Graduate Programs

Programs of Study

Handbooks  & Forms

Student Resources

Faculty & Staff

Educational Leadership

Master of Arts in Education Degree

Educational Leadership (Development) 

The graduate program in Teacher Leadership (Development) is designed for teachers who want to continue developing their professional commitment and competence. Graduate students in the program examine current educational theory and practice and explore a variety of viewpoints to reflectively develop their professional competence and teaching style. They explore social issues affecting students and expand their awareness of and respect for the unique development of each student. During their course work, they consider effective collaboration with and accountability to students, parents, colleagues, and the community. Reexamining the development of values and professional ethics, students gain greater intellectual and ethical insight.

The Teacher Leadership (Development) program consists of 32-33 hours of course work. The program can be completed in five semesters (which includes summers). Students may choose to proceed at a slower pace. Additional curriculum information can be found in the graduate catalog. 
 
For more information contact: Dr. Jim Rosborg, Director of Graduate Education at (618)537-6464or by email at
jtrosborg@mckendree.edu.

Program Features

·     Experience instruction that builds on sound theory, practical application, and a strong philosophy about the importance of teaching, learning, and school improvement.

·     Work with an outstanding university faculty and exemplary leaders in the field.

·     Earn the reputation of being one of the highly respected and best educators in the region.

·     Earn your degree from a nationally accredited School of Education.

·     Enjoy small classes, collegial relationships, and a caring and committed faculty.

·     A campus and cohort designed to build networking capabilities for the future.

·     Dynamic campus and cohort designed to provide continuity and colleague support.

Proposed Course of Study – Educational Leadership  

     

Course Number

Course Title

Credits

EDU 600

Professional Educator Seminar   

0

EDU 602

Multicultural Education   

3

EDU 610

History and Philosophy of Education

3

EDU 611

Curriculum Theory and Design    

3

EDU 612

Instructional and Curriculum Design and Evaluation                                                       

3

EDU 621

Character Development in Education

3

EDL 620

School Law

3

EDU 641

Educational Research & Statistics   

3

EDU 645

Action Research Planning   

2

EDU 650

Advanced Educational Psychology

3

EDU 694 

Practicum in Teacher Development

3

EDU 697   

and 

EDU 698 

Action Research Project        

Portfolio Review  

2

1

 

OR

 

EDU 699

Action Research Thesis Portfolio Assessment  

4

 

Total credits

32-33


Educational Administration & Leadership

Master of Arts in Education Degree

Educational Administration & Leadership

(Principal) Emphasis 

The graduate program in Educational Administration & Leadership is designed for educators who want to continue developing their professional commitment and competence while seeking an Illinois Type 75 General Administrative Certificate with a Principal endorsement. Graduate students in the program examine current educational theory and practice and explore a variety of viewpoints to reflectively develop their professional competence and leadership style. They explore social issues affecting teachers and students, and expand their awareness of and respect for the unique development of schools, teachers and students. During their course work, they consider effective collaboration with and accountability to students, parents, colleagues, and the community. Reexamining the development of values and professional ethics, candidates in this program gain greater intellectual and ethical insight.  

The Educational Administration & Leadership program develops advanced proficiency in the Illinois School Leader and the Illinois Principal standards. Participants develop proficiency on the standards in three phases: first, an orientation to and self-assessment of the standards; second, development of the knowledge and predispositions required by the standards; and, third, demonstration of performances implementing the standards. Progress on the standards is evaluated throughout the program though a Capstone experience (Portfolio – EDL 699) aligned with the standards.

A field-based internship (240 hours) is required by the School of Education.  Students typically complete the program in seven semesters. Passing a national licensure exam is necessary for certification and graduation. 
 
For more information contact: Dr. Jim Rosborg, Director of Graduate Education at (618)537-6464or by email at
jtrosborg@mckendree.edu.

Program Features

·     Experience instruction that builds on sound theory, practical application, and a strong philosophy about the importance of teaching, learning, and school improvement.

·     Work with an outstanding university faculty and exemplary leaders in the field.

·     Earn the reputation of being one of the highly respected and best educators in the region.

·     Earn your degree and certificates from a nationally accredited School of Education.

·     Enjoy small classes, collegial relationships, and a caring and committed faculty.

·     A campus and cohort designed to build networking capabilities for the future.

·     Dynamic campus and cohort designed to provide continuity and colleague support.

·     Earn additional certification and licensure, Type 75 certificate, CPDU’s, and Initial to Standard Certificate.

Proposed Course of Study – Educational Administration & Leadership (Principalship) 

   

Course Number

Course Title

Credits

EDU 600

Professional Educator Seminar  

0

EDL 601

Technology Applications for School Administrators  

2

EDU 615  

Contemporary Issues in Education 

3

EDU 611

Curriculum Theory and Design

3

EDU 612

Instructional and Curriculum Design  
and Evaluation       

3

EDL 610   

Supervision of Instruction

3

EDL 620

School Law for Administrators  

3

EDL 625  

Finance and Facilities for Principals  

3

EDL 630 

Leadership Theory  

3

EDL 640 

School and Community Relations

3

EDL 650   

Principalship  

3

EDU 641  

Educational Research & Statistics

3

EDU 645

Action Research Planning

2

EDL 697 

Internship - Principal 

4

EDL 699

Portfolio Assessment - Principal

1

 

Total credits

39

Certificate Program in Educational Administration & Leadership (Type 75)

This certification option is available only to those candidates who have completed the McKendree – MAED Teacher Development/Teacher Leadership program, and the McKendree- MAED Teacher Certification program.

ü     Apply for admission into the Educational Administration & Leadership program

ü     22 hours of required coursework

ü     3.00 cumulative GPA

ü     Illinois General Administrative (Principal) Test

ü     Illinois Test of Basic Skills (If not taken for initial teaching certification)

 

Course Number

Course Title

Credits

EDL 601

Technology Applications for School Administrators  

2

EDL 610   

Supervision of Instruction

3

EDL 625  

Finance and Facilities for Principals  

3

EDL 630 

Leadership Theory  

3

EDL 640 

School and Community Relations

3

EDL 650   

Principalship  

3

EDL 697 

Internship - Principal 

4

EDL 699

Portfolio Assessment - Principal

1

 

Total credits

22


Educational Studies – Emphasis in Reading

Master of Arts in Education Degree

Educational Studies – Emphasis in Reading 

The Emphasis in Reading Educational Studies program is designed for those certified teachers working toward an added endorsement in reading and seeking the Master of Arts in Education degree. This program does not lead to initial certification as a reading teacher. Additional coursework may be required to seek the reading teacher added endorsement. Candidates who complete all requirements for the reading teacher endorsement must submit an application to the Illinois State Board of Education for the endorsement to be added to a certificate.

The Educational Studies Emphasis in Reading degree consists of 33 hours of course work. Additional curriculum information can be found in the graduate catalog. 
 
For more information contact: Dr. Jim Rosborg, Director of Graduate Education at (618)537-6464or by email at
jtrosborg@mckendree.edu.

Program Features

·     Experience instruction that builds on sound theory, practical application, and a strong philosophy about the importance of teaching, learning, and school improvement.

·     Work with an outstanding university faculty and exemplary leaders in the field.

·     Earn the reputation of being one of the highly respected and best educators in the region.

·     Earn your degree from a nationally accredited School of Education.

·     Enjoy small classes, collegial relationships, and a caring and committed faculty.

·     A campus and cohort designed to build networking capabilities for the future.

·     Dynamic campus and cohort designed to provide continuity and colleague support.

Proposed Course of Study – Educational Studies – Emphasis in Reading 

Course Number

Course Title

Credits

EDU 600

Professional Educator Seminar       

0

EDU 610 or EDU 615

History and Philosophy of Education or Contemporary Issues in Education  

3

EDU 611

Curriculum Theory and Design

3

EDU 612

Instructional and Curriculum Design and Evaluation

3

EDL 620  

School Law

3

EDU 641

Educational Research & Statistics                     

3

EDU 645   

Action Research Planning

2

EDU 698

Portfolio Assessment  

1

EDR 601 or

EDR 635

Emergent Literacy or

Survey of Reading Methods and Materials K-12

3

EDR 610

Adolescent Literature

3

EDR 621

Classroom Diagnostic Techniques and Testing Procedures for the Teaching of Reading

3

EDR 622

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques and Testing Procedures for the Teaching of Reading

3

EDR 697

Practicum in Reading

3

                                                 Total credits                                   33

*Please Note: More courses are needed to be certified in the State of Illinois.


Music Education

Master of Arts in Education Degree

Music Education, Degree/Certification 

The graduate program in Music Education is designed for teachers who want to continue developing their professional commitment and competence. Graduate students in the program examine current educational theory and practice and explore a variety of viewpoints to reflectively develop their professional competence and teaching style. They explore social issues affecting students and expand their awareness of and respect for the unique development of each student. During their course work, they consider effective collaboration with and accountability to students, parents, colleagues, and the community. Reexamining the development of values and professional ethics, students gain greater intellectual and ethical insight. The Music Education Program develops advanced proficiency in the Illinois Teacher Standards.

The Music Education program consists of 34 hours of course work. Additional curriculum information can be found in the graduate catalog.

For more information contact: Dr. Phil Wilhelm, Coordinator for Music Education at (618)537-6428 or by email at pewilhelm@mckendree.edu.

Program Features

·     Experience instruction that builds on sound theory, practical application, and a strong philosophy about the importance of teaching, learning, and school improvement.

·     Work with an outstanding university faculty and exemplary leaders in the field.

·     Earn the reputation of being one of the highly respected and best educators in the region.

·     Earn your degree from a nationally accredited School of Education.

·     Enjoy small classes, collegial relationships, and a caring and committed faculty.

·     A campus and cohort designed to build networking capabilities for the future.

·     Dynamic campus and cohort designed to provide continuity and colleague support.

Proposed Course of Study – Music Education
             

Course Number

Course Title

Credits

 

Required Courses in Education

 

EDU 600

Professional Educator Seminar  

0

EDL 620

School Law

3

EDU 641  

Educational Research & Statistics

3

EDU 645

Action Research Planning

2

EDU 694

Practicum in Teacher Development

3

EDU 698

Portfolio Assessment

1

 

Required Courses in Music Education

 

MUS 502

Advanced Music Technology

3

MUED 611

Introduction to Graduate Study in Music Education

3

MUED 620

Music Education: Curriculum, Theory & Instruction

3

MUED 640

Survey of Research in Music Education

3

MUED 650

Organization and Administration of the Music Program

3

MUED 699

Thesis

4

 

Elective in Music or Education

3

 

Total credits

34



Special Education

Master of Arts in Education Degree

Special Education, Degree/Certification 

The graduate program in Special Education (LBS 1) Studies is designed for individuals seeking certification and a career teaching Special Education in elementary or secondary schools. The program is designed to serve individuals seeking their initial teaching certification or those practicing teachers seeking to expand their certification to include the LBS 1 endorsement.

 
Students in the program examine current educational theory and practice while exploring a variety of viewpoints to reflectively develop their professional competence. They learn and practice teaching methods through field experience integrated within the coursework and program, and expand their awareness of the respect for the unique issues facing special needs students from age 3 to 21.  
 
A capstone semester long student teaching or practicum experience is completed in a Special Education classroom under the joint supervision of a highly qualified cooperating teacher and the University. Upon completion of the capstone experience, candidates in the program are eligible to be recommended for an Illinois Type 10 certificate with a Special Education (LBS I) endorsement.

The Special Education program for a student seeking initial certification consists of 45 hours of course work. The program can be completed in six semesters (which includes summers). Students may choose to proceed  at a slower pace if they wish. The student who already has an elementary education certificate will take 36 hours and can be completed in five semesters. The student that has a secondary/special area K-12 certificate will need 42 hours and six semesters to complete the degree.

For more information contact: Barbara Thomas at (618) 537-6552 or bjthomas@mckendree.edu

Program Features

·     Experience instruction that builds on sound theory, practical application, and a strong philosophy about the importance of teaching, learning, and school improvement.

·     Work with an outstanding university faculty and exemplary leaders in the field.

·     Earn the reputation of being one of the highly respected and best educators in the region.

·     Earn your degree from a nationally accredited School of Education.

·     Enjoy small classes, collegial relationships, and a caring and committed faculty.

·     A campus and cohort designed to build networking capabilities for the future.

·     Dynamic campus and cohort designed to provide continuity and colleague support.

Proposed Course of Study – Special Education

MAED – Special Education

(Undergraduate degree without teaching certificate)

   

Course Number

Course Title

Credits

EDU 541 

Methods of Teaching Math (ELEM) 

3

EDU 530 

Methods of Teaching Reading (ELEM)    

3

EDU 641 

Educational Research and Statistics

3

EDU 650 

Advanced Educational Psychology    

3

SPE 689

Foundations of Special Education

3

SPE 690

Characteristics of Students with Disabilities

3

SPE 691  

Adaptations and Accommodations for Students with Disabilities 

3

SPE 692

Diagnostic Assessment for Educational Decision-Making

3

SPE 693

Language Disorders and Instruction in Diverse Classrooms

3

SPE 694

Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities

6

SPE 697

Student Teaching: Students with Disabilities

6

 

Electives                                                          

6

 

Total Credits  

45

 

MAED – Special Education

(Holds an Elementary certification)

      

Course Number

Course Title

Credits

EDU 641

Educational Research and Statistics

3

SPE 689

Foundations of Special Education

3

SPE 690

Characteristics of Students with Disabilities

3

SPE 691

Adaptations and Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

3

SPE 692

Diagnostic Assessment for Educational Decision-Making

3

SPE 693  

Language Disorders and Instruction in Diverse Classrooms   

3

SPE 694

Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities  

6

SPE 695

Practicum: Students with Disabilities                  

6

 

Electives    

6

 

Total Credits 

36

 

MAED – Special Education

(holds a Secondary/Spec K-12 certificate) 

   

Course Number

Course Title

Credits

EDU 541

Methods of Teaching Math (ELEM) 

3

EDU 530

Methods of Teaching Reading (ELEM)   

3

EDU 641

Educational Research and Statistics    

3

SPE 689

Foundations of Special Education

3

SPE 690

Characteristics of Students with Disabilities

3

SPE 691

Adaptations and Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

3

SPE 692

Diagnostic Assessment for Educational Decision-Making

3

SPE 693

Language Disorders and Instruction in Diverse Classrooms

3

SPE 694

Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities    

6

SPE 695

Practicum: Students with Disabilities                  

6

 

Electives  

6

 

Total Credits  

42


Secondary Education, Certification

Master of Arts in Education Degree

Secondary Education, Certification 

The graduate program in Teaching Certification is designed for individuals wishing to seek initial teaching certification through a graduate studies program in elementary education or secondary education. Graduate students in the program examine current educational theory and practice and explore a variety of viewpoints to reflectively develop their professional competence and teaching style. They explore social issues affecting students and expand their awareness of and respect for the unique development of each student. During their course work, they consider effective collaboration with and accountability to students, parents, colleagues, and the community. Reexamining the development of values and professional ethics, students gain greater intellectual and ethical insight.

McKendree teacher education students who complete an approved teacher education program and meet all of the requirements established by the State Board of Education may qualify for an Initial Certificate in the areas of Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special K-12 (Art, Music and Physical Education).

Teacher education students completing an approved Illinois teacher education qualify for an Initial Certificate by passing the Illinois Test of Basic Skills, the Illinois Assessment of Professional Teaching and the appropriate test(s) of subject matter knowledge. Initial Certificates shall be endorsed according to the approved program completed, the coursework presented, and/or the applicable examination(s) passed.  

All Initial (Elementary, Secondary and Special K-12) Certificates shall be valid for four (4) years of teaching and are nonrenewable. Upon completion of four (4) years of teaching within eight (8) years after the issue date of that certificate, individuals may qualify for a comparable Standard (Elementary, Secondary, and Special K-12) Certificate valid for five (5) years and renewable with proof of continuing education or professional development. These individuals may qualify for a comparable Standard Certificate by successfully passing the required Standard Certificate requirements and completing other requirements established by the Illinois State Board of Education. (NOTE: “Four (4) years of teaching experience means the equivalent of four (4) years of full-time employment.”)

Students who qualify for the Initial Elementary and Secondary Certificates and who wish to teach in departmentalized grade five (5) through grade eight (8) may obtain a Middle School Endorsement by completing the required coursework as specified in the section titled Middle School Endorsement.

Students may wish to elect a minor in coaching which is available to individuals seeking any of the Initial Teaching Certificates offered through the teacher education program. Refer to the section on the coaching minor listed under Physical Education in the Courses of Study section of the undergraduate catalog. Additional curriculum information can be found in the graduate catalog.

For more information contact: Dr. Janet Wicker, Director of the Undergraduate Program in Teacher Education at (618)537-6880 or by email at jlwicker@mckendree.edu.

Program Features

·     Experience instruction that builds on sound theory, practical application, and a strong philosophy about the importance of teaching, learning, and school improvement.

·     Work with an outstanding university faculty and exemplary leaders in the field.

·     Earn the reputation of being one of the highly respected and best educators in the region.

·     Earn your degree from a nationally accredited School of Education.

·     Enjoy small classes, collegial relationships, and a caring and committed faculty.

·     A campus and cohort designed to build networking capabilities for the future.

·     Dynamic campus and cohort designed to provide continuity and colleague support.

Proposed Course of Study – Secondary Education, Certification
       

Course Number

Course Title

Credits

EDU 5xx  

Methods of Teaching in Content Area 

3

EDU 506

Psychology of the Exceptional Child  

4

EDU 512

Methods of Teaching Reading in the  
Content Area 

3

EDU 600

Professional Educator Seminar  

0

EDU 609

Field Practicum I    

1

EDU 610  

History and Philosophy of Education

3

EDU 611

Curriculum Theory and Design

3

EDU 612  

Instructional and Curriculum Design  
and Evaluation  

3

EDU 613

Field Practicum II

1

EDU 614

Field Practicum III 

1

EDL 620

School Law  

3

EDU 641

Educational Research & Statistics

3

EDU 645

Action Research Planning

2

EDU 650

Advanced Educational Psychology

3

EDU 695  

Advanced Student Teaching

6

EDU 697 

and 

EDU 698

Action Research Project

and

Portfolio Review  

2

1

 

OR

 

EDU 699

Action Research Thesis  

4

 

Portfolio Assessment

0

 

Total credits

42-43



Elementary Education, Certification

Master of Arts in Education Degree

Elementary Education, Certification 

The graduate program in Teaching Certification is designed for individuals wishing to seek initial teaching certification through a graduate studies program in elementary education or secondary education. Graduate students in the program examine current educational theory and practice and explore a variety of viewpoints to reflectively develop their professional competence and teaching style. They explore social issues affecting students and expand their awareness of and respect for the unique development of each student. During their course work, they consider effective collaboration with and accountability to students, parents, colleagues, and the community. Reexamining the development of values and professional ethics, students gain greater intellectual and ethical insight.

McKendree teacher education students who complete an approved teacher education program and meet all of the requirements established by the State Board of Education may qualify for an Initial Certificate in the areas of Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special K-12 (Art, Music and Physical Education).

Teacher education students completing an approved Illinois teacher education qualify for an Initial Certificate by passing the Illinois Test of Basic Skills, the Illinois Assessment of Professional Teaching and the appropriate test(s) of subject matter knowledge. Initial Certificates shall be endorsed according to the approved program completed, the coursework presented, and/or the applicable examination(s) passed.  

All Initial (Elementary, Secondary and Special K-12) Certificates shall be valid for four (4) years of teaching and are nonrenewable. Upon completion of four (4) years of teaching within eight (8) years after the issue date of that certificate, individuals may qualify for a comparable Standard (Elementary, Secondary, and Special K-12) Certificate valid for five (5) years and renewable with proof of continuing education or professional development. These individuals may qualify for a comparable Standard Certificate by successfully passing the required Standard Certificate requirements and completing other requirements established by the Illinois State Board of Education. (NOTE: “Four (4) years of teaching experience means the equivalent of four (4) years of full-time employment.”)

Students who qualify for the Initial Elementary and Secondary Certificates and who wish to teach in departmentalized grade five (5) through grade eight (8) may obtain a Middle School Endorsement by completing the required coursework as specified in the section titled Middle School Endorsement.

Students may wish to elect a minor in coaching which is available to individuals seeking any of the Initial Teaching Certificates offered through the teacher education program. Refer to the section on the coaching minor listed under Physical Education in the Courses of Study section of the undergraduate catalog. Additional curriculum information can be found in the graduate catalog.

For more information contact: Dr. Janet Wicker, Director of the Undergraduate Program in Teacher Education at (618)537-6880 or by email at jlwicker@mckendree.edu.

Program Features

·     Experience instruction that builds on sound theory, practical application, and a strong philosophy about the importance of teaching, learning, and school improvement.

·     Work with an outstanding university faculty and exemplary leaders in the field.

·     Earn the reputation of being one of the highly respected and best educators in the region.

·     Earn your degree from a nationally accredited School of Education.

·     Enjoy small classes, collegial relationships, and a caring and committed faculty.

·     A campus and cohort designed to build networking capabilities for the future.

·     Dynamic campus and cohort designed to provide continuity and colleague support.

Proposed Course of Study – Elementary Education, Certification
       

Course Number

Course Title

Credits

EDU 501

Methods of Teaching Fine Arts (ELEM)   

3

EDU 510

Foundations of American Education

3

EDU 530  

Methods of Teaching Mathematics (ELEM)

3

EDU 541  

Methods of Teaching Mathematics (ELEM)

3

EDU 542

Methods of Teaching Science (ELEM)

3

EDU 545

Methods of Teaching Language Arts (ELEM)

3

EDU 546

Methods of Teaching Social Science (ELEM)

3

EDU 506

Psychology of the Exceptional Child 

4

EDU 600

Professional Educator Seminar 

0

EDU 610

History and Philosophy of Education

3

EDU 611

Curriculum Theory and Design

3

EDU 612   

Instructional and Curriculum Design and Evaluation    

3

EDL 620

School Law

3

EDU 641

Educational Research & Statistics

3

EDU 645

Action Research Planning

2

EDU 650

Advanced Educational Psychology

3

EDU 695

Advanced Student Teaching 

6

EDU 697 

and

EDU 698

Action Research Project

and

Portfolio Review  

2

1

 

OR

 

EDU 699

Action Research Thesis

4

 

Portfolio Assessment

0

 

Total credits

50-54