Educational Studies

The graduate track in Educational Studies is designed for individuals who want to continue developing their professional commitment and competence in a non-school related setting where a Masters degree may be desirable or required. 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 teaching, and expand their awareness of and respect for the unique development of education for adults and other learners. During their course work, they consider effective collaboration with and accountability to students, colleagues, and the community. Reexamining the development of values and professional ethics, candidates in this program gain greater intellectual and ethical insight.

Educational Studies Educator Model – Assessments

The McKendreeTeacher Education Unit created a standards-based curriculum and assessment system for all programs. The programs incorporate standards that reflect the integration of content, pedagogy and professional studies. The unit’s Conceptual Framework links course work and the assessment system. A portfolio evaluation system was created as a systematic way of monitoring a candidate’s progression through the programs. A screening step takes place as candidates apply to the program. Candidates are required to meet screening criteria successfully and subsequently pass through program assessment points that define their progression through the program. Performance indicators are outlined for each gate. In order to complete the requirements for each gate, the candidate works with a faculty advisor while completing course work or field experiences. The candidate is then required to complete a final assessment based on program standards created by the unit. An interview, review or evaluation by the candidate serves to inform the faculty and validate the candidate’s progress in the program. The purpose of the McKendree assessment system is to ensure the preparation of candidates who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for their work in non-school settings.

All students in the Educational Studies program are required to complete EDU 600 Professional Educator Seminar (No credit, no fee, meets for 1 ½ hour) during the first semester of their program and to complete a portfolio at the end of their program to demonstrate their proficiency on the standards that reflect the McKendree Framework for Teacher Education Model.

Each Educational Studies candidate is required to successfully pass through all three consecutive assessments that reflect a developmental progression through the program. All assessment expectations and criteria are outlined and presented to all students in a program orientation. In order to complete the requirements for the program, each student is assigned an approved graduate studies advisor who serves as the portfolio advisor and reviewer. At the completion of all coursework and the action research component, the student completes the portfolio requirements. Students assess their own proficiency on the program standards and then submit the final portfolio for faculty review.

Gate 1: Admission to the Program (during first 8 credits)

The student formally applies to the Educational Studies program prior to enrolling in the Professional Educator Seminar. The Graduate Admissions Committee and the Chair of the Educational, Health and Human Performance Division will review the applicant’s qualifications to confirm his/her eligibility. Students must register for the course EDU 600 Professional Educator Seminar (No credit, no fee, meets for 1 ½ hour) during the first semester of enrollment. This seminar is provided each semester in various locations and is given by a graduate faculty member. This gate provides an orientation to the graduate program, program standards, policies and portfolio guidelines. It also provides a check on the match of individual professional goals with the program values and standards, a preliminary assessment of readiness on standards. The student also will complete a technology competency assessment administered by the college during the first semester of enrollment. If the results of the technology assessment identify a deficiency in the use of technology the student will be required to successfully complete an undergraduate prerequisite course on technology in education.

The following documentation is required for admission to the Educational Studies program and completion of the first Assessment:

1.   A completed graduate admission application. Apply online (no fee);

2.   Official transcripts from each college or university attended. Official transcripts are those that are mailed from institution to institution;

3.   A current vita or resume;

4.   A minimum 3.0 GPA on a four-point scale in undergraduate studies. Applicants with a GPA below this may be conditionally admitted;

5.   Applicants may be required to participate in a personal interview to assess readiness for graduate studies;

6.   Completion of CAT1 technology assessment to ensure a minimum level of technology competency.

Gate 2: Prior to Internship

Students continue to gather evidences from course work and their professional practice at this assessment point. Faculty members assess portfolio evidences within the context of their respective class. Students will continue to have their GPA progress monitored by their advisor and the graduate office. Students need to successfully complete EDU 641 Educational Research & Statistics and EDU 645 Action Research Planning in order to complete the Action Research component of the degree program. Completion of Assessment 2 includes:

1.   A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4 point scale in all coursework.

2.   GPA of 3.0 in EDU 641 Educational Research & Statistics and EDU 645 Action Research Planning.

3.   Portfolio assessment by Faculty Adviser.

Gate 3: Internship Completion

The 200 hour internship is completed in an appropriate setting under the joint supervision of an appropriate supervisor and the College. This course is designed to provide students with practical experience related to the chosen field of study. Portfolio artifacts will be developed to show performance activities that meet all standards. Internship hours can be completed before, during and after the work day across a broad array of activities and responsibilities that reflect all aspects of the individual’s role and required standards.

The final gate provides the summative evaluation of student performance on the program standards. The student, college supervisor and the faculty advisor review the portfolio. Candidates submit the portfolio to the graduate office for review by their faculty advisors. An interview may be required if the faculty member needs further clarification about the portfolio. Completion of Assessment 3 includes:

1.   A minimum GPA of 3.0 in all coursework.

2.   Completion of all coursework and requirements.

3.   Self-assessment of portfolio.

4.   Faculty assessment of portfolio.

5.   An interview by unit faculty if needed.

MAED in Educational Studies

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
EDU 631 or EDL 620	School Law for Teachers or School Law for Administrators	3
EDU 616	Instructional Methods in Educational Studies	3
EDL 640	School and Community Relations	3
EDU 641	Educational Research & Statistics	3
EDU 645	Action Research Planning	2
EDU 691	Internship in Educational Studies	4
EDU 698	Portfolio Assessment	1
	Electives (see below)	6
	Total credits	34

Suggested Elective Courses

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
EDL 630	Leadership Theory	3
EDU 506	Psychology of the Exceptional Child	3
EDU 602	Multicultural Education	3
EDU 650	Advanced Educational Psychology	3
EDU 680	EDU 680	1-3
PSY 600	Counseling Theory	3
PSY 602	Professional and Ethical Issues	3
PSY 606	Human development and Learning	3
PSY 610	Group Counseling	3
PSY 616	Consultation	3
PSY 617	Counseling & Management	3
MBA 651	Global Organization & Management	3
MBA 653	Stakeholder Management and Ethics	3

 

Transfer Credit Restriction

No more than 8 semester credits will be accepted in transfer. Transfer credit must be submitted for approval during the first semester of enrollment. Transfer coursework cannot be more than eight (8) years old at program completion.

Master of Arts in Education Graduation Requirements 

1.   Satisfactorily complete the appropriate degree and program requirements with a minimum cumulative grade- point average (GPA) of 3.00.

2.   Meet all requirements and performance standards for the degree program as contained in the catalog effective at time of matriculation. (Program requirements are presented in the Courses of Study section of this catalog under the appropriate discipline. Individual program requirements may exceed general requirements.)

3.   Complete all degree requirements within seven (7) years of matriculation.

4.   Declare their intent to graduate by completing a Degree Application (available in the Office of Academic Records) the semester prior to the anticipated graduation term.