Master of Science in Education Degree General Information General InformationMaster of Science (M.S.) degrees are offered in the following specialization areas in the School of Education. Some master's programs are offered at both the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses. Others are available at only one campus. Students must apply for admission to the campus at which the degree is conferred. Course work for most programs is offered at both campuses, and is treated interchangeably in graduate programs. Application procedures and admission criteria are described in the section titled Admission to Graduate Programs. Master's programs available at the Bloomington campus:
General Requirements for Master's Programs General Information General InformationA master of science in education program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours. Some master's programs require more than 36 credit hours. Up to 6 credits may be undergraduate course credits at the 300 and 400 level. (Courses counted in a bachelor's degree may not be counted in a master's degree.) All programs require that some minimum number of credit hours be taken in the major area of specialization. (This minimum varies across programs, from 12 to 30 credit hours.) Some programs also have course requirements in the areas of research and foundations. There is no "general" master's program in education. A minimum of 12 credit hours must be taken outside of the major program area for all master's programs. An exception is the master's degree in Instructional Systems Technology, for which a minimum of 9 credit hours must be taken outside the major. Specific course requirements for each program are listed in this chapter. Master's degree students must complete all program course work within seven years of matriculating in the program. Regulations governing all graduate programs in education are found in the section titled "Policies Governing Graduate Programs." Return to General Requirements for Master's Programs Faculty AdvisorAn advisor from the major program area must be selected by the student or assigned by the department. Students should check with the department office at Bloomington or the Office of Student Services at Indianapolis for information about the assignment of faculty advisors. See the section titled The School of Education for a listing of program advisors. Return to General Requirements for Master's Programs Program of StudiesFor each master's program there is a program outline form for use in planning the specific courses to be included in a student's program of studies. This form is available from the respective departmental offices at Bloomington, or from the Office of Student Services at Indianapolis. It must be completed, signed by the student's advisor, and submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies by the end of the first year of graduate work. Return to General Requirements for Master's Programs Master's ThesisA master's thesis is an option in many program areas. Some programs encourage their students to carry out master's thesis research. Carrying out master's thesis research and writing a master's thesis are particularly valuable experiences for students who seek a scholarly career. Students who choose to write a master's thesis should incorporate appropriate research course work in their program of studies. Students who opt to do a master's thesis must enroll in 3-6 credit hours of 599 Master's Thesis as part of the minimum 36 credit hour requirement for the degree. A master's research committee must be appointed. This committee consists of two or three faculty members. The thesis director must be from the major area of specialization. The thesis study must include the gathering of information or data to answer a question that has been posed that is pertinent to the area of specialization of the student's major. A thesis manuscript must be written and submitted to the research committee. Upon approval by the research committee, the department chair, and the associate dean for graduate studies, two bound copies of the thesis must be filed with the Office of Graduate Studies at Bloomington or the Office of Student Services at Indianapolis. The thesis manuscript must explain all aspects of the study, including the question posed, the rationale for the study, a literature review, the method and procedure for collecting information to answer the question, procedure for data reduction, synthesis and analysis, conclusions of the study, and educational implications. It must be typed or computer-printed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper. A nationally approved professional manuscript style (usually one used by a professional organization in the student's field) must be followed. The printing and figures must be in black ink on white paper. Figures must be on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper. The thesis must be defended in a public oral examination. The announcement of this examination must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies at Bloomington, or the Office of Student Services at Indianapolis, four weeks prior to the examination date for dissemination to school faculty. The committee members assess the quality of the manuscript and of the oral defense. They must approve the thesis in order for a passing grade to be awarded in 599. Forms for the appointment of a thesis committee, for the acceptance of thesis proposal, and for the passing of the oral defense, as well as information about the format for the thesis manuscript, are available in Guide to the Preparation of the Master's Thesis in Education, available from the Office of Graduate Studies. Return to General Requirements for Master's Programs PracticumSome programs require practicum course work; in other programs practicums are optional. Practicum course work focuses on experiences and activities in the field. Return to General Requirements for Master's Programs Master of Arts in Teaching, BloomingtonAnother master's degree, offered through the University Graduate School, is the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.). Students in M.A.T. programs do not major in education. They major in a subject field (usually in arts and sciences). M.A.T. programs are useful for secondary teachers desiring to professionalize their teaching license or to earn an original teaching license in conjunction with a master's degree. Those seeking original licenses must meet these requirements (see section entitled Licensure Programs). Application to M.A.T. programs is not through the School of Education. . It is through the department in which the M.A.T. student is majoring. Two M.A.T. programs that are popular with secondary teachers are the Science and the Social Studies Programs (see University Graduate School Bulletin). Course Requirements for Each Master's ProgramThe remainder of this section is dedicated to a detailed listing of the requirements for each of the education master's degree programs offered in the School of Education. Art Education Art Education
This program is available at Bloomington. (An art education master's program is also available at Indianapolis, through the Herron School of Art and Design at IUPUI. Students seeking information about this program should contact the Herron School of Art and Design, 1701 N. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-1472.) This program may be used to help experienced teachers improve their competencies, to help practicing artists become art teachers, and to prepare students to teach art at all levels of education. This program offers courses in curriculum theory and development, computer graphics and other technology, art education history and literature, art instruction for atypical populations, development and applications of testing in art education, museum education, and other aspects of art education. In addition to meeting the standard School of Education admission requirements, students interested in pursuing a master's degree in art education must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be admitted if they show evidence of successful professional activity, such as curriculum development or scholarship, or a paper that demonstrates competence in abstract thinking in the English language. Students must complete 36 credit hours, including the following: I. Major (18 cr.) II. Foundations (3 cr.) III. Thesis (Z599), Practicum (J538), or other courses selected with the approval of program advisor (6 cr.) IV. Electives (9 cr.) Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program Counseling and Counselor Education
This program is available at Bloomington and Indianapolis (school track). Students may choose either a school track, leading to a standard school counselor license, or a community track. The community track is not available at the Indianapolis campus. The program provides entry-level training in accordance with the licensure requirements of the Indiana Department of Education. Application deadlines for the Bloomington master's program in counseling and counselor education are April 1 for summer and fall matriculation and November 1 for spring matriculation. Application deadlines for the IUPUI campus in counseling and counselor education are May 1 for fall matriculation; November 1 for spring matriculation; March 1 for summer matriculation. Students must complete a minimum of 48 credit hours, including the following: I. Major in the School Track (39 cr.) II. Research (3 cr.) III. Human Growth and Development (3 cr.) IV. Electives (3 cr.) MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR LICENSUREFor detailed information about mental health counselor licensure, see the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree section. Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program Educational Leadership (School Administration) K-12 Building-Level Administration Track K-12 BUILDING-LEVEL ADMINISTRATION TRACK
This program is combined with a licensure program that results in a recommendation for an initial license for building-level administration (all school settings). The program is available at the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses. The master's degree program is available only to those who hold a standard teaching license, a proficient practitioner license, or a valid out-of-state equivalent license. All applicants for the master's degree program must have satisfactorily completed a minimum of two full years of classroom teaching in a state-accredited school. Upon completion of the master's degree and a state-mandated examination, graduates will be recommended for an initial license as a building administrator in the state of Indiana. To receive the license, all individuals are required to achieve a qualifying score on the ETS School Leaders Licensure Assessment (www.ets.org/sls). Individuals completing administrative programs are required by the Indiana Professional Standards Board to complete an induction program during their first two years of service as an administrator (see www.doe.state.in.us/dps/ or call 1-866-542-3672). Completion of the two-year induction program will result in eligibility for the five-year Proficient Practitioner license. Please note: Because of changes in the requirements of the Indiana Professional Standards Board (IPSB), the master's degree program is subject to change at any time. Please check with the Educational Leadership Program or the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies for the most current requirements. Completion of the following standards-based, performance-driven courses results in fulfilling the ISLLC standards for educational leaders: I. Foundation Area (9 cr.) II. Educational Leadership Area (24 cr.) III. Elective (3 cr.) Questions about licensure can be directed to: TEACHER LEADERSHIP TRACK
At present, this program is available in Bloomington only, but it may be offered in Indianapolis or other sites in the future. It is a cohort program offered to currently practicing teachers in a format and schedule that meets the personal and professional needs of these individuals. Prospective applicants should contact the Educational Leadership Program for information about the program's availability. I. Core (24 cr.)A500 Introduction to Educational Leadership (3 cr.) A608 Legal Perspectives on Education (3 cr.) Y520 Strategies for Educational Inquiry (3 cr.) J500 Instruction in the Context of Curriculum (3 cr.) A510 School Community Relations (3 cr.) A515 Educational Leadership: Teacher Development and Evaluation (3 cr.) P507 Testing in the Classroom (3 cr.) H520 Education and Social Issues (3 cr.) II. National Board Seminar (6 cr.) III. Concentration (6 cr.)
Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program
Educational Psychology
Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program Elementary and Early Childhood Education
This program is available at Bloomington and at Indianapolis. It provides extensive professional development for practicing teachers and others with an interest in elementary and early childhood education. Students in the elementary education or the early childhood education tracks must complete 36 credit hours. The Elementary Transition to Teaching Plus Master's Degree Program track is a 49 credit hour alternative that provides teacher certification. This track is intended for individuals with undergraduate degrees in areas outside of education and is available only at the Bloomington campus. In addition to meeting the standard School of Education admission requirements, students interested in pursuing a master's degree in elementary and early childhood education must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be admitted if they show promise of future successful professional activity. Elementary Education Track Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program ELEMENTARY EDUCATION TRACKThe Elementary Master's Program in the School of Education offers an advanced degree for experienced teachers seeking to enhance their knowledge and skill as teachers. (See www.indiana.edu/~elemed/general.html for a description of the program.) Core courses in the major include opportunities for students to explore current theories of learning and instruction, to engage in inquiry and reflection on teaching practice, to examine the social and cultural contexts of contemporary schools, and to analyze the nature and purposes of current perspectives on curriculum. Students also select courses in the advanced study of content areas relevant to elementary education. The program encourages candidates to pursue individual interests in depth through elective courses. Since most of the candidates in the program are practicing teachers, no additional formal field experience is required. Students, however, often use the course assignments as an opportunity to integrate current curriculum theory and teaching methods into their own classroom practices. As a culminating experience, students elect to write a thesis or complete a practicum project. The practicum option is often selected by students and is carried out as an action research project in their own classroom or school. Recent examples of such projects can be found at the School of Education on each campus. I. Major (12 cr.) Choose two courses: Students may choose other courses related to elementary education with the approval of an advisor. II. Foundations (3 cr.) III. Electives (15 cr.) IV. Thesis (X599), Practicum (J538), or other courses selected with the approval of the program advisor (6 cr.) Return to Elementary and Early Childhood Education Program EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION TRACKThe program in Early Childhood Education is primarily for individuals who already have a teaching license in early childhood or elementary education and are seeking advanced professional development. Students can choose to focus their courses on the study of preschool or primary education. Several courses are taught over the distance education network, which links the Bloomington and IUPUI campuses. I. Major (15 cr.) II. Foundations (3 cr.) III. Electives (18 credit hours) Return to Elementary and Early Childhood Education Program ELEMENTARY TRANSITION TO TEACHING PLUS MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM TRACK (BLOOMINGTON ONLY) I. Field-Related Courses (37 cr.) II. Campus-Based Courses (12 cr.) Choose one course: Choose one course: Required: Return to Elementary and Early Childhood Education Program
Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA)
Students interested in the study of higher education and working in a college or university may choose between two concentrations in the master's degree in student affairs administration and higher education. The concentration in student affairs administration emphasizes the study of college and university administration, student learning and development, assessment of campus environments, issues in student affairs, and communication skills and interpersonal relationships. The concentration in higher education emphasizes the study of higher education and is intended for professionals not working with students. Both concentrations introduce students to relevant theory, research, and practice related to college and university administration and preparation for entry-level and, for those with previous relevant experience, middle-management positions in institutions of higher education. In addition to the School of Education admission requirements, applicants must interview with the faculty. Students come from diverse geographic locations and academic backgrounds. Some come to the program with experience in student affairs-related positions, and many come directly from undergraduate study. Most full-time students need two academic years and one summer session to complete the degree requirements. Students are required to begin course work in the fall semester. Because practical experience is valued, all students must obtain a graduate assistantship or be employed at least part-time in a related campus office while pursuing this degree. Students may take courses at either Bloomington (IUB) or Indianapolis (IUPUI). Student Affairs Administration Concentration Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program STUDENT AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION CONCENTRATION (41-55 cr.) I. Basic Core (22-24 cr.) *Students with significant full-time work experience in higher education administration, upon their request and with advisor approval, may be exempted from the practicum requirement. These students need only 39 credit hours to complete the degree. II. Counseling and Counselor Education (3-15 cr.) III. Foundations (6 cr.) IV. Electives (10 cr.) V. Thesis Option (6 cr.) Return to Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) HIGHER EDUCATION CONCENTRATION (39-41 cr.) I. Basic Core (22-24 cr.) *Students with significant full-time work experience in higher education administration, upon their request and with advisor approval, may be exempted from the practicum requirement. These students need only 39 credit hours to complete the degree. II. Recommended Courses (15 cr.) III. Foundations (6 cr.) IV. Electives outside the Major (6 cr.) V. Thesis option (6 cr.) Return to Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA)
Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program History and Philosophy of Education
This master's program is available only at Bloomington. It provides students the opportunity for growth in fundamental abilities that contribute clarity of direction and purpose to the professional tasks of educators. The program allows the student to inquire into the historical roots of educational policies and problems and to explore the relationship between educational philosophies and the practices and policies of educational and other social institutions. The 36 credit hour master's degree in history and philosophy of education is usually a step toward the doctorate and should be individually planned. Students should consult the program faculty before applying for admission. Requirements are as follows: I. Major (15 cr.) II. Courses Outside of Education (9 cr.) III. Electives (12 cr.) Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program Instructional Systems Technology (IST)
Instructional Systems Technology (IST) provides a master's degree program at Bloomington with an option for study at a distance. The field of IST involves the application of technological processes, including systems analysis and behavioral and cognitive principles, to the design, management, and improvement of instruction. The master's program prepares students to meet the increasing demand for instructional design and media specialists. In addition to the standard School of Education admission requirements, the IST Admission Committee will evaluate previous course work and experience in relation to the applicant's goal statement. Since post-master's courses draw heavily on theoretical and research literature in the field, students who plan to continue for an advanced graduate degree should consult with their advisor about master's-level courses that will apply toward specialist and doctoral degree requirements. Students entering the IST program are expected to exhibit experience with computers in three areas: (1) computer awareness and literacy, (2) basic applications, and (3) educational computing basics. Students deficient in any of these areas will be required to supplement their program with course work in instructional computing. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours, including the following: I. Major (27 cr.) Choose 15-18 credit hours from at least two of the following categories: II. Electives (9 cr.) III. Portfolio IV. Instructional Project Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program International and Comparative Education
This master's degree program is available at Bloomington. Many of the courses in this specialization provide students with the opportunity to inquire into the relationship of education to the economic, social, political, and cultural developments that shape national and regional systems of schooling. In addition, students may receive credit for relevant international travel and study as well as research and practicum experiences within the state and nation, through a series of activities and projects with United States educational organizations and foreign governments. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours, including the following: I. Basic Core (15 cr.) One course from: II. Specialized Studies in International and Comparative Education (9 cr.) III. Electives IV. Thesis Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program Language Education
This master's degree program is available at both Bloomington and Indianapolis. It prepares classroom teachers of English, bilingual education, English as a new language, English as a foreign language, foreign languages, and reading for positions of leadership in their fields, particularly in the development of improved instructional procedures and curricula. Language Education applicants require a strong academic record in a program broadly based in the language arts and children's or adolescent literature and, preferably, two years of teaching (or alternative experience). Graduates may assume positions as teachers, language education or reading specialists, instructional leaders in language education, or writers and editors of instructional materials. Language education courses focus upon the improvement of instruction through an understanding of language and literacy processes in cultural contexts, the integration of formal and informal assessment with instruction, and the application of research knowledge to practice and internship opportunities. Course work involves experiences with children, high school and college youth, and adults. Opportunities to apply current technology to teaching and learning are abundant. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours. I. Major Field (15 cr. min.) Courses in Language Education L500 Instructional Issues in Language Learning (3 cr.) (required of all students) Courses Related to Language Education English French German Spanish Speech II. Foundations (6 cr. min.) Substantive Core (3 cr.) III. Electives (12-18 cr.) Six (6) credit hours of work must be taken outside of the Department of Language Education. IV. Thesis (6 cr. required—included in major area credits) Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program Secondary Education
The master's program in secondary education is available at both Bloomington and Indianapolis. It prepares students for positions in middle schools, junior high schools, and high schools as professional classroom teachers, supervising teachers, or department chairpersons. To be prepared for any of these positions, the student must be eligible to hold an Indiana secondary school teaching license. In addition to meeting the standard School of Education admission requirements, students interested in pursuing a master's degree in secondary education must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be admitted if they show evidence of successful professional activity, such as curriculum development or scholarship, or a paper that demonstrates competence in abstract thinking in the English language. In addition to general curriculum studies of secondary education, tracks are available in mathematics education and science and environmental education. The master's degree in secondary education requires 36 credit hours. General Track GENERAL TRACK I. Major (18 cr.) II. Foundations (3 cr.) III. Thesis (X599), Practicum (J538), or other courses selected with the approval of the program advisor (6 cr.) IV. Electives (9 cr.) MATHEMATICS EDUCATION TRACK I. Major (18 cr.) II. Foundations (3 cr.) and III. Thesis/Practicum (3 cr.) requirements are the same as for the General Track, above. IV. Electives (9 cr.) SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION TRACK I. Major (18 cr.) Science Education (6 cr.) Primary Science Area Courses (6 cr.) II. Foundations (3 cr.) requirements are the same as for the general track, above. III. X599 Thesis, J538 Practicum, Q590 Research Apprenticeship, or other courses with the approval of the program advisor (6 cr.) IV. Electives in Science or the Supporting Area (9 cr.)
Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program Social Studies Education
This master's program, available only at Bloomington, provides an opportunity for specialization within the social studies education field. It prepares students for positions in schools as professional classroom teachers, supervising teachers, and department chairpersons. Students seeking these positions must also meet the licensure requirements listed in the section titled Licensure Programs. In addition to meeting the standard School of Education admission requirements, students interested in pursuing a master's degree in social studies education must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be admitted if they show evidence of successful professional activity, such as curriculum development or scholarship, or a paper that demonstrates competence with abstract thinking in the English language. In consultation with a departmental advisor, the student selects courses from the following list to meet degree requirements. The student must complete 36 credit hours. I. Major (18 cr.) II. Foundations/Educational Inquiry (3 cr.) III. X599 Thesis, J538 Practicum, or other courses selected with the approval of the program advisor (6 cr.) IV. Electives (9 cr.)
Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program Special Education
Both the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses offer, for regular and special education teachers, special education certification and master's degree programs in the areas of learning disabilities, emotional handicaps, and mild mental handicaps. Non-education majors also may earn a basic teaching license with special education certification at both campuses. For certification information, see the section titled Licensure Programs. Master's programs may be tailored to meet students' specific needs and interests. Students typically complete this degree as a sequel to earning certification in one or more areas of specialization. The master's degree program on the Bloomington campus provides teachers and other practitioners with an opportunity to develop skills in teaching students who display problems in learning and behavior. The program offers teachers course work for improving and broadening their teaching skills, and unlicensed teachers an opportunity to earn certification in exceptional needs: mild intervention for teaching students with learning disabilities. The program offers courses in curriculum and assessment, teaching methods, personnel teaming and collaboration, assistive technology, and other aspects of special education. Master's degree programs in severe disabilities and transition planning are available only at IUPUI. Since 2002, the Indiana University School of Education at IUPUI has offered a merged certification in both mild and intense intervention. Eligible candidates must be certified teachers. Admission to the master's program in special education requires, in addition to meeting School of Education standards, an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 and one year of full-time professional experience with children or adolescents (preferably in teaching or applied practice). To earn a master's degree in special education, students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours. Depending on their interests and professional goals, students may specialize in teaching persons with learning disabilities, mild mental handicaps, emotional handicaps, or severe mental handicaps, or those in early childhood. Select from the following courses to complete at least 36 credit hours: I. Special Education Core Courses (15 cr.) II. Specialization Courses (9-12 cr.) III. Electives (6-9 cr.) Return to Course Requirements for Each Master's Program
Licensure Programs that Combine with a Master's Degree Several programs for licensure may be combined with a master's degree. Please refer to the section on individual licensure programs. The student should consult with both the faculty advisor for the master's degree and the certification advisor for the licensure program. |
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Last updated: 11 December 2024 16 05 29
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