M.A. in Education

Educational Leadership and Foundations

The Master of Arts degree in Education is a college-wide degree designed for students specializing in education who wish to pursue research and to continue studies beyond the master's degree. The department offers a M.A. in Education with focus on educational administration and leadership in higher education.

Focus on Educational Administration and Higher Education Leadership

The M.A. in Education with focus on educational administration and leadership in higher education requires the following courses which are taken in the same order as in the MEd with focus on leadership in higher education.

Admission Requirements for the MEd and M.A. in Education Degrees

Students seeking admission to the MEd and the M.A. in Education must complete the following prior to the semester in which they first plan to enroll. Application deadlines for the department can differ from those of the Graduate School.

• Unconditional admission into the MEd and M.A. in Education degree programs requires the following:
  • Application for admission to the Graduate School;
  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university;
  • Attainment of an undergraduate cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.00; or
  • Attainment of an undergraduate GPA of no less than 3.00 in all upper division undergraduate coursework;
  • Evidence of successful completion of at least 12 semester hours of coursework in upper-division undergraduate coursework in professional education;
  • A written statement by the applicant describing personal and professional goals as related to the focus of the MEd and M.A. programs in Educational Administration.
• Conditional admission can be granted to applicants who have been denied unconditional admission to the program. The Admissions Review Committee of each program will consider and make recommendations to admit applicants conditionally. Terms of any conditional admittance will be determined on an individual basis, and will be specified in writing to the Graduate School and to the applicant.

Educational Psychology and Special Services

The Master of Arts degree is designed for students who wish to pursue research and to continue studies beyond the master's degree level. Students can work with the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Services, specifically in the areas of Educational Diagnostician, Guidance and Counseling, and Special Education, to develop a plan of study. This 30-semester-hour thesis program is described above under the College of Education introductory section.

Teacher Education

The Master of Arts in Education is a college-wide degree. It is designed to prepare students to pursue research and to continue studies beyond the master's degree. Students in the Master of Arts in Education program submit a thesis and do not take a comprehensive exam. The Master of Arts involves:

• A plan of study with 24 semester hours of coursework
• Thesis proposal describing research and approved by the committee
• Thesis research for six (6) semester hours
• Successful defense of the thesis to faculty committee

Students work with their Graduate Advisor to develop the plan of study. They select a committee of at least three professors (one of whom is outside the department) to guide the thesis study. The 30 semester hours of coursework and thesis described above must be completed within six (6) years.