Master of Science in Education for Licensed Teachers

Elementary/Middle School - General

The following program is for licensed teachers who wish to enter a degree program leading to the Master of Science in Education degree. Nondegree students intending to enter this graduate program must meet with the elementary/middle school graduate program director upon completion of no more than six graduate credits.

The graduate program associated with this major is intended to meet the needs of the individual student. Program options are designed to accomplish three primary goals: (1) to enhance classroom instruction by enriching the knowledge and skills of practicing teachers; (2) to train and encourage classroom teachers to conduct in-school research so that significant findings in the learning-teaching process can be applied to the classroom situation; and (3) to permit teachers to upgrade their teaching credentials to the Postgraduate Professional License level.

Curricula for the program includes specific courses in teaching in most of the major content areas: mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts. Each individualized program has three component areas: (1) core, (2) support; and (3) research. The research component may have up to three options (thesis, problem paper, or seminar) as indicated.

Admission

Students must (1) hold a bachelor's degree; (2) hold at least the Virginia Collegiate Professional License or an equivalent license from another state for elementary or middle school education; (3) have a general undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.80; (4) take and receive satisfactory scores on either the Graduate Record Examination (score of 900 combined on verbal and quantitative with a minimum of 400 verbal for regular admission) or Miller Analogies Test (minimum score of 45 or 399 for regular admission); (5) have an interview with the graduate program director; and (6) apply for admission to graduate school. Performance in classes taken as a non-degree student will not be taken into consideration in the admission process. Under certain circumstances, applicants who do not fully meet the requirements for regular admission to the program may be admitted on a provisional basis subject to conditions specified by the graduate program director for elementary/middle education.

Continuance

Students must (1) maintain a grade point average of 3.00 and (2) maintain a grade point average of 3.00 in the major.

Exit

Students must (1) have a 3.00 grade point average; (2) have a 3.00 grade point average in the major; (3) pass a written comprehensive examination; (4) have an exit interview; (5) have completed all course requirements; and (6) submit an application for graduation.

Program Requirements

Since students are expected to be dedicated to the goal of becoming master teachers, evidence that a student has reached this goal must be presented before graduation is certified. A minimum of 31 semester credits of course work is required for programs in elementary/middle school education.

After admission to provisional or regular degree status, or before the completion of six credits as a nondegree student, the student must meet with the graduate program director who will assign a permanent advisor from the graduate faculty of the Darden College of Education. It is the responsibility of the student to confer with the assigned advisor for the purpose of developing a program of study. Each program has a core, support and research area that may, in some instances, be tailored to fit individual needs. Listed below is a possible programs of study.

Master of Science in Education for Licensed Teachers

Elementary/Middle School - Science

The following program is for licensed teachers who wish to enter a degree program leading to the Master of Science in Education degree and to specialize in science education. Nondegree students intending to enter this graduate program must meet with the elementary/middle school graduate program director upon completion of no more than six graduate credits.

Admission, continuance and exit requirements are the same as the general elementary/middle school program for licensed teachers that is listed directly above this section. This emphasis is for licensed teachers who wish to expand their education in science. Thirty-one credits are required for graduation.

For further information contact the Graduate Program Director:
Dr. Gail Taylor
Education room 165-6
Phone 757-683-4180