Graduate Programs: Education (MSEd) and Endorsement Programs
Today’s world of education is both exciting and challenging. Rapid advances in technology, the pace of world events, and the diverse student population are creating a tremendous need for well-trained and highly informed education professionals. National, state, and local standards that focus on student achievement make NOW the best time for you to increase your knowledge and skills by obtaining an advanced degree in teaching or leadership.
CHOOSE THE OPPORTUNITY THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Our Master of Science in Education program opens the door to numerous career opportunities. It assures that teachers and administrators are able to function collaboratively in educational systems that are undergoing changes in policy and demographics. Our small class size promotes direct student involvement in and out of the classroom and allows faculty members to work closely with students. Choose from these degree programs:
The Educational Counseling program, based on national standards, prepares teachers and others who are seeking endorsements in school counseling. Students develop a strong identity as caring, competent professional school counselors by focusing on increased self-awareness, personal and professional development, and continuous learning. Learning experiences involve theoretical and practical coursework, supervised counseling practice, and the development of a professional portfolio. Field experiences integrate clinical practice into the context of the school community so that students are proficient in delivering comprehensive programs to all P–12 students, and serve as advocates prepared to meet the challenges of a diverse, ever-changing society.
The Principal program is designed for teachers and others seeking to become school principals. The program, based on national standards, combines educational theory, policy, and practice to provide future administrators with the skills necessary to meet the challenging and changing needs of students and families in schools today. Students develop and implement a school vision of learning that emphasizes student, family, and community involvement, design a positive school culture that focuses on student learning, create an organizational plan that promotes a safe environment, and construct professional development plans that are based on research and best practices.
The Reading Specialist program, based on national standards for reading professionals, is designed for exemplary teachers who have an initial teaching license and want to expand their knowledge, skills, and dispositions in teaching literacy to all learners and assisting paraprofessionals and colleagues. The state-of-the-art curriculum combines traditional classroom and online learning. Students gain an in-depth knowledge of the reading and writing processes, create literate environments that motivate P–12 learners, and provide support and coaching to colleagues and parents. Opportunities for field experiences are provided in P–12 classrooms and on campus.
The master’s program in Special Education, which is grounded in national standards and research, is designed for teachers who want to broaden their knowledge base in the field of special education. Students study evidence-based principles and theories as well as laws and policies to enable them to understand how P–12 students’ unique needs and abilities affect their school performance. They design instructional plans, assess and instruct students with various types of disabilities and cultural or linguistic differences, create safe, engaging learning environments, collaborate with colleagues, support personnel and families, and develop plans for lifelong professional development. Multiple field experiences are provided in various settings.
