Graduate education areas are organized into four units:
Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning offers M.Ed., Ed.D., and Ph.D. degrees. This unit contains programs that would traditionally fall under Curriculum and Instruction.
Instructional Technology offers M.Ed., EdS, Ed.D, and Ph.D degrees. This area of study addresses the rapidly accelerating changes in the field by providing exposure to a wide range of emerging technologies while ensuring basic competencies required of all practitioners.
Language, Literacy, and Cultural Studies offers Ph.D. degrees in programs that would traditionally be considered English Education, Language Education, Reading Education and Social Studies Education. The area of Reading also offers M.Ed and Ed.S. degrees for those seeking endorsement as Reading Specialists
Science, Technology, and Mathematics offers Ph.D. degrees. This unit contains programs that would traditionally be considered Science Education and Mathematics Education.
Special Education offers M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees. M.Ed degrees are in areas of Gifted Education, Early Childhood Special Education and Severe Disabilities.
Students who pursue advanced studies in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education generally have one of three goals. Applicants may be seeking to extend their preparation for teaching (M.Ed. and Ed.S), serving as supervisors and/or leaders of curriculum and instruction improvement in school divisions or as program specialists in human service agencies (EdD), or preparing for the conduct of original research and teaching in university/college settings or at research-and-development centers, agencies, or organizations (PhD). The EdD may be pursued on a part-time basis; Ph.D. programs require full-time enrollment. Applicants for doctoral work (Ed.D and Ph.D.) are generally experienced educators. The emphasis for both doctoral tracks is on analysis and evaluation of teaching, design and evaluation of educational programs, and processes of change.
Initial Licensure Degree (M.T) Offerings
Elementary Education
The elementary education (PreK-6) program is designed to assist individuals in obtaining a degree and initial licensure (M.T.). This program can also assist individuals in meeting re-certification requirements or in adding endorsements to existing certificates.
Secondary Education
Secondary Education programs include English Education, Mathematics Education, Science Education, and Social Studies Education in grades 6-12 and Foreign Language Education in grades K-12.
English Education The post-baccalaureate Master of Teaching (M.T.) degree initial licensure program prepares prospective teachers of English. Building on their undergraduate English studies, students investigate the social and psychological context for teaching English at the secondary level, explore concepts of curriculum and instructional models, and pursue in-depth study of effective methodologies for teaching language, literature, and writing. The program involves practicum experience, emphasizes an integrated conceptualization of secondary English curriculum, and stresses the importance of multicultural awareness in all aspects of planning and instruction. Opportunities exist for individual direction, both within course parameters and in independent study. Study also includes graduate courses in English. The prerequisite for admission is a B.A. in English or the equivalent.
Foreign Language Education The Master of Teaching (M.T.) program in foreign language education (K-12) prepares prospective teachers of foreign languages by building on students’ undergraduate foreign language major. The M.T. program follows the model of the secondary programs and includes preparation in pedagogy, as well as advanced course work in one or more languages and practical teaching experiences in schools under the supervision of University personnel. Students applying to the MT program in foreign languages are required to take speaking and writing proficiency tests in their target language, and admission to the program is contingent upon the results of these tests. For graduation, the satisfactory proficiency score is Advanced Low (American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language Scale). Students who score below that rating on the diagnostic test will be expected to develop a plan of action to improve their language skills and retake the test as needed.
Health and Physical Education (Kinesiology) A Master of Teaching degree in this area allows program completers to work in K-12 settings.
Mathematics Education The Master of Teaching (M.T.) program in mathematics education prepares prospective teachers of mathematics by building on students’ undergraduate mathematics studies. The M.T. program in mathematics education includes preparation in pedagogy and technology, as well as advanced course work in mathematics and practical teaching experiences in the schools under the supervision of University personnel.
Science Education The Science Education Program provides preparation in science and science teaching methods for students in the Master of Teaching Program and results in initial licensure and endorsement in a particular area of science.
Social Studies Education The purpose of M.T. Social Studies Education program is to prepare social studies teachers for middle school and secondary education social studies positions.
Special Education
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) The primary mission of this program is to produce high-quality graduates to staff and lead educational programs that serve young children birth through age five with a range of risk and disability conditions. Graduates of the program will be certified to teach children with a wide range of developmental delays including cognitive, communication, social, adaptive behavior, and/or motor skills. Graduates are likely to be employed by public schools, head start programs, early intervention programs, and a wide range of service providers serving young children and their families.
General Special Education This program prepares teachers to serve students with mild to moderate disabilities in a variety of settings such as inclusion classrooms, modified resource rooms, and self-contained programs. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, evidence-based instructional practices, instructional accommodations, behavior management, and assessment strategies. Students in the Special Education- General Curriculum program must also complete all requirements for a second endorsement area in general education (elementary education, a secondary education content area, or ESL). Students may also elect to complete dual endorsements in Special Education – General Curriculum and Special Education – Adapted Curriculum.
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