Master's (M.Ed.) Concentrations

The School of Education offers Master of Education concentrations, which exemplify best practices in the preparation of educational practitioners. Because of the School of Education's strong commitment to scholarship and research, these practitioner preparation concentrations have a special character which is reflected in their solid grounding in current educational theory and research, in their consistency with national standards for exemplary practitioner preparation, and in their commitment to innovation and experimentation. The School is committed to preparing practitioners who will be leaders in educational improvement and reform. Master's concentrations are offered in the following areas:

• Bilingual, English as a Second Language, and Multicultural Education
  The preparation of professionals for leadership roles in K-12 second language acquisition and multicultural education.
• Child Study and Early Education
  The preparation of professionals for leadership roles in early childhood education Pre-K through 3rd grade.
• Educational Administration
  The preparation of exemplary leaders for K-12 systems, districts, and schools.
• Elementary Teacher Education
  The preparation of professionals for leadership roles in elementary education as teachers, curriculum specialists, and team leaders.
• Higher Education
  The preparation of professionals for leadership roles in colleges and universities, with special emphasis on student affairs.
• International Education
  The preparation of professionals for leadership roles in formal education, nonformal education, and educational systems development in Third World settings.
• Learning, Media and Technology
  The preparation of professionals for leadership in the effective use of technology and media in public schools and other educational contexts.
• Policy Studies
  The preparation of professionals for leadership roles in educational policy analysis, development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Reading and Writing
  The preparation of professional teachers for leadership roles in literacy education and the teaching of reading.
• School Counselor Education
  The preparation of professionals for leadership roles in school counseling, focusing on promoting the academic learning and socio-emotional development of all children.
• Secondary Teacher Education
  The preparation of professional teachers for leadership roles in middle and high school settings.
• Social Justice Education
  The preparation of professionals for leadership roles in social justice education in K-12 and higher education contexts.
• Special Education
  The preparation of professional teachers for leadership roles in the education of children and youth with disabilities.

Prospective Master's students who are interested in an intensive, field-based, immersion program of study leading to licensure in early childhood/elementary or secondary education should apply to study in either the Bridges to the Future Pathway or the 180 Days in Springfield Pathway. Both programs are situated in public schools and emphasize immersion in teaching and mentoring by Master teachers.

The M.Ed. degree program is designed to further the professional development of elementary and secondary school teachers and other school-based practitioners in the various fields of education, and to train educational specialists in a variety of the School's areas of concentration. Within the framework of the requirements and with the guidance of a faculty adviser, M.Ed. candidates must complete a minimum of 33 graduate credits. Eighteen of these must be graded, 12 must be at or above the 600 level, and a minimum of 21 must be taken in the School of Education. Students admitted to the School Counselor Education and School Psychology concentrations are an exception to the 33-credit requirement; they must complete a 48-credit program of study.