Specialization - Biology
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
Description
The M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction is offered with four emphasis areas: elementary education, special education, literacy education, and secondary education. The latter emphasis can also be completed with one of four specializations: English education, mathematics education, science education (biology, physics, and chemistry), and social studies education. For each program, candidates engage in readings, research, discussions, simulations, reflections, applications, and field experiences/clinical practices intended to help them grow as reflective education professionals.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Results from a national standardized achievement/aptitude test predictive of the ability to complete a graduate program successfully or a teaching license. The standardized tests include but are not limited to: Passing Score on Praxis II Content Field, or Passing Score on Praxis II PLT, or competitive Graduate Record Examination scores (GRE: all sections).
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 30
Goals/Mission Statement
The philosophy of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, as it applies to the preparation of teachers, is reflected by the belief that teachers should be prepared to - Develop and engage in appropriate teaching strategies by studying, interacting, practicing, and reflecting; - Collaborate in identifying and meeting the broad range of goals for which schools are responsible in today’s society; - Show by modeling and encouraging students the dispositions of leading, thinking, problem solving, and lifelong learning; - Respect and serve culturally diverse populations and communities; and - Assume responsibility for the quality and effectiveness of their professional lives.
Course Requirements
The M.Ed. degree requires 30 semester hours of course work with emphasis in elementary, secondary, literacy or special education. All candidates for the degree must take Educational Research I (Edrs 605) and Advanced Curriculum Theory and Practice (Edci 601).
Emphasis - Secondary Education
Description
The M.Ed. with an emphasis in secondary education can be completed with a specialization in English education, mathematics education, science education, or social studies education. The program addresses national board standards with special emphasis placed on lifelong learning, research findings, and innovative curricula.
Course Requirements
The M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis in secondary education requires candidates to complete a set of professional core courses (9 hours: EDCI 601, EDCI 603, and EDCI 614) and 21 hours related to their content specialization.
The secondary specialization has two options for the remaining 21 hours.
The first option requires students to take a variety of courses within the SOE and at least six hours of content in the specialization. Each specialization (English, math, social studies, biology, chemistry, and physics) has recommended courses for Option 1.
Option 2 allows candidates to select graduate-level courses in the specialization to provide an opportunity for future employment at the community college level.
All courses must be approved by the candidate’s adviser. Total hours in the M.Ed. program are 30.
Other Academic Requirements
M.Ed. candidates must successfully complete a professional portfolio and have a minimum of 45 hours of adviser-approved field experiences. M.Ed. candidates must also pass a comprehensive exam at the end of their program.
Specialization - Biology
Description
The M.Ed. degree program with an emphasis in secondary education and a specialization in biology is designed for candidates who wish to deepen their knowledge and skills as science educators. The program aims to improve candidate's knowledge of science education concepts and equip them with the necessary skills to become an exceptional teacher. The curriculum utilizes the latest research on how students learn biology and encourages evidence-based approaches for classroom instruction.
Course Requirements
In addition to the professional core courses (i.e., EDCI 601, EDCI 603, and EDCI 614), the biology specialization offers candidates two options for the remaining 21 hours.
Option 1 requires the candidate to complete EDCI 630, EDRS 605, EDSE 636, EDSE 646, EDSE 690, and plus 6 hours of graduate-level biology, or related electives, with advisor approval.
Option 2 candidates must take EDSE 646 and 18 hours of graduate-level biology to provide an opportunity for future employment at the community college level.
All courses must be approved by the candidate’s advisor.
A total of 30 hours are required to complete the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instructions with an emphasis in secondary education and a specialization in biology.
Other Academic Requirements
All M.Ed. candidates must successfully complete a minimum of 45 hours of advisor approved field experiences and a Capstone project during their final semester. Enrollment in EDCI 630 (Capstone Seminar) is optional.