Master of Education at Washington State University Vancouver
PROGRAM GOALS
To encourage the development of leadership in professional educators
To help practitioners understand and act upon an integration of theory and practice
To deepen and enhance professional capacity through research, repertoire, and reflection
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of the EdM program is grounded in pedagogical approaches that are grounded in “constructivism” (the belief that individuals construct meaning for themselves based on their experiences and formal and informal educational opportunities). Children are understood to be active learners whose cognitive growth is nurtured by sensitive facilitation in a supportive socio-educational community emphasizing individualization, student inquiry based on personal interests, respect for diversity, and cooperation and collaboration.
The EdM program is dedicated to enhancing full democratic participation by life within the context of historical, socio-political, philosophical, and theoretical foundations. It emphasizes assisting school personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to forge learning communities that will facilitate the success of all students in K-12 classrooms. The program follows the guidelines of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). It also attempts to address the needs and priorities of Southwest Washington communities.
The WSU Vancouver approach to teacher preparation places great importance on the existence of systematic field experiences and the incorporation of partner relationships with K-12 schools as essential foundations to the existence and maintenance of quality preparation programs for educators.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to the Master of Education program requires:
An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the most recent 60 semester credit hours of graded coursework as calculated by the Graduate School
Verification of prior certification as a teacher
ADMISSION PROCEDURES
Required application materials include all of the following:
Graduate School application (available online at http://www.gradsch.wsu.edu/howtoapply.htm) and $50.00 application fee
Program application (available from Academic Coordinator Jill Homme 360/546-9075 or jhomme22@vancouver.wsu.edu)
Three letters of recommendation that evaluate the applicant’s capacity for graduate work and/or the teaching profession
Professional statement outlining the applicant’s professional goals and aspirations (no more than two pages)
Statement of educational philosophy (no more than five pages)
Official transcripts from all colleges attended
A three-person selection committee (formed on an annual basis to serve one full-year term) reviews application materials. Individuals may be invited to an interview with the committee and/or asked to complete a timed writing assignment as part of the application process.
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Fall admission: January 10th
Spring admission: July 1st
Summer admission: February 1st
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The EdM degree requires completion of a minimum of thirty-seven semester credit hours including required courses and electives. To provide flexibility for those with concurrent school responsibilities, courses are offered in the evenings during the academic year (fall and spring semesters). Summer classes are scheduled after the public school year ends and often meet during daytime hours in compacted time periods. Students may take courses at their own pace but must complete the program within six years. (Most teachers finish the degree in two or three years.)