Degrees for Education

Admission Requirements for the Elementary Master of Arts in Education Program, K-6
1. A score of 399 on the Miller Analogies Test or a score of 800 on the Verbal and Quantitative portions of the Graduate
Record Exam.
2. A minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 (4.0) scale
on all undergraduate work attempted.
3. An Alabama Class B professional certificate in Elementary
Education.

ED 601 (3) Methods of Educational Research
ED 605 (3) Curriculum Development / **EDT 601
ED 655 (3) Evaluation in Modern Education/**EDT 602
EED 611 (3) Problems in Elementary Education
ECE 604 (3) Family Involvement
ECE 603 (3) Behavior of the Young Child
EED 678 (3) Practicum in Elementary Education K-6
*EEX 605 (3) Education for Exceptional Children

Twelve (12) hours from the following:

EED 608 (3) Creative Growth through Literature
EED 612 (3) Advanced Studies in Social Sciences
EED 613 (3) Advanced Studies in Language Arts
EED 615 (3) Advanced Studies in Developmental Reading
ES 615 (3) Problems in Elementary School Science

GE 601 or Physical Geography for Teachers or
GE 602 or Cultural Geography for Teachers or
GE 603 or Regional Geography for Teachers or
GE 604 Methods and Materials of Geographic Education

MA 601 (3) Fundamental Concepts in Mathematics

The Combined Master of Education Degree in Special Education and Instructional I Teacher Certification program prepares educators for Special Education Instructional I Certification as well as giving them the skills to become master-level teachers and leaders in their schools.

You may combine study for the Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Special Education with course work to meet Instructional I Certification requirements. When you complete the combined program you will have the M.Ed. in Special Education and be eligible for Instructional I Certification (pending a passing score on the PRAXIS teacher certification exam).

Admission requirements

To be admitted to the program, you must
hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
have a minimum junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0);
submit all necessary forms, documentation, and fees;
take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) as part of the application process.

You may begin in September, January, May, or June at the start of each session. During the academic year – September through April – we offer classes in a 14-week format, one evening a week or a half-day on Saturdays. Seven-week sessions are offered in the summer.

Degree requirements

You will take up to 51 credits of course work and write a master’s paper.
19 credits of core courses:
SPLED 573 (3) Introduction to Research in Special Education
SPLED 411 (3) Intervention for Students with Severe Disabilities
SPLED 412 (4) Instruction for Students with Mild Disabilities
SPLED 595B.201 (6) Field Experience in Off Campus Laboratories (contact your adviser 3-4 months before registering for this course)
SPLED 501 (3) Administration & Supervision of Educational Programs for Exceptional Children
12 credits of special education electives
(Select 12 credits from the list below but note that you only take two courses (6 credits) at the 400 level):
SPLED 404 (3) Working with Families and Professionals
SPLED 409C (3) Mathematics Instruction for Students with Special Needs
SPLED 402 (3) Human Rights: Historical and Current Issues in Special Education
EDTHP 411 (3) Ethnic Minorities in Schools in the United States
SPLED 510 (3) Problems in the Education of the Mentally Retarded
SPLED 530 (3) Problems in the Education of the Learning Disabled
SPLED 570 (3) Problems in the Education of the Emotionally Disturbed
SPLED 575 (3) Grant Proposal Development in Special Education
SPLED 597 (3) Special Topic course
SPLED 596 (1-2) Individual Studies
20 credits of deficiency courses
(Deficiency courses cannot be used as electives with the exception of SPLED 409A, 409B or 409C):
SPLED 425 (3) Orientation to Human Variation
SPLED 401 (4) Motivating Exceptional Learners
SPLED 454 (4) Assessment for Instruction
SPLED 409A (3) Fundamental Literacy Skills for Students with Special Needs
SPLED 409B (3) Writing & Content Literacy for Students with Special Needs
SPLED 495E (3) Experience with Exceptional Children (Form and clearances needed)

This program prepares you to become a master teacher and leader in your school. M.Ed. students are trained in behavior management and instructional design, implementation, and evaluation appropriate for effective work with students with special needs. The M.Ed. includes a practicum and a master’s paper.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to the program, you must
Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
Have a minimum junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0);
Submit all necessary forms, documentation, and fees;
Take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) as part of the application process.

You may begin in September, January, May, or June at the start of each session. During the academic year – September through April – we offer classes in a 14-week format, 1 evening a week or a half-day on Saturdays. Seven-week sessions are offered in the summer.

Degree requirements

You will take 31 credits of course work (18 credits must be taken at the 500 level to graduate) plus additional classes and write a master’s paper.
19 credits of core courses:
SPLED 573 (3) Introduction to Research in Special Education
SPLED 411 (3) Intervention for Students with Severe Disabilities
SPLED 412 (4) Instruction for Students with Mild Disabilities
SPLED 595A.205 (3) Practicum
SPLED 595B.205 (3) Field Experience in Off Campus Laboratories
SPLED 501 (3) Administration & Supervision of Educational Programs for Exceptional Children
12 credits of special education electives (select 12 credits from the list below but note that you may only take two 400 level courses):
SPLED 404 (3) Working with Families and Professionals
SPLED 409C (3) Mathematics Instruction for Students with Special Needs
SPLED 402 (3) Human Rights: Historical and Current Issues in Special Education
SPLED 510 (3) Problems in the Education of the Mentally Retarded
SPLED 530 (3) Problems in the Education of the Learning Disabled
SPLED 570 (3) Problems in the Education of the Emotionally Disturbed
SPLED 575 (3) Grant Proposal Development in Special Education
SPLED 597 (3) Special Topic course
SPLED 596 (1-2) Individual Studies

This program is an advanced degree with a strong research focus. This degree may be applied toward the Instructional II certification.

Many M.S. graduates continue to pursue doctoral degrees. Students without special education backgrounds can make up deficiency courses if they desire teaching certification. The M.S. includes 6 credits of thesis-related course work in lieu of the practicum required in the M.Ed. program, a written comprehensive exam, and a thesis.
Admission requirements

You may begin in September, January, May, or June at the start of each session. During the academic year – September through April – we offer classes in a 14-week format, 1 evening a week or a half-day on Saturdays. Seven-week sessions are offered in the summer.

To be admitted, you’ll need to
Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;
Have a minimum junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0);
Submit all necessary forms, documentation, and fees;
Take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) as part of the application process.
For more information on how to apply, click here.
Degree requirements

You will take 30 credits of course work (18 credits must be taken at the 500 level to graduate).
12 credits of core courses
• SPLED 573 (3) Introduction to Research in Special Education
• EDPSY 400 (3) Introduction to Statistics in Educational Research (or equivalent)
• SPLED 600 (6) Thesis Research
12 credits of special education electives (select 12 credits at the 400 or 500 level from the list below)
• SPLED 404 (3) Working with Families and Professionals
• SPLED 411 (3) Intervention for Students with Severe Disabilities
• SPLED 412 (4) Instruction for Students with Mild Disabilities
• SPLED 409A (3) Fundamental Literacy Skills for Students with Special Needs
• SPLED 409B (3) Writing and Content Literacy for Students with Special Needs
• SPLED 409C (3) Mathematics Instruction for Students with Special Needs
• SPLED 402 (3) Human Rights: Historical and Current Issues in Special Education
• SPLED 501 (3) Administration & Supervision of Education Programs for Exceptional Children
• SPLED 510 (3) Problems in the Education of the Mentally Retarded
• SPLED 530 (3) Problems in the Education of the Learning Disabled
• SPLED 570 (3) Problems in the Education of the Emotionally Disturbed
• SPLED 575 (3) Grant Proposal Development in Special Education
• SPLED 597 (3) Special Topic course
• SPLED 596 (3) Individual Studies
6 credits of diversification course work in a single discipline outside of special education

Admission Requirements
For admission to The Graduate School, a baccalaureate or higher degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency is normally required. Applicants should submit a complete application packet including official transcripts of college academic work, letters of recommendation, and official score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT). The Graduate Bulletin and Admission Application are available on-line.

In addition, the following are admission considerations for the MAT:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with an overall GPA of at least 2.5, however higher GPA’s are preferred
2. Minimum Miller Analogies test score of 385 or a minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of 800 (400 verbal and 400 quantitative), however higher scores are preferred
3. Passing scores on all three Praxis I (either the PPST or the CBT) tests unless:
a. Student’s overall undergraduate GPA is 3.00 or higher; or
b. Student’s Miller Analogies Test raw score is 392 or higher; or
c. Student’s Graduate Record Exam (GRE) verbal score is 450 or higher and quantitative score is 450 or higher
4. Acceptance by the Department of Instruction and Teacher Education (ITE) on the basis of applicant’s total academic profile including the above and:
a. Successful interview with the faculty
b. Analysis of undergraduate coursework, work experience, letters of recommendation, essay and scores
c. Prerequisite courses (if applicable) have been satisfied with a grade of C or above.
5. Demonstration of successful experiences with children
6. Essay describing background, reasons for applying, career goals and a current resume

Degree Requirements
For the MAT degree in Elementary Education, the minimum course requirements include 51 semester hours of course work and field experience. Students must carry a minimum 3.0 and no grade below B in professional education courses in order to be placed in schools for internship. Comprehensive examinations are scheduled at the conclusion of the program. Students who successfully complete the program will be recommended to the State Department of Education for Initial Teacher Certification.

Courses

Professional Education Courses (12 hours)

EDEL 709 The Theory and Use of Instructional Materials
EDPY 705 Human Growth and Development
EDTE 600 Systematic Effective Teaching
EDFN 749 The School and Modern Society

Teaching Area Courses (15 hours)

EDTE 771 Studies and Internship in Teaching Math
EDTE 733 Studies and Internship in Teaching Language Arts and Reading
EDEL 743 Studies and Internship in Teaching Social Studies
EDEL 744 Studies and Internship in Teaching Science

Courses required for Certification (15 hours)

Internship II
EDEL 790 A, B, C Directed Teaching in the Elementary School (12)
EDEL 791 Seminar in Elementary School Curriculum and Organization

Admission to the MEd Program
Those interested in the MEd program should contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 704/337-2314. To be considered for admission to the MEd program, a candidate must submit:
A completed graduate application form, including the non-refundable $40 application fee
Official transcripts from each college or university attended submitted in sealed envelopes
Two letters of recommendation, one of which must come from the principal of
the school in which you are employed
Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Exam
A copy of a valid teaching license and evidence of two years teaching experience

International students must also submit the following documents:

Test scores of 550 or higher on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) Examination if English is the second language. Information and registration forms are available from TOEFL Programs, ETS, Princeton, NJ 08540.
Certified English translation of all prior academic records for work that corresponds to the bachelor’s degree in the United States.
Bank statements stating that funds, in US currency, are available for the student’s education. Students and their families should be prepared to bear all expenses involved in obtaining an education in the United States since there are no federal or state financial aid resources for foreign students.

Program Description

The Master of Science in Special Education is designed to further professional skills in the areas of Special Education and related research. The program focus is to understand advanced concepts, critically review research, and apply these concepts and research to the professional practice through ongoing, systematic professional development.

A student may choose to study a specific area of disability in one of the licensure areas, such as Specific Learning Disabilities, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Developmental Disabilities, Physical and Health Disabilities or Early Childhood Special Education. Another option is for the student to take more generic coursework that provides for a broad background in special education.

Admission Requirements
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Minimum of one year documented, successful PreK-Grade 12 experience as a licensed teacher OR an undergraduate degree in education. Applicants with a comparable work experience and/or a related degree will be considered on an individual basis as determined by the department’s graduate faculty. Information on specific requirements for individuals with a related degree or comparable work experience is available through the Special Education Graduate Coordinator.
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall or 3.25 in the last 30 semester credits of course work.
Completed Application for Admission to Graduate Study form.
Undergraduate and other transcripts sent directly from the institution to the Graduate Studies Office.
Non-refundable $20.00 fee for first-time applicants to Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Score on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) of 380 or above or combined score of 800 or above on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Only official scores are accepted; no more than five years old.

Degree Requirements

The degree is offered with a thesis (Plan A) or project (Plan B) option. The thesis option requires the writing of a thesis and a minimum of 30 total graduate credits. The project option requires a final project and a minimum of 32 total graduate credits. Either option leads to the Master of Science in Special Education.

Additional Requirements:
3.0 grade point average required for courses submitted for the degree.
Written comprehensive examination.
Oral examination of thesis or project by committee.

Detailed information on these requirements and department policies and procedures may be obtained from the Special Education Graduate Program Coordinator. Further information on degree requirements may be found in:

General Degree Requirements

M.S. Degree in Special Education

An individualized program of study will be developed by the student and advisor. The plan should include the following coursework:
SPED 620 Perspectives and Policies in Special Education (3)
SPED 664 Theory and Process of Consultation (2)
SPED 699 Thesis (4)
OR SPED 697 Project (2)
ED 602 Statistics in Educational Research (2)
ED 603 Methods of Research (2)
OR ED 605 Single Subject and Small Group Research Design (2)
OR ED 611 Introduction to Qualitative Research (2)

At least 13 graduate credits of electives in Special Education for the thesis option and at least 17 graduate credits in Special Education for the project option.

A concentration of at least 4 graduate credits in a related area.

17 of the total credits on the program of study must be at the 600 level.

A maximum of four credits of practicum. Only 600 level practicum may apply to the MS degree.

Students who wish to transfer credits from other institutions or have taken coursework before admission to the graduate program should refer to the “Residence and Transfer of Credit” section for further information.

Specialist in Education Degree in Elementary Education for MAT Graduates

Admission Requirements

To fulfill requirements for admission to the specialist in elementary education degree program, the student must:
Hold (or qualify to hold) a master’s degree from an institution fully accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
Hold (or qualify to hold) a Class AA certificate in elementary education.
Present evidence of acceptable scholarship with an average of at least 3.25 on previous master’s degree work and have taken the Graduate Record Exam or the Miller Analogy Test.
Have completed at least two years of successful teaching experience.
Complete and file with the graduate admission’s office the proper application for admission to graduate school.

Admission Procedure and Status

It is recommended that persons make application for admission at least four (4) weeks prior to their first registration. The Monday before the general registration will be the final date for considering applications.

Students meeting all requirements for admission as previously stated are usually granted REGULAR status.

Requirements for All Candidates

The academic requirements for a specialist in education degree are the 51-hour program outlined below, successful completion of a research component and a comprehensive examination taken during the final trimester of coursework.

Professional Education Core (12 hours)
EDU 621 Theories of Learning
EDU 701 Seminar in Elementary Education
EDU 702 Advanced Elementary School Curriculum
EDU 720 Advanced Educational Research

Research Component (6 hours)

EDU 721 Field Research Project

Special Education Requirement (6 hours)

EDU 660 Organizational Procedures for Special Education
EDU 663 Learning Disabilities

The following courses are required for completion of the 51-hour Specialist in Education MAT program. This program will allow an educator to add the K-4 license to an existing 4-8 license.

Additional Requirements (27 hours)
EDU 574 Reading in the Middle/Secondary School
EDU 601 Social Studies in the Elementary School
EDU 603 Seminar in Early Childhood
EDU 607 Math in Elementary School
EDU 609 Science in the Elementary School
EDU 615 Language Arts in the Elementary School
EDU 616 Art in the Elementary School
EDU 627 Performance Assessment
EDU 637 Advanced Diagnosis of Reading and Writing Difficulties

Program
The reading concentration track of the Master of Education degree focuses on reading/literacy in the curriculum. The current mandated emphasis on reading which comes from both federal and state levels of government demands not only specialists but additional competence among all teachers to instill and promote good reading skills. This program adds a new curriculum track to the existing Master of Education program by requiring the Curriculum & Instruction course work to be in the literacy content area. This would fulfill the 3 courses (9 credits) currently required in the MEd. Program in the area of Curriculum and Instruction.

As with the standard Master of Education Program, students in the Master of Education/Reading track choose from two different degree requirement options – 30 Credits and Comprehensive Examination, 30 Credits and Master’s Thesis – which enables them to customize the program to best fit their interests and needs.

Admission
Students must apply for admission into all of the graduate education programs. The Education Department’s graduate program reviews applications throughout the year, and makes recommendations to the program director.

In order to be considered for admission, applicants must have the following:
a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
a minimum GPA of 2.5 in their last two years of undergraduate study
a passing score on either the Graduate Record Exam or the Millers Analogy Test if the applicant’s undergraduate GPA is < 2.8.
submit a paper discussing applicant’s Role of the Reading Specialist

In addition, all applicants are required to submit a complete application packet to the Graduate Education Department. This packet includes a completed application form, $30 application fee, two letters of professional recommendation, and one letter of personal recommendation. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work completed by the applicant must be sent directly from the college/university to the Graduate Education Department. Applicants may take up to, but no more than, six credits while their credentials are being processed.

Degree Requirements
Students must complete their degree within five years of their initial enrollment.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be maintained throughout the program.
Students must pass 30 credits of master-level education courses.

Degree Requirement Options

Option I: 30 Credits and Comprehensive Examination
The examination is a non-credit examination designed to assess the student’s ability to synthesize and apply his or her learning. This exam takes approximately five hours to complete.

Students should apply for the comprehensive examination after they have completed at least 24 semester hours of course work with a GPA of at least 3.0 within the Master of Education degree program.

Students must have completed all of the requirements in the areas of Educational Core and Curriculum and Instruction.

Students should register for EXAM 501 when they register for semester classes. The Master of Education comprehensive examination is given three times annually: once each during the fall and spring semesters, and once during the summer term. The comprehensive exam may be taken no more than twice.

There is a $150 fee for the comprehensive examination.

Option II: 33 Credits and a Master’s Thesis

A letter requesting approval must be sent to the education department chair. Approval must be granted and a mentor assigned for pursuing this option.

Students should apply for the Master’s Thesis after they have completed at least 24 semester hours of course work with a GPA of at least 3.0 within the Master of Education degree program.

Students must have completed all of the requirements in the areas of Educational Core and Curriculum and Instruction.

When approval is complete, students must enroll in EDUC 601: Independent Study, a three-credit course.

There is a $150 fee for the master’s thesis.

Program
A Master of Education degree makes teachers more marketable, significantly broadening their job prospects at a time when the profession is becoming increasingly competitive and more demanding. The Master of Education Program at Saint Francis University offers advanced study for elementary and secondary education teachers interested in strengthening their professional skills and deepening their knowledge base. Students divide their class time among three different concentrations of courses: Core Requirements, Curriculum and Instruction, and Professional Studies. Participants choose from two different degree requirement options – 30 Credits and Comprehensive Examination or 30 Credits and Master’s Thesis – which enables them to customize the program to best fit their interests and needs.

Admission
Students must apply for admission into all of the graduate education programs. The Education Department’s graduate program reviews applications throughout the year, and makes recommendations to the program director.

In order to be considered for admission, applicants must have the following:
a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
a minimum GPA of 2.5 in their last two years of undergraduate study
a passing score on either the Graduate Record Exam or the Millers Analogy Test if the applicant’s undergraduate GPA is < 2.8.

In addition, all applicants are required to submit a complete application packet to the Graduate Education Department. This packet includes a completed application form, $30 application fee, two letters of professional recommendation, and one letter of personal recommendation. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work completed by the applicant must be sent directly from the college/university to the Graduate Education Department. Applicants may take up to, but no more than, six credits while their credentials are being processed.

Degree Requirements
Students must complete their degree within five years of their initial enrollment.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be maintained throughout the program.
Students must pass 30 to 33 credits of master-level education courses depending on which option they choose.

Degree Requirement Options

Option I: 30 Credits and Comprehensive Examination
The examination is a non-credit examination designed to assess the student’s ability to synthesize and apply his or her learning. This exam takes approximately five hours to complete.

Students should apply for the comprehensive examination after they have completed at least 24 semester hours of course work with a GPA of at least 3.0 within the Master of Education degree program.

Students must have completed all of the requirements in the areas of Educational Core and Curriculum and Instruction.

Students should register for EXAM 501 when they register for semester classes. The Master of Education comprehensive examination is given three times annually: once each during the fall, spring and summer semesters. The comprehensive exam may be taken no more than twice.

There is a $150 fee for the comprehensive examination.

Option II: 33 Credits and a Master’s Thesis

A letter requesting approval must be sent to the education department chair. Approval must be granted and a mentor assigned for pursuing this option.

Students should apply for the Master’s Thesis after they have completed at least 24 semester hours of course work with a GPA of at least 3.0 within the Master of Education degree program.

Students must have completed all of the requirements in the areas of Educational Core and Curriculum and Instruction.

When approval is complete, students must enroll in EDUC 601: Independent Study, a three-credit course.

There is a $150 fee for the master’s thesis.