework to fulfill the elective credits for the MEd program.

Electives (12 credits)


Choose 12 credits from graduate ECED-prefix courses

Portfolio Requirement


A professional portfolio is required.  The portfolio reflects the student’s professional development throughout the program and contains examples of performance assessments associated with standards.

Total: 30 credits


Elementary Education


▲Concentration in Elementary Education (ELED)


The 39-credit Elementary Education concentration and initial licensure component provides professionals with the specialized knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to meet the educational needs of students attending today’s elementary schools.  Specific content and endorsement courses are required; all courses are taught in cohorts only. Two cohort models (one-or two-semester internships) provide flexibility for all students.  The two-semester internship cohort begins each spring semester; the one-semester internship cohort begins each summer semester. Provisions for a fall start can be considered. Please contact the Elementary Program for additional information.

All students are required to submit and successfully complete a series of performance-based assessments.  These assessments include content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and dispositions.

Grading Policy: Students enrolled in this degree program must earn a B or higher in all course work. 

▲ Concentration in TFA - Elementary Education (Teach for America) (TEED)


This 33-credit concentration is designed to prepare Teach for America Corp members to teach culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse elementary students. Note: this is only available to Teach for America Corp members in Washington DC.

Foreign Language


▲Concentration in English as a Second Language (PK-12)(CISL)


This 39-credit ESL/ESOL PK-12 concentration provides initial state teacher licensure (endorsement) for candidates wanting to teach in Virginia public schools, grades PK to 12.  This program provides teachers with the specialized knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions required to pass an oral and written proficiency assessment in English to meet state licensing requirements and national professional standards.  This program has a licensure component of 30 credits and requires an additional 9 credits for completion of the MEd in Curriculum and Instruction.

Prerequisites for admission:  Six credits of a modern foreign language (graduate or undergraduate, do not count toward the MEd).

Field experience: Field experiences involving observations and analyses in public schools are required throughout the program; a maximum of 15 clock hours per course or 30 clock hours per term.  Arrangements can be made with each course instructor.

Grading Policy: Students enrolled in this degree program must earn a B or higher in all licensure course work.

Course Work


Note:

For licensed teachers only, the add-on endorsement in ESL PK-12 requires completion of all licensure course work with the exception of EDCI 790.

MEd Prerequisites

All licensure course work listed above

MEd Requirements (9 credits)

Total: 39 credits


Internship Options


A six-credit, 15-week daytime internship, EDCI 790 , is required for completion of the state-approved licensure program. Both elementary and middle school or secondary school placements are required.  Two options are available to meet the needs of most individuals:

  • Placement internship: One semester, daytime internship in the classroom of a cooperating teacher.  Intern assumes co-teaching and independent teaching responsibilities.
  • On-the-job internship: Available only to students who are employed as full-time, provisionally licensed teachers and are teaching ESL/ESOL in an accredited school.  In addition to a fall or spring experience, this option includes a summer or other appropriate experience.

In lieu of an internship, provisionally licensed teachers may use their full-time teaching to satisfy the internship requirements; however, the 39-credit master’s degree requires that candidates substitute six credits in approved course work for the internship.

▲Concentration in Foreign Language: Arabic (EARB)


This 39-credit Foreign Language: Arabic concentration is designed to provide an interdisciplinary, theory-based course of study for initial licensure and provisionally licensed teachers.  It is intended to assist in the development of a reflective stance toward practice and to enhance ability to address critical issues in language and learning.  It also intends to advance their fundamental understanding about language, technology, pedagogy, and culture, as well as issues related to diversity in schools and in society at large. This program has a licensure component of 27 credits and requires an additional 12 credits for completion of the MEd. 

Grading Policy: Students enrolled in this degree program must earn a B or higher in all licensure course work.

Course Work


Total: 39 credits


Internship Options


A six-credit, 15-week daytime internship, EDCI 790 , is required for completion of the state-approved licensure program.  Both elementary and middle school or secondary school placements are required.  Two options are available to meet the needs of most individuals:

  • Placement Internship: One semester, daytime internship in the classroom of a cooperating teacher.  Intern assumes co-teaching and independent teaching responsibilities. 
  • On-the-job Internship:  Available only to students who are employed as full-time, provisionally licensed teachers and are teaching in their endorsement area in an accredited school.  In addition to a fall or spring experience, this option includes a summer or other appropriate experience. 

In lieu of an internship, provisionally licensured teachers may use their full-time teaching to satisfy the internship requirements; however, the 39-credit master’s degree requires that candidates substitute six credits in approved course work for the internship.

▲Concentration in Foreign Language: Chinese (ECHN)


This 39-credit Foreign Language: Chinese concentration is designed to provide an interdisciplinary, theory-based course of study for initial licensure and provisionally licensed teachers.  It is intended to assist in the development of a reflective stance toward practice and to enhance ability to address critical issues in language and learning.  It also intends to advance their fundamental understanding about language, technology, pedagogy, and culture, as well as issues related to diversity in schools and in society at large. This program has a licensure component of 27 credits and requires an additional 12 credits for completion of the MEd. 

Grading Policy: Students enrolled in this degree program must earn a B or higher in all licensure course work.

Course Work


Total: 39 credits


Internship Options


A six-credit, 15-week daytime internship, EDCI 790 , is required for completion of the state-approved licensure program.  Both elementary and middle school or secondary school placements are required.  Two options are available to meet the needs of most individuals:

  • Placement Internship: One semester, daytime internship in the classroom of a cooperating teacher.  Intern assumes co-teaching and independent teaching responsibilities. 
  • On-the-job Internship:  Available only to students who are employed as full-time, provisionally licensed teachers and are teaching in their endorsement area in an accredited school.  In addition to a fall or spring experience, this option includes a summer or other appropriate experience. 

In lieu of an internship, provisionally licensured teachers may use their full-time teaching to satisfy the internship requirements; however, the 39-credit master’s degree requires that candidates substitute six credits in approved course work for the internship.

▲Concentration in Foreign Language: French (EFRN)


This 39-credit Foreign Language: French concentration is designed to provide an interdisciplinary, theory-based course of study for initial licensure and provisionally licensed teachers.  It is intended to assist in the development of a reflective stance toward practice and to enhance ability to address critical issues in language and learning.  It also intends to advance their fundamental understanding about language, technology, pedagogy, and culture, as well as issues related to diversity in schools and in society at large. This program has a licensure component of 27 credits and requires an additional 12 credits for completion of the MEd. 

Grading Policy: Students enrolled in this degree program must earn a B or higher in all licensure course work.

Course Work


Total: 39 credits


Internship Options


A six-credit, 15-week daytime internship, EDCI 790 , is required for completion of the state-approved licensure program.  Both elementary and middle school or secondary school placements are required.  Two options are available to meet the needs of most individuals:

  • Placement Internship: One semester, daytime internship in the classroom of a cooperating teacher.  Intern assumes co-teaching and independent teaching responsibilities. 
  • On-the-job Internship:  Available only to students who are employed as full-time, provisionally licensed teachers and are teaching in their endorsement area in an accredited school.  In addition to a fall or spring experience, this option includes a summer or other appropriate experience. 

In lieu of an internship, provisionally licensured teachers may use their full-time teaching to satisfy the internship requirements; however, the 39-credit master’s degree requires that candidates substitute six credits in approved course work for the internship.

▲Concentration in Foreign Language: German (EGRM)


This 39-credit Foreign Language: German concentration is designed to provide an interdisciplinary, theory-based course of study for initial licensure and provisionally licensed teachers.  It is intended to assist in the development of a reflective stance toward practice and to enhance ability to address critical issues in language and learning.  It also intends to advance their fundamental understanding about language, technology, pedagogy, and culture, as well as issues related to diversity in schools and in society at large. This program has a licensure component of 27 credits and requires an additional 12 credits for completion of the MEd. 

Grading Policy: Students enrolled in this degree program must earn a B or higher in all licensure course work.

Course Work


Total: 39 credits


Internship Options


A six-credit, 15-week daytime internship, EDCI 790 , is required for completion of the state-approved licensure program.  Both elementary and middle school or secondary school placements are required.  Two options are available to meet the needs of most individuals:

  • Placement Internship: One semester, daytime internship in the classroom of a cooperating teacher.  Intern assumes co-teaching and independent teaching responsibilities. 
  • On-the-job Internship:  Available only to students who are employed as full-time, provisionally licensed teachers and are teaching in their endorsement area in an accredited school.  In addition to a fall or spring experience, this option includes a summer or other appropriate experience. 

In lieu of an internship, provisionally licensured teachers may use their full-time teaching to satisfy the internship requirements; however, the 39-credit master’s degree requires that candidates substitute six credits in approved course work for the internship.

▲Concentration in Foreign Language: Japanese (EJPN)


This 39-credit Foreign Language: Japanese concentration is designed to provide an interdisciplinary, theory-based course of study for initial licensure and provisionally licensed teachers.  It is intended to assist in the development of a reflective stance toward practice and to enhance ability to address critical issues in language and learning.  It also intends to advance their fundamental understanding about language, technology, pedagogy, and culture, as well as issues related to diversity in schools and in society at large. This program has a licensure component of 27 credits and requires an additional 12 credits for completion of the MEd.  

Grading Policy: Students enrolled in this degree program must earn a B or higher in all licensure course work.

Course Work


Total: 39 credits


Internship Options


A six-credit, 15-week daytime internship, EDCI 790 , is required for completion of the state-approved licensure program.  Both elementary and middle school or secondary school placements are required.  Two options are available to meet the needs of most individuals:

  • Placement Internship: One semester, daytime internship in the classroom of a cooperating teacher.  Intern assumes co-teaching and independent teaching responsibilities. 
  • On-the-job Internship:  Available only to students who are employed as full-time, provisionally licensed teachers and are teaching in their endorsement area in an accredited school.  In addition to a fall or spring experience, this option includes a summer or other appropriate experience. 

In lieu of an internship, provisionally licensured teachers may use their full-time teaching to satisfy the internship requirements; however, the 39-credit master’s degree requires that candidates substitute six credits in approved course work for the internship.

▲Concentration in Foreign Language: Korean (EKRN) (pending VDOE approval)


This 39-credit Foreign Language: Korean concentration is designed to provide an interdisciplinary, theory-based course of study for initial licensure and provisionally licensed teachers.  It is intended to assist in the development of a reflective stance toward practice and to enhance ability to address critical issues in language and learning.  It also intends to advance their fundamental understanding about language, technology, pedagogy, and culture, as well as issues related to diversity in schools and in society at large. This program has a licensure component of 27 credits and requires an additional 12 credits for completion of the MEd. The program is pending approval by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) as a state-approved teacher preparation program.

Grading Policy: Students enrolled in this degree program must earn a B or higher in all licensure course work.

Course Work


Total: 39 credits


Internship Options


A six-credit, 15-week daytime internship, EDCI 790 , is required for completion of the state-approved licensure program.  Both elementary and middle school or secondary school placements are required.  Two options are available to meet the needs of most individuals:

  • Placement Internship: One semester, daytime internship in the classroom of a cooperating teacher.  Intern assumes co-teaching and independent teaching responsibilities. 
  • On-the-job Internship:  Available only to students who are employed as full-time, provisionally licensed teachers and are teaching in their endorsement area in an accredited school.  In addition to a fall or spring experience, this option includes a summer or other appropriate experience. 

In lieu of an internship, provisionally licensured teachers may use their full-time teaching to satisfy the internship requirements; however, the 39-credit master’s degree requires that candidates substitute six credits in approved course work for the internship.

▲Concentration in Foreign Language: Latin (ELTN)


This 39-credit Foreign Language: Latin concentration is designed to provide an interdisciplinary, theory-based course of study for initial licensure and provisionally licensed teachers.  It is intended to assist in the development of a reflective stance toward practice and to enhance ability to address critical issues in language and learning.  It also intends to advance their fundamental understanding about language, technology, pedagogy, and culture, as well as issues related to diversity in schools and in society at large. This program has a licensure component of 27 credits and requires an additional 12 credits for completion of the MEd. 

Grading Policy: Students enrolled in this degree program must earn a B or higher in all licensure course work.

Course Work


Total: 39 credits


Internship Options


A six-credit, 15-week daytime internship, EDCI 790 , is required for completion of the state-approved licensure program.  Both elementary and middle school or secondary school placements are required.  Two options are available to meet the needs of most individuals:

  • Placement Internship: One semester, daytime internship in the classroom of a cooperating teacher.  Intern assumes co-teaching and independent teaching responsibilities. 
  • On-the-job Internship:  Available only to students who are employed as full-time, provisionally licensed teachers and are teaching in their endorsement area in an accredited school.  In addition to a fall or spring experience, this option includes a summer or other appropriate experience. 

In lieu of an internship, provisionally licensured teachers may use their full-time teaching to satisfy the internship requirements; however, the 39-credit master’s degree requires that candidates substitute six credits in approved course work for the internship.

▲Concentration in Foreign Language: Spanish (ESPN)


This 39-credit Foreign Language: Spanish concentration is designed to provide an interdisciplinary, theory-based course of study for initial licensure and provisionally licensed teachers.  It is intended to assist in the development of a reflective stance toward practice and to enhance ability to address critical issues in language and learning.  It also intends to advance their fundamental understanding about language, technology, pedagogy, and culture, as well as issues related to diversity in schools and in society at large. This program has a licensure component of 27 credits and requires an additional 12 credits for completion of the MEd. 

Grading Policy: Students enrolled in this degree program must earn a B or higher in all licensure course work.

Course Work


Total: 39 credits


Internship Options


A six-credit, 15-week daytime internship, EDCI 790 , is required for completion of the state-approved licensure program.  Both elementary and middle school or secondary school placements are required.  Two options are available to meet the needs of most individuals:

  • Placement Internship: One semester, daytime internship in the classroom of a cooperating teacher.  Intern assumes co-teaching and independent teaching responsibilities. 
  • On-the-job Internship:  Available only to students who are employed as full-time, provisionally licensed teachers and are teaching in their endorsement area in an accredited school.  In addition to a fall or spring experience, this option includes a summer or other appropriate experience. 

In lieu of an internship, provisionally licensured teachers may use their full-time teaching to satisfy the internship requirements; however, the 39-credit master’s degree requires that candidates substitute six credits in approved course work for the internship.

International Education


▲Concentration in International Education FAST TRAIN ESOL (PK-12) (FTSL)


This 30-credit concentration is specifically designed for teachers and educators who are working abroad or plan on teaching overseas. This program has a licensure component of 24 credits and requires an additional 6 credits for completion of the MEd. All course work requires 20 hours of integrated fieldwork observation and practice. The convenient schedule enables participants to complete the program through on-campus study during two summers and on-line study during the academic year.

Grading Policy: Students enrolled in this degree program must earn a B or higher in all licensure course work. 

Course Work


Licensure Requirements (24 credits)*

Note:


All course work, endorsements, state requirements, and tests must be finished prior to the internship. Some course work requires field experience.

Total: 30 credits


▲Concentration in International Education FAST TRAIN (Elementary) PK-6 (FTEL)


This 30-credit hour concentration prepares educators for international teaching assignments.  This program has an 18 credit  licensure component and requires an additional 12 credits for completion of the MEd.  The course work may be completed in the part-time evening program or during the summer intensive program.  All course work requires 20 hours of integrated fieldwork observation and practice. 

In addition, this program prepares student who wish to teach in International Baccalaureate (IB) schools worldwide by integrating IB curriculum into the licensure coursework. Students completing the licensure requirements may take one additional course to become eligible for the International Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching and Learning through the IB:

Grading Policy: Students enrolled in this degree program must earn a B or higher in all licensure course work. 

Course Work


Licensure Requirements (18 credits)*

Note:

All course work, endorsements, state requirements, and tests must be finished prior to the internship.  Some course work requires field experience.

Total: 30 credits


▲Concentration in Multilingual and Multicultural Education (CIMM)


This 30-credit concentration prepares professionals to work with diverse population of individuals.  It provides courses for licensed teachers and the required courses for an add-on endorsement in English as a second language (ESL) PK-12, also known as English for speakers of other languages (ESOL).  The program is appropriate for individuals who are not licensed and wish to complete a master’s degree.  Six credits of a foreign language (undergraduate or graduate level) are required but do not count toward the master’s degree.

Learning Technologies


Four concentrations with an instructional technology focus provide professionals the specialized knowledge and skills needed to apply a wide range of learning technologies to achieve educational and instructional goals in schools and communities, and in corporate, government or public settings. The concentrations combine current theoretical models and research-based practices with practical, hands-on experiences to cultivate the design of innovative and engaging learning opportunities and instructional applications using state-of-the-art technologies. The concentrations serve the various needs and interests of specific types of learning organizations and instructional technology clients including instructional design, user experience design, online learning, workplace learning, and integration of technology in schools.

▲Concentration in Instructional Design and Development Immersion (IDDI)


▲Concentration in Instructional Design and Technology (INDT)


▲Concentration in Integration of Online Learning in Schools (IOLS)


▲Concentration in Integration of Technology in Schools (ITIS)


Literacy/Reading


A master’s degree with three emphasis options and one graduate certificate  program are available to teachers in grades K-12 who are interested in gaining additional expertise in literacy/reading instruction and leadership. Courses combine current theory with practical, hands-on experience. Literacy is also available as a specialization or secondary emphasis in the Ph.D. in Education program. 

▲Concentration in Literacy Leadership for Diverse Schools: K-12 Reading Specialist (LLDR)


This 33-credit concentration includes a 21-credit sequence of courses in literacy/reading instruction and leadership, 3 credits in research methodology, and 9 credits in courses related to diverse learners (English as a second language [ESL], special education, or an individualized program). Completion of all requirements earns students a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction plus a K-12 Reading Specialist License. (Additional licensure requirements include 3 years of teaching under contract and a passing score on state licensure exam). The coursework in ESL and/or special education may be applied toward add-on licenses in those areas.

Emphasis Options


Choose one of the following emphases:

Total: 33 credits


Secondary Education (6–12)


The 35-credit secondary education concentrations with a licensure component are designed to meet the needs of individuals who wish to be licensed or need to satisfy the requirements of a provisional license to teach at the secondary level. Specific endorsement areas are biology, chemistry, earth science, English, history and social science, mathematics, and physics. Note: only six credits (in total) may be taken as non-degree or transferred (with coordinator approval) from another accredited institution.

Grading Policy: Students enrolled in this degree program must earn a B or higher in all course work.

Field Experience

Field experiences in public schools will be required throughout the program (a maximum of 15-30 clock hours per course or 45 clock hours per term). Arrangements will be made at the beginning of each term.

▲ Concentration in Secondary Education Biology (SECB)


Course Work


Total: 35 credits


▲ Concentration in Secondary Education Chemistry (SECC)


Course Work


MEd Requirements (12 credits)

Electives (9 credits)

  • Education electives (chosen with advisor’s approval) (9 credits)

Total: 35 credits


▲ Concentration in Secondary Education Earth Science (SECS)


Course Work


MEd Requirements (12 credits)

Electives (9 credits)

  • Education electives (chosen with advisor’s approval) (9 credits)

Total: 35 credits


▲ Concentration in Secondary Education English (SECE)


Course Work


MEd Requirements (12 credits)

Electives (9 credits)

  • Education electives, chosen with advisor’s approval (9 credits)

Total: 35 credits


▲ Concentration in Secondary Education History and Social Science (SECH)


Course Work


MEd Requirements (12 credits)

Electives (9 credits)

  • Education electives, chosen with advisor’s approval (9 credits)

Total: 35 credits


▲ Concentration in Secondary Education Mathematics (SECM)


Course Work


MEd Requirements (12 credits)

Electives (9 credits)

  • Education electives, chosen with advisor’s approval  (9 credits)

Total: 35 credits


▲ Concentration in Secondary Education Physics (SECP)


Course Work


MEd Requirements (12 credits)

Electives (9 credits)

  • Education electives, chosen with advisor’s approval  (9 credits)

Internship Options


A 6-credit 15-week daytime internship (EDCI 790 ) is required for completion of the state-approved licensure program. Two options are available to meet the needs of most individuals:

  • Student teaching internship: A one-term daytime internship in the classroom of a cooperating teacher. Intern assumes co teaching and independent teaching responsibilities.
  • On-the-job internship: Available only to students who are employed as full-time provisionally licensed teachers and teaching in their endorsement area in an accredited middle or secondary school and want to complete a master’s degree. In lieu of an internship, provisionally licensed teachers may choose to use their full-time teaching to satisfy the experience requirement for a full license; however, the 35-credit master’s degree requires that 6 credits of approved course work be substituted for the internship.

Total: 35 credits


Transformative Teaching (TTCH)


The 30-credit Transformative Teaching concentration provides experienced school-based educators with valuable online and face-to-face professional development opportunities that help them to: (1) continually surface and rethink the routines and assumptions that shape their work in schools;  (2) reflect upon their practice in the critical company of others; (3) design thoughtful and constructive responses to the obstacles that inhibit teaching and student learning in the spirit of social entrepreneurship; (4) develop the skills and dispositions to keep them in the classroom and in schools; and (5) be leaders in their schools, in their professional associations, and in their communities around the world as civically engaged advocates for educators and students. 

Experienced educators with or without a master’s degree may apply for the 30-credit master’s degree program.